Professional Development Anyone?

I am very fortunate to have spent the past three days at the NYSAHPERD Conference. Not only did I have the opportunity to present two different sessions, but I also had an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in our state as well as the future professionals presenting for the first time! NYSAHPERD put together a top-notch conference complete with sessions available for all levels of Physical Education, Health, Recreation, and Dance. I learned a new style of dance called Urban Strolling, and I learned how to use a dollar store to create some great lessons and learning experiences for our students! In fairness, my district and my director is very supportive of professional development opportunities, so I have been able to attend this conference as well as several others during the past five years, but that has not always been the case.....there were many years during which I did not have the opportunity to attend any professional conferences or workshops because support for these ventures was non-existent. During those years, it was possible to become stale and redundant without the chance to learn about new ideas and lessons. While I tried my best to continue to update my program, it was quite a struggle. I remember how excited I was at the first opportunity to attend a one-day workshop after approximately ten years of not going anywhere. As a direct result of attending local, state-wide, and regional conferences during the past five years I have been able to add technology, yoga, DDR, speedstacking, and much more to my program! In addition, each year I return from these conferences energized and ready to try new things! The bottom line is that whether you are a first year teacher or a veteran teacher the value of professional development is beyond compare. The professional contacts that I have made and the wonderful teachers that I have met have enriched my career and my life.....I am truly grateful for these opportunities....