As the landscape of education rapidly evolves, staying relevant and supportive of our teachers and students requires continuous evolution. Because of this, SHAPE America and our state AHPERD organizations need to start actively embracing change to ensure progress, membership, and inclusivity. If we want change, we need to make change. Here are three suggestions:

Affordability and Diversity at National Conferences:
National conferences serve as crucial platforms for networking, learning, and professional growth. However, the barrier of affordability often hinders many dedicated educators from attending. To foster inclusivity and maximize participation, it’s imperative to make these conferences more financially accessible for the average teacher. Implementing tiered pricing structures or exploring alternative funding sources can help mitigate financial burdens. This will then lead to a more diversified group of presenters which greatly enriches the conference experience by offering varied perspectives and expertise. To achieve this, financial assistance for presenters from underrepresented backgrounds should also be considered.

Modernizing Teacher of the Year Requirements:
Recognizing excellence in teaching is vital for motivating educators and raising standards within the profession. However, traditional criteria for selecting Teacher of the Year, such as a minimum year of service and % of responsibility requirements, may inadvertently overlook the contributions of certain educators, perpetuating biases and exclusions. Instead we should emphasize community involvement, advocacy efforts, and innovative teaching approaches. It’s time to modernize these requirements to reflect the diverse talents and achievements of educators from all backgrounds.

Revamping Conference Formats for Collaboration and Well-being:
Conferences are invaluable opportunities for professional development and collaboration. However, the traditional format often prioritizes passive learning through lectures and presentations, neglecting the need for peer interaction and mentorship. It’s time to reexamine conference formats to incorporate more peer to peer interactive sessions, workshops, and collaborative activities. By providing opportunities for educators to share best practices, exchange ideas, and build supportive networks, conferences can become rejuvenating experiences that reignite passion and creativity in teaching. Additionally, dedicating sessions to addressing teacher burnout and well-being will send a message that “we know you are tired, we care, and we got you.”

As a dedicated member at both the state and national level, I know firsthand how instrumental conferences can be. But if we want to expand our membership and show educators that our national and state organizations are worth it, we need to put the needs of educators at the forefront. So let’s humbly embark on this journey of transformation together and commit to positive change that will lead our profession down the right path.

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Pair this blog post with the following:

Strategies to Improve Your Teacher of the Year Awards by Andy Milne

Education is Under Attack by Jess Wright

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?