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Why Join A Professional Organization?
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As a new teacher in 1990, I was encouraged by my university professor to belong to a professional organization. I cannot thank her enough. ACTFL, AATSP and our state organization have been a source of information that I would not get any other way. I feel that I have been able to develop resources, network with outstanding teachers, and develop a better sense of what my classroom teaching should look like. Isolation is deadly. There is a synergy that comes from being involved with creative, dedicated people on a professional level. Sometimes, a school or department will lack the kind of atmosphere where teachers are excited about their teaching and looking forward to the classroom. The professional organizations are a good source of that positive energy. If you are lucky enough to belong to a great department (I have) you still are able to bring more to the table when you work together and everyone continues to benefit. For years I have sacrificed and paid my way to conferences for the opportunity to grow professionally. Bottom line: my teaching has improved in ways that I don't believe it would have without being involved with the dynamic, intellectually stimulating individuals I have met in professional organizations. I have learned to teach not as I was taught, but with more of an emphasis on student performance and ability. Finally, there have been a myriad of opportunities open to me because of belonging to the professional organizations.
MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS WORLD LANGUAGES: COMMUNICATING IN A NEW MILLENIUM Return to Membership. |
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