This week in class we had the opportunity to learn about EdCamps! Prior to this class, I had never heard of EdCamps so it was very interesting to see what they are and how they function. At my school in Alberta, we only got 1 PD day off the whole year. Other schools had them more frequently, but we only had one. Because of this, I didn’t even really know what a PD day was until I got into high school and the teachers explained them more. The teachers at my school had most of their professional development days right before the school year started and the day before class started after winter/ spring break. Whenever the teachers spoke about professional development, they were never enthusiastic and always talked about it as if it were a chore or something boring they had to endure. EdCamp, however, seems as though it is more teacher-led and the attendees have more control over what they are learning and discussing. I think this is such a fantastic way to encourage educators to grow as a teacher and to grow their knowledge and style.

In our mini EdCamp we had on Monday, I was able to discuss classroom management and how to handle behavioural issues within the classroom. The discussion I had with my peers was so engaging and very helpful! Because we all got to choose what we wanted to discuss, everyone in the group was passionate about the topic or had a lot of insightful advice to offer. I gained so much from even just the 15-minute session we had, I couldn’t imagine how much wisdom and perspective someone could gain from the standard 45-minute sessions help at EdCamps.

I also think EdCamps are a great way to connect with other educators from other schools or districts or even fellow teachers/ peers from your own school! Everyone has such different experiences and so much they, individually, can bring to the table. I think this, again, connects back to the idea that all of our professors/ mentor teachers have been telling us–– that teachers share everything~even advice and knowledge. I look forward to potentially doing another mini EdCamp within our cohort! Even now everyone has so much insight to offer!