Prince Edward Island Teachers' Federation

PEITF Newsletter Article by Chad Gallant



PD Corner

December is here in all its glory. I'm not sure where November has gone, but it seems like just yesterday, the convention committee was putting a bow on the Annual Convention. Now sitting here engulfed in the peaceful hum of the coolers at Stonepark cafeteria after another day of professional learning, I reflect on the messages from our recent PD and how vitally important it is to take care of those that take care of our students.

First off, a big thank you to the Annual Convention Planning Committee for this year's event. I am always so appreciative of how plugged in these teachers are to the needs of our teachers. Finding a message that resonates with the vast majority of members is something the group wrestles with each year, but this year, as mentioned on Twitter, the committee, overall, "knocked it out of the park."

Teachers across the province are so locked into their curriculum outcomes, that the committee knew that teachers needed to hear not only what a difference teachers can make, but the impact of connection, both with students and colleagues. We often don't realize the power of taking a few moments to get to know a student, but it makes all the difference to that child and your relationship with them. Your students will not remember your amazing lesson
plan on the five­ paragraph essay, but they will remember you because you made a connection. So to the Annual Convention Planning Committee and to all of you who
facilitated sessions or helped out in any way, thank you ... Nice Bike. On a side note, I wonder how many high-quality meat trays have made into school staff rooms since Jody Carrington's presentation?

The Joint Staff day also provides for teachers to attend planned sessions or direct their learning through an Alternate PD activity. The planning committee, comprised of representatives from the PSB, the CSU; the Department, and Federation, worked to put together an agenda with diverse opportunities. The number of teachers that choose an Appendix D on this day to meet with colleagues and dive into topics of interest continues to be strong. For many teachers, Joint Staff day is a day they look most forward to and find most beneficial.

Should there be a topic you would like to see included in future PD offerings, send me a note, I would love to hear from you. Take care and take time for you this holiday season.