It's not hard these days with blogs, facebook, and twitter to stay connected to the educational community and learn the latest in research and ideas. But part of that connecting also means belonging to professional organizations. Belonging makes you part of something much bigger than yourself, and there is always power in numbers. It ignites your passion and puts you in touch, face to face, with people you may otherwise never have met.
I belong to several organizations at the national, state, and local levels, and I can honestly say that the benefits of membership for me have been far-reaching. Yes, there are the journals, newsletters, and reduced conference registration fees, but there are also those intangible extras. Recently, the membership director of KSRA (Keystone State Reading Organization), Connie Unger, asked members to write about why they joined KSRA in the hopes of influencing other teachers to join. I responded by focusing on three things: passion, people, and perspectives. All are important, but to me it is the people I have met that stand out the most. Teachers, authors, researchers, and publishers have guided me to new thinking and challenged me to learn more.
Whether you are a new or a seasoned teacher, I encourage you to reap the rewards of becoming involved in a professional organization. If you already belong, I'd love to hear what you think.
I belong to several organizations at the national, state, and local levels, and I can honestly say that the benefits of membership for me have been far-reaching. Yes, there are the journals, newsletters, and reduced conference registration fees, but there are also those intangible extras. Recently, the membership director of KSRA (Keystone State Reading Organization), Connie Unger, asked members to write about why they joined KSRA in the hopes of influencing other teachers to join. I responded by focusing on three things: passion, people, and perspectives. All are important, but to me it is the people I have met that stand out the most. Teachers, authors, researchers, and publishers have guided me to new thinking and challenged me to learn more.
Whether you are a new or a seasoned teacher, I encourage you to reap the rewards of becoming involved in a professional organization. If you already belong, I'd love to hear what you think.
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