I had an amazing experience at my first-ever MassCUE Fall Conference! In fact, I loved it so much, that I know it will not be my last! As an instructional technology specialist, I truly could not decide how to narrow down which sessions to attend! My schedule was packed with sessions on screencasting, ruling my school with Google Forms, bringing UDL philosophies to students choosing their own devices and so much more! 

I arrived early both days, stayed late both days, and by Thursday afternoon I was still ready for more! The atmosphere and environment were truly electric. There was an evident buzz as I pulled into rainy, beautiful and iconic Gillette Stadium early Wednesday morning. I was lucky enough to win a scholarship AND have the opportunity to have that scholarship extended to a buddy. The choice was simple: my sister, Carolyn Atchue, an online English teacher at Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (an online high school located in Exeter, NH). As two teachers who are truly Massachusetts Computer Using Educators, we were beyond excited to hone our crafts in the home of our favorite team. 

We started our morning listening to the invigorating message from Keynote Speaker, Tara Martin. I really appreciated how Tara bravely shared her challenges of overcoming her experience as an “at-risk” student. It was thrilling to see how she blended this struggle and shared her journey to become a thriving educator. Tara’s mantra of embracing the hand life has dealt us and then fulfill our purpose provoked in me both tears and inspiration. Tara informed us how to Be REAL: Relatable, Expose Vulnerability, Always Approachable, Learning Through Life: we must be REAL if we want real learning to take place in our school system. This moving keynote left me seeking out how I will personally keep my life source flowing with the REAL heartbeat of education.

Carrie and I split up to tackle our own disciplines. Over the two days, I had hours and hours of technology. I could have stayed another week! Attending the MassCUE Fall Conference has helped me in so many ways – I’m sure I don’t even know all of them yet. I was amazed at my personal and professional growth. The sessions I attended, the people I met, and the things I learned will stay with me through my educational practice forever. During the conference, I met so many wonderful teachers and networked with like-minded educators who inspire me to push my technology limits and challenge my own status quo. 

Elizabeth Rose ( lizfrisolirose@gmail.com )

Elizabeth Rose is the Code Tech Teacher/Instructional Technology Specialist at Concord Middle School. When she’s not helping students build websites and create games, she enjoys going to the beach and playing with her husband and 2 1/2 year old son.