Category Archives Conference

Public Education Advocacy

For months, I have been biting my tongue about something that has been on my mind practically 24/7. I am a teacher and while I may not be in a classroom, I have been watching the public education system that my children are in fall apart. I am an advocate and I should not be afraid to get the word out. Yet, prior to heading to Atlanta for TypeACon, I was cautious at best. My blog posts about education were vague, guarded, and I thought I was protecting my children. The fact is, I wasn’t. The reality is that it was fear of possibly never getting another teaching job based on my blog. The four inspirational women below made me see the light and for that I am eternally thankful.

Cause Blogging and the New Media Activist

The session on Cause Blogging and the New Media Activist sparked something in me. Moderator Ilina Ewen and speakers: Fadra Nally, Sarah Pinnix, and Chrysula Winnegar explained that we need to find something we are passionate about and use our voice.

I know what I am passionate about. Not only am I invested in public education as an educator, I have two young sons who deserve a proper education and should not be guinea pigs for companies using them to get rich.

I sat there in the room with my mind going a mile a minute. I knew what I needed to do, but did I have the guts to do it? Could I finally say enough is enough, I am not going to hold back and perhaps words that I write can make a difference to another parent that does not know the way the system is working against our children?

Then, on the last night of TypeACon, I walked over to Fadra Nally to thank her. I told her that I knew my cause and I just had to figure out the way I was going to attack it. Then I admitted to her what had been holding me back. Do you know what she told me?

Wise words from Fadra Nally at TypeACon

That is right, Fadra said “So what” and asked if I really wanted to go back into a classroom. I do, but not with the current state of the system and I know it is not going to change without a fight from parents. I have enough on my plate trying to work the system for my children and can not fathom APPR, Common Core, constant testing, and not being able to do what is best for the KIDS.

Now I am going to be more vocal on my blog and beyond. Parents in New York State and other locations need to know the truth about out children being used as data points to make companies rich. They have the right to know that their kids are being over tested and not taught in a developmentally appropriate way. Parents need to know that the blame game does NOT start with the teachers, they are innocent victims in this. The teachers are forced to do what they are told or they will not have a job. The blame game in New York State goes to the Board of Regents that hired Commissioner John King to head NYSED. The finger pointing belongs to districts that have refused to stand up and say enough is enough with the high stakes testing, teaching to the tests, and claim of more rigor in the classroom. Our children need to learn the basics, they need to trust educators.

Public School Parent Advocacy

We as a group must stand up and fight back. Rather than sit back and accept what the schools are doing we much be vocal and let them know that they are failing our children. Educators need to be in the drivers seat, not politicians and companies only looking for money at the next generation’s expense. We were always taught to listen to the schools and follow them. Well I am here to tell you to stop. Get the facts, see past the propaganda (especially in NYS with engageNY and Common Core) and get out there to other parents and help them to fight for our children.

It's Me

Some previous posts about the educational world:

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Disney and Star Wars Unite at TypeACon 2013

While away learning at TypeACon in Atlanta, Disney Parks was a sponsor in association with the Disney Parks Blog. Of course, you know what that means: a magical party on Saturday. We had no clue what the theme would be until an email was sent out during the conference hours before the party. We were asked if we had joined Princess Leia and her Rebel Forces, or pledged allegiance to Darth Vader and the Dark Side. A huge thank you to Disney Parks Social Media Director Leanne “Jedi” Jakubowski and Disney Parks Social Media Managing Editor Gary “Obi-Wanna-Be” Buchanan for being amazing hosts during the hyperspace reception. The Force was definitely with us Saturday evening as you will see in the photos below.

TypeACon 2013 ElleintheCity and TheAngelForever

Glow With the Show Ears

Star Wars and Disney Unite at TypeACon 2013

Daddymojo at the Disney Parks Party at TypeACon 2013

The Dark Side represented at TypeACon Star Wars Party

Focused on the Magic

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

It's Me

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Thank You TypeACon 2013

Five days and four nights are coming to a close here in Atlanta. I sit in my hotel room writing this post almost all packed up and ready to head home bright and early. The morning will mean working around traffic in the city to get to the airport to head home to see TechyDad and the boys.

TypeACon 2013 Atlanta

It is hard to believe that TypeACon 2013 is over. There has been a lot of learning, laughing, and many inspirational moments. So much to share in the upcoming days as I settle back into life in New York.

A huge thank you to Kelby and everyone else that puts their heart and soul into making the conference so amazing. I know I will be back to another one of your events one day soon.

It's Me

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Social Media Favorites

It is hard to believe that I have been blogging for almost seven years now. It has become a part of my life, along with the wonderful and wacky world of social media. Let’s be honest, it is because of this that I am currently in Atlanta.

TheAngelForever on Twitter

 

I laugh at how I was going to sign up for Twitter one day, but stopped when TechyDad questioned it. The next day, he signed up. I also recall being in NYC at a conference when a certain TypeACon founder was chatting with me about something called Pinterest. A short time later, she was writing her book all about Pinterest. These days, the social media platforms keep popping up and we keep changing how we utilize them. One of my goals at TypeACon is to better use LinkedIn and Google+.

When I saw this video about Twitter, I had to laugh and smile.

So my questions to you this week:

What was your first social media platform? Do you have a favorite and/or least favorite and why do you feel this way?

It's Me


Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life

Aloha #255

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Atlanta Bound for TypeACon

For years, I have been trying to get to TypeACon, but the timing has never worked. In 2011, I actually wrote a Type-A Whine post about not making it to Asheville. That is all about to change today when I get on an airplane and head to Atlanta.

I am beyond excited because everything worked out beautifully. TechyDad will be home with the boys for Jewish holidays. I snagged my conference pass in November for a great deal (THANK YOU sponsors). When I heard that a certain speaker was coming, I jumped at a sale and scored amazing deals on my airfare. While there, I will be rooming at the Westin Buckhead with a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Disneyphile who I met at another conference in 2011. Now, I am thrilled to be able to call Ellen a friend. I am looking forward to learning, laughing, and loving all that TypeACon can and will be thanks to the hard work of Kelby and her Minions. That is Kelby and Shannan below when we were roomies in NYC just about two years ago.

TypeAMom and Slpowell

Of course I will be seeing many old friends, but I am so excited to finally meet many online friends IRL. That is just another fantastic perk about social medial conference like TypeACon, the networking that can happen.

If you are new to The Angel Forever, my name is Beth. My husband also blogs at TechyDad and we have two boys, NHL 10 and JSL 6. While I am not in a classroom right now, I still consider myself an educator and am really passionate about educational matters with all of the changes happening in our schools. Another newer role in my life is being an autism advocate for my son (my journey has been documented over the last five years). It took us a long time to get a diagnosis, but now that we have it I am working tirelessly for him. In addition to this, I am a geek. I love all things with technology, apps, Doctor Who, and beyond.

Magical Disney memories with my family

I am a lifestyle blogger and write about our many adventures/travels, books that we are reading on Tuesday Tales, and Disney is always on my brain. I confess that I adore writing about Disney and sharing information about their parks since I grew up going to Walt Disney World, honeymooned there, and have taken the kids there multiple times. Oh and in my spare time, laugh with me here, I love to craft. My current favorite is crocheting, but I am practically a lifelong knitter. Yarn is almost always with me just in case I have time.

wristers

If you happen to be in Atlanta for TypeACon, I look forward to seeing you there. Safe travels to everyone and again thank you to Kelby and all of you who have worked so hard to make this event possible.

It's Me

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+