One of the many things that MassCue does to support learning across the Commonwealth is supporting EdCamps. Including Edcamp Boston. Edcamps are “unconferences” that are free to attend thanks to the generous donations of sponsors. As I reflect back on the incredible day in March, I am so grateful that MassCue donated to support the incredible day of learning.
A day of fantastic conversations…
Forward thinking educators make me happy. A day spent with the crew at Edcamp Boston made me gleeful. Among some of the most memorable conversations was the session about homework. In years past there were several in the group that argued on homework’s behalf. It was refreshing to be surrounded by teachers that were equally invested in #banninghomework, and to hear their suggestions and ideas of best practices in a homework free classroom.
Then I had the pleasure of leading our annual passion session with Steve Guditus, and this year, Chris Gosselin joined in the fun. An effort to crowdsource the best ways to be educator rockstars was a success. The session included reminders to feed our teacher soul and to not forget that we are in the kid business, were exactly what I needed to hear that day to ignite my educator fire.
And the return of one of my favorite Edcamp sessions, Dan Callahan’s “Things that Suck,” was icing on the cake of conversations. I first met Dan in 2010 when I attended this session – it did not disappoint then and definitely did not in March either.
An opportunity to spend time with treasured colleagues…
One of the best parts of Edcamps and especially Edcamp Boston are the fellow Edcampers. This year I was so grateful that one
of my fellow Edcampers was Judi Paradis. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Judi knows that she was an absolute gem. Judi told me that she came to Edcamp Boston because it was treatment for her soul. Judi passed away from breast cancer on April 28, less than two months after Edcamp Boston. If she had been the only other person with me on that beautiful Saturday in March, I would still be so thankful for the day. Judi reminded me, yet again, that our role as educators is powerful, and that the time we spend together filling our educator souls, is essential. Thank you to Judi for these reminders and thank you to MassCue for helping to make that happen.
Tracy Sockalosky serves on the MassCUE Board and is a 7th grade Social Studies teacher and the Social Studies Curriculum Leader at Wilson Middle School in Natick, MA. In her 18th year in education, Tracy has served as a classroom teacher and as an instructional technology specialist.
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