Working with Professionals: Such a Good Thing

Last evening, I participated in a conference call with fellow National Board Certified Teachers in Arkansas as we planned for the upcoming state conference in May.  Working with such professionals inspires me, motivates me, validates me.

Of concern, in our state right now, was the attempt to push through a bill that would have drastically affected the stipends NBCTs receive in our state...with mine being completely cut.  Ouch!  But...thanks to this group of leaders the bill was changed...not perfect...but so much better than the original intent.

From this experience flows two thoughts:

1. Experience is of little value in our state.  After year 20, I maxed out on our pay scale.  In what other profession do businesses no longer grant raises?  That's right, with the exception of a 1% raise (how low can you go?!), I have not received a raise, not even a cost of living increase, in six years.  Yes, that does something to you.  THEN, my national board stipend was nearly stripped...or washed out to sea...to continue that above metaphor!  For the first time, I felt old.  Dear friend, 50 is just too young to feel this old!  Seriously!
2. On a more positive note, this group of officers and board members do make an impact in our state.  As a newbie to this board, this is the message I want to share with other NBCTs.  Had this group not requested a meeting, had this group not vocalized their concerns, had this group not insisted upon a compromise, this bill would have quietly passed, for never was the input of this group requested...nor wanted, is my thought.  Yes, there is power in the voice.  Very thankful for this group of leaders.  Very.

With these thoughts in mind, I so encourage you to become involved in a professional organization.  Find one that stands, that pushes you, that validates who you are as a professional.

I often attribute my professional growth to this group and my involvement in my other professional organization, the Arkansas Reading Association.  Through them, I learn, I am challenged, I am stimulated...yes, I grow.

We have experienced little professional growth in our department in the last few years.  For instance, I work with a three-year English teacher who has attended one professional conference in the those three years (and that one was not initialized by the district).  Unfortunately, his professional growth has been stunted. 

Note of Clarification:  I am not saying that I cannot grow from working with my peers.  I do.  I learn from the newbies as we share ideas, methods, choices.  Some I utilize; some I allow to continue floating out to sea!  :)

There's just something about meeting and greeting with professionals in your co-op, your state, your nation.  A classroom can be a lonely place...oh, the irony!  Therefore, all the more reason for peers to meet and grow.  Absolutely!

In what professional organizations are you involved?  Are you active?  Just on the roll?  (I am also a member of ASCD...one of those roll members because I appreciate the membership professional book benefits!)

How have your professional groups encouraged growth within you?  Let's keep growing!