​And the list goes on... 

The last list dealt with sessions from the conference (the ones I attended and the ones I was presenting). In my sights post, I listed places learning happened outside of the conference center. 

This post, though, is probably the most important. 

More than the place or the learning, a great conference happens because of the people who are there and the connections that are made. This year continued the traditions of meeting up with online friends (some I have known for nearly a decade now), meeting up with long-time friends, and even throwing some family in the mix.

I remember the first NAEA conference I attended. 

I was so nervous and more awkward than usual as I anxiously met many of my #artsedheroes face to face. I will never forget that first conference and how different it was this year; instead of feeling awkward and a little bit alone, I knew a friendly face around each corner and often met them with a hug and a smile. I am really proud of the relationships that have grown as a result of the connections I have made with other teachers at the conference and through social media. 

It makes saying good-bye at the end of the conference not so bad, because I know I am going to see and hear from them soon.

I have met so many generous teachers throughout the years - many online. I am so thankful for the connections I have made on Twitter and Facebook and how those connections have really transformed my approach to teaching (which I spoke about here).

These connections have led to keynotes in three States, published work, and so many ideas that have helped me become a better teacher and my students produce more meaningful work.

When I go to a conference, we swap stories of student success (and epic teacher fails) and laugh a lot in the process. We catch up on families, hometown happenings, and future endeavors. I am not sure if I will be at #NAEA17, but one thing that would draw me there is my #artsedPLN.

Carrie Jeruzal and I became friends during our first trip to Chicago, one day after meeting each other.

We were both enrolled in the Master of Arts in Art Education program at Western Michigan University. As a part of our Alternative Photo Processing class, we took an overnight trip to Chicago and toured many of the museums listed in this post. During that short time, Carrie and I became fast friends (she talked me into join MAEA and presenting at my first conference).

We were also roomies. 

So when it comes to conferences, we try to room together (as we did this year) making our "roomie" pic ever so fitting. 

My older sister, Elaine, is also an Art teacher. 

When I tell anyone that, they automatically make the leap that she must be the reason why I also became an Art teacher. I used to really deny that as even a possibility, but who am I kidding? Of course my older sister (the person I grew up idolizing and annoying) had an impact on my choice to become a teacher. 

I am so glad she has gotten back into teaching and attending conferences with me. I am thankful for her friendship, understanding, and ability to let me be me. 

We may not always be on the same page, but we are part of the same book.

I am thankful she is my sister and that I have family with which to share this experience. Although, I am sure we were both ready to go to our respective homes after several days of continuous contact... 

And the list goes on... 

In my last post, I spent the whole time reviewing places where learning happens outside of the conference center. It took me a few years to realize this was an important part of attending a National Art Education event (and I could really kick myself for not doing do sooner)...

However, it would not be much of a conference recap, if the sessions were not a part of it. Please feel free to post your favorite "ah-ha" moments, sessions, and favorite speakers in the comments below (because I selfishly want to know more). (disclaimer: This is in no way a comprehensive list of all the amazing things that happened at the conference - although I wish I could clone/time travel/speed warp during it so I could've offered that.)

It is always super charging to return from a great conference. Hearing inspiring stories, learning new techniques, and seeing amazing feats performed by my peers leaves me filled with hope (and some envy) that maybe I can do it, too. 

I try to be mindful in those moments because this time of year can be brutally difficult for me (I am still working up the courage to share more on that one). Seeing, learning, and sharing what is possible with others helps break me from the strangle-hold the mid-year blues can bring and I am incredibly thankful for that. 

Most of the vendors did not disappoint.

​They had their freebies ready (although some made you earn it through activities, which to be frank, I was kind of annoyed with) and some upped their game with interactive options to pose as your favorite work of art or artist. This is all very fun, but my favorite parts of being in the hall is to see what new things they are showcasing or what old things I can use in new ways...

It would not be a great conference without the presenters (most of whom give their time and expertise for free - even paying their own way to travel and attend the conference). If it were not for these teachers who spend months preparing proposals (many of which are rejected), getting together slides (although one of my favorite presentations this year had none), and taking their time away from attending sessions so they can help teachers like me learn more (and then pass that learning onto my students), there would be no conference.

From design thinking, to technology integration, TAB (Teaching Artistic Behavior), and more, the sessions did not disappoint and I am excited to bring everything I learned back to my classroom. 

I have had the privilege of presenting at conferences ever since Carrie (my conference buddy) convinced me to co-present with her at the 2008 MAEA Conference. I blame her for the giving me the sharing bug, that I probably will never shake. 

It also helps that I have seen some of the most inspirational speakers over the years (one of my first and most memorable is Rick Wormelli, who really made me think "I want to do that."). 

This year, I had the most fun presenting because the pressure was off a little. The two presentations I was in were with other teachers I admire and enjoy being around (Theresa McGee, Holly Bess Kincaid, Stacy Lord, and Cassie Stephens). If you did not get a chance to be a part of the fun, you can access the presentations below.

I approached Cassie Stephens with the idea of presenting together once a call for presentations became open. She was super gracious to accept and we had a blast working together on our presentation that explored how we use collaboration, permanent (and sometimes not so permanent) installations, and social media to connect with others to leave a lasting impact.

I have gotten to know Stacy, Theresa, and Holly over the past seven years (with our first face-to-face in 2013. These ladies are some of the best teachers (and friends) out there. It was a blast to respin our presentation (first tested out at #NAEA15) and share ideas about how we integrate technology, engage learners, assess students, and make meaningful connections in our classrooms. TEAM middle will hopefully be back again for #NAEA17 to share even more tips and tricks from the center of education. 

As I explained in the opener to this list idea, I am a list person.

It is fun for me to plan out ideas/events/goals way in advance and over time, scratch each component that reaches that off from it (sometimes it is physically on paper, but often it is in my mind's eye).

So, to start out this series of lists, here are some of my most favorite sights from #NAEA16 - if you have any you would like to add, please comment below. (disclaimer: This is in no way a complete list of all of the amazing places you could go while in Chicago, but it was what I was able to get to during my short stay.)

Being that I live about two and a half hours from Chicago, I have been going their annually for about the last ten years. Before that, I grew up going to the Windy City as a part of an annual November "girls trip" with my mom, cousin, and aunt.

When I go now, it is usually a day trip with my hubby and we usually hit the same venues (Art Institute, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Home). Because I was experiencing #NAEA16 here, I had the time and excuse to finally discover areas of the city I had never experienced as well as spend time in my favorite go-to spots. (side note: I wonder how many other places (both actual and metaphorical) I need to do more exploring in because they have seemed become routine...)

I rode the train to Chicago, which gave me a chance to see the route in a new and interesting way. I loved the train experience (although it was not quite as depicted as it is in White Christmas). 

This trip marked my FIRST ever train ride. I was unsure of what to expect (since my only knowledge of trains is from 1950s musicals) and I was not disappointed in the comfort and ease offered through Amtrak.

​From the free wi-fi to the big comfy seats and somewhat unusual views, I felt totally relaxed during the ride from Holland, MI to Chicago, IL. I know I will use this mode of transportation again soon when I make my next trek to the Windy City! 

Part of attending an Art Education Conference away from my home state is also experiencing the accompanying Art Museums as research for curriculum. I was so inspired by the work at the following places and I am excited to bring the new ideas to students in the classroom.

I always visit the Art Institute of Chicago when I visit. Even though it might seem like going to the same place over and over again could get boring, I am totally engaged and excited to see the ever-changing special exhibits (like Van Gogh's Bedroom) as well as the permanent collection (the contemporary art wing is my favorite part). I was particularly excited with the amount of Science connections made in the Van Gogh exhibit, as they compared the three bedroom paintings and even explained how they used journal writings, X-rays, and particle examinations to get an idea of when they were made.

It reinforced the notion I have that sketchbooks should be taught as a way for students to work out ideas and that iteration is okay. One and done is often how I have approached lessons or projects in the past and I found permission within this exhibit to allow myself and my students to really spend time with an idea and work it out.

I really enjoyed this stop on the way back from the Art Institute to our hotel. 

For those unfamiliar, The MOCP was founded by Columbia College Chicago in 1976. It is free to the public and offers an amazing experience for those who venture in. It happened to be a collection celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. 

In addition to seeing floor to ceiling collections of what 40 years of photography can look like, there was also a very kinetic-looking installation that involved woven and cut photographs, suspended in air through the use of colorful and sometimes tangled string.

As I viewed the differences in approach to displays, I kept thinking that there must be something I can do with weaving paper forms and hanging them alongside the more formal pieces of work we have for our upcoming Arts festival. I am going to have to keep simmering on that one for a while... 

After seeing and hearing from others at the conference about the Strandbeest exhibit at the Cultural Center, I had to make sure to visit this place before leaving on Saturday.

I am super glad I was able to make it work because I made SO many connections in Theo Jansen's work with what the STEM teacher and I are trying to do in our collaborations with students. To see the amount of work Jansen put into developing sketches, prototypes, and systems to create these kinetic sculptures, I felt validated in the amount of planning I make my students do before they get going with a final work. 

You can see part of the process (as well as how I got to push one) and a more detailed video of these beests in action below.

Chicago is a city that offers as much opportunity to engage with art outside as it does within the walls of its' beautiful buildings. Here are a few parks we encountered when taking time away from the conference center to engage in the crisp Spring sunshine (with some clouds).

I am not a super foodie by any means. 

I am kind of notorious by those who know me best to go on a conference fast. I have had a horrible reputation for just not eating when I attend one of these. I am usually nervous about my presentations and time-crunched to really take care of myself.

This year, with the help of my good friends and my husband, I broke that stupid habit and made sure to eat well (which is probably why this is the first time in a long time I haven't gotten deathly ill afterwards).

Also with the help of my PLN, I was able to try new places I had never heard of before. 

One of my favorites, that I will make sure to embed as a staple of any visit, was Do-Rite Donuts. This place was strongly suggested by Cathy (who, as an Australian, apparently had no real experience with donuts until Chris brought her one of these). 

​It has been over a week since I returned home from Chicago, but my brain is still swimming through an overload of inspiration and information.

For #NAEA15, I tried to wade through and reflect on all of the events in a five-part series. It was fun to try and find common themes throughout the conference in hopes that others might be able to make connections for themselves as well as use them as guidelines for how to navigate my conference experience.

​This year, however, I am going to try and wrap it up in a three-part list that groups together the sights, connections, and sessions I was able to experience. 

​I am a list person.

I was not always that type of person; it was something I married into (my husband has lists for lists) and something I get a surprising amount of satisfaction in doing (and crossing things off from it once it is done). There is something about an agenda, goal, or at least a guise of order that puts me at ease.

Maybe that makes me a little less original or spontaneous or cool, but I am good with it because my anxiety without such things is far, far worse.

In order to get ready for the conference, I thought of the list of things I want to experience (sights, sounds, and tastes of the city), people I wanted to connect with (new and old friends from around the country - and beyond), and knowledge I wanted to learn and share. 

So, please stay tuned as I start to roll out my three major lists from this year's conference: 

The Sights

The Sessions

The Connections

If you have any additions you would like to share, please do.

​I am sure I missed a ton of great things from the conference (or even from the home editions) and would love to learn more from you! 

I am not going to lie and say I am totally ready for what the next few days bring. I am still working my way out of a pre-Spring slump and I am super excited to fully loose the grip of the Winter Blues when I meet up with my favorite teachers from across the country tomorrow! 

This year marks my 4th NAEA and I have a feeling it is going to be better than ever! 

To reflect on the awesomeness that is going to ensue, here is a recap of some of my tips from last year and how I am planning to apply it this time around:

1. Connect... 
2. Include Others...
3. Be Inspired...
4. Explore the City...
5. Give it up...

One of my favorite things to do at any conference is connect with others whom I normally chat with over posts on Facebook or Twitter face to face. I am excited to say I even get to present with a few of the folks who started out as people I admired from afar online. I am really excited to get to see the "gang" again as we all get together, many sporting the #arstedpln shirts as designed below by Tales From The Traveling Art Teacher, Heidi O'Hanley.

It was super fun to encourage my sister and friend to join the NAEA madness over the last two years. This year, I am excited to see some more local MI teachers at the conference for the first time this year, taking advantage of the location being so close! I cannot wait to get with some of my colleagues after we get back to our schools and share resources and take-aways from the weekend! 

It is hard to predict exactly how inspiration is going take shape as I imagine the conference. I know that the vendors will not disappoint with their displays and samples. I know that the sessions I have lined up using the NAEA App will also allow me to leave Chicago with a head full of ideas that will energize me through the rest of the school year! 

Being from Michigan, I have visited the Windy City many times over the years. Although I have been there a bunch, I am excited to venture off to new places and experience new adventures with my fellow art teachers. I am especially excited to hang out with local teachers who have insights in what needs to be experienced while in town. 

I am very excited to present in two sessions this year. It is so important to share your work with others and gain the same when others share with you. I always feel like I get way more than I give at these conferences and I am super excited to take those ideas back to my students.

​If you get a chance, come and see me present with an all-star line-up on Friday and Saturday morning! 

I hope those tips help you have a great #NAEA16! Above all, have safe travels to Chicago and enjoy the time to gather with other teachers to celebrate our craft! If you are unable to attend, you can follow the fun on Twitter.

I have had the privilege of attending many MACUL conferences over the past Eight years. I will never forget my first experience and how completely blown away I was when I listened to speakers like Hall Davidson, Rushton Hurley, and Vicki Davis share their vision for technology integration in the classroom. 

I was so inspired that first time around, that I started applying for MACUL grants to get new technologies into my classroom and then I started to present, too. 

Even though I was only able to spend a day at MACUL this year, I still left inspired and excited for ideas I could bring back into my classroom. I also approached it a little differently this year because instead of going alone and not knowing anyone, I have made so many friends along the way and made sure to connect with them, even if it was for brief moments between sessions.