Phil Mickelson and his wife during our last group session! |
Me and my friend Kristin!
Yes, you get homework. Thankfully only one night of it and I didn't mind with a view like that from my room!
Some of my Yellow Group peeps!
Number Group 3! The Closing Dinner
The academy took place in Jersey City (a hop, skip, and a jump away from NYC). During the week we were randomly assigned to two different groups (number groups and color groups). Most of our experiences (as MEMTA calls it) were within our color groups. I met so many wonderful educators! The week is jam packed with activities, but the learning is nonstop, engaging, and fun! Everything I learned can be taken back and applied to my classroom. We also listened to some amazing speakers (Cathy Seeley, Barbara Morgan, Calvin Mackie, Bill Robertson, and Page Keeley) throughout the week. One of the most memorable for me was Dr. Calvin Mackie. His charisma was unstoppable! He was so passionate and brought tears to my eyes a few times. Barbara Morgan is a NASA astronaut and teacher who spoke to us about her adventures in space. I even spoke with her during our reception. A pretty neat experience.
Kristin, NASA astronaut Barbara Morgan and me!
Of course throughout the week there were whispers about whether Phil Mickelson would be making his way to the academy. Although some of us thought he may be too busy since he just won the British Open. We figured he would probably have a lot of public appearances to make. Well, low and behold at our last group session, Phil and his wife were the special guests!
Before we had to load on to our buses and head to the airport, all the MEMTA teachers got together on the steps of the Liberty Science Center for a group shot with Phil, his wife, and of course the trophy! My friend Kristin and I were a few of the lucky ones in the first row of the photo. We got to shake hands with and exchange a few words with Phil and his wife.
2013's MEMTA Educators! Phil and his wife are in the middle amongst all us red shirts! We will be sent a copy of this photo! This one was taken by a Liberty Science Center person. I'm hoping our copy will be more head on! Kristin and I are there in the front row.
I'm so humbled and honored to have been a participant in MEMTA. I'm feeling so renewed and empowered! I can't wait for the school year to start so I can incorporate everything I learned this past week. I have learned so many invaluable things that will definitely affect my teaching practices in so many ways.
Eventhough the academy is jammed packed with activities, you have time during the evenings to explore Jersey City, Hoboken, or NYC. All really close to the hotel. The hotel we stayed at was along the Hudson Bay and had amazing views!
One thing that was reiterated throughout the week: As educators we have such important jobs! We must inspire and instill never-ending hope within our students. We have such an impact on our students, therefore we must teach with passion and ignite that fire of curiosity within our students!
View from our hotel! The Hudson Bay and NYC skyline!
They also gave us tons and tons of books and resources. From books to online resources the list goes on and on. If you do get the opportunity to go make sure you leave room in your suitcase! I think all the materials they gave us weighed 15-20 pounds.
All the free materials I took home with me!
The Liberty Science Center has a great selection of resources. Some of my purchases!
If you are interested in applying apply HERE. The deadline for next summers seminar is October 31st. Good luck! I wish that all teachers could attend such an incredible professional development!
Some photos I took while on our adventure (Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera. I didn't want to lug it around since we were going to be in our sessions most of the day. Had to use my cell phone for photos.)
AKA: Cake Boss!
Hoboken, New Jersey
Empire State Building from Hobeken, NJ
The old train station in Hoboken. The inside was under a renovation, but it was gorgeous! I'm glad they are renovating it!
What a phenomenal experience!
ReplyDelete~Brandee
Creating Lifelong Learners
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It was amazing!
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