Teachmeet Australia

Heard about teachmeets, but unsure what they are?

Teachmeets are voluntary gatherings of dedicated teachers in order to support their own professional learning and that of their students. I first discovered the term "teachmeet" via Twitter in 2011 and immediately set out to try one.  

You can read my previous posts here (Overwhelmingly grand PD 2011), here (Hills inaugral Teachmeet at Oakhill College, October 2011), here (Teachmeet Sydney, please try it we don't want same), here (live meeting; international teachmeet 2011), here (International teachmeet presentation on Pearltrees), here (Handy resources for educators and social bookmarking 2012) here (Crestwood teachmeet and history of TM in Oz 2012), and here (Belief presentation TM Macquarie university; from prac to practioner) 

My first impressions? A warm and welcome bunch of educators who were energetic and driven to help others. This continued far beyond the time frame of the teachmeet session. Conversations carried onto the "teacheat" held after the teachmeet and connections were formed and maintained via twitter, blogs and future teachmeetups.

Teachmeets are attractive to many as:

• the format is conducive to engaged learning.
• presentations are short and snappy (2 mins or 7 minute "info snacks" that can be elaborated on via converations in breaks, teacheats and/or blog posts)
• if a presentation is not to your personal liking, there is another topic presented in 2-7 minutes
• the presentations are prepared and presented by actual teachers who are experiencing student learning now. They get it. They provide honest information on what works in their learning environment and what doesn't. Teachmeet are for teachers by teachers.
• you can take away at least one idea to try in the learning space and adapt to suit you eg a primary teacher may present an idea that you can transfer to a secondary setting.
• important networks are formed.
• they are free.
• they are open to all, preservice, new scheme teachers, experienced teachers, leadership, retired teachers.

What do read what other people think of Teachmeets?

• Australian teachers crazy for their teachmeets! by Maralyn Parker (Daily Telegraph)
• Why teachers love Twitter. By Maralyn Parker (Daily Telegraph)
• Lesson in numbers teachmee aims for a world record. (SMH)
• You own teachmeet by Matt Esterman
• From little things big things grow. By Henrietta Miller
• The conversation: A teachers show and tell professional learning unplugged by Tony Loughland
• Teachmeet seachange the view from the other side by Simon Harper
• Oz teachers magazine
• Education Review

LISTEN to:

• Leon Wilson who organised the first TeachMeet for the Kimberley, at the Kununurra Public Library on the 14th of November between 4 and 6pm. Speed dating PD for Kimberly Teachers 
• Leon made an excellent video that explains TMs click here.
• TER podcast episode 009 3.11.2013 Inside teachmeet at the wharf

More conferences are now holding teachmeets 

These are freely available during lunch, a workshop or after the conference day concludes( for non conference attendees as well as paying attendees) I assisted Al Upton host one during the EDTECHSA state conference: Connecting people-sharing learning in Adelaide (July 2013). Other conferences that have included Teachmeets in their program include (but are not limited to) ECAWA State conference 2013 Teachmeet breakfast and another I presented at The Kings School National Boys conference: Get involved. I applaud these conference in making learning accessible to all. PLANE (Pathways for Learning, Anytime, anywhere a Network for Educators) also held online teachmeets)

Teachmeet Macquarie University

More Universities and TAFES are now hosting teachmeets 

• University of Sydney
• TM Macquarie University 2013 From Prac to practioner
• Australian Catholic University
• When teachers meet (TAFE) 
• We're hosting a teachmeet. Queensland University of Technology

Clever leaders are replacing traditional staff meetings with the Teachmeet format. Love this!

• Covenant Christian School: teachmeet help teachers keep learning
• Techie brekkie and teachmeets at Roseville College

How to find a Teachmeet near you?

• Teachmeet national website
• Teachmeet Sydney (includes calendars, resources and host pack)
• Teachmeet WA
• Teachmeet Melbourne
• Teachmeet Brisbane
• Teachmeet Adelaide
• Teachmeet ACT

Keeping the conversation flowing,

JJ @7mrsjames

Belief presentation at #tmMQ From Prac to practitioner

Believe in daring. Have belief in discovery. DARE TO TRY!
Believe in the power of positivity.
Believe that if you want it strongly enough; you will find a way.

Believe in the WHY.  Why do I believe in this lesson? This learning outcome?  Why do I believe in education? Why are we learning this way? Why is that student looking lost? Believe in reaching out. Believe in asking "How can I help?"

Believe that if a lesson is not going to plan, you can stop and change tact. 

Believe in spicing up your lessons. 

Believe in THE DIFFERENT, the varied; the road less travelled.

Believe that telling is not teaching.

Believe that worksheets are not true learning.

Believe that people matter. #relationshipsmatter

Believe in the fact that if YOU get bored sitting in an hours LONG meeting just listening;  your students are equally as bored listening to 5-6 "meetings" back to back with no control- what is this a lesson in? 

Believe that you can make a change.

Believe that you can and will make a difference.

Believe in action.

Believe it is not your responsibility to listen to the staff room whingers and whiners.

Believe in looking up and beyond! 

Believe in the importance of discovery and curiosity.

Believe it is a gift; 

your privilege to help others.... and yourself!

Believe you must look after yourself before you look after others.

Believe in asking for help and not continuing to struggle.

Believe in experiencing some lows to appreciate the highs.

Know there will be beautiful moments of blissful joy, delight, pride as your students achieve.

Have belief that learning is fun! 

Believe in the adventure of learning.

Believe that you must never stop learning. 

Be the curious learner you want your students to be.

Teaching is just as important about WHO YOU ARE 
and what you believe, as it is about content.

Believe that....

Edited By Jack Byrnes Student Oakhill College 

Many thanks. @7mrsjames

Teachmeet Sydney wikispaces #tmMQ

This presentation is for #teachmeet Macquarie. To support our Pre service teachers and new graduate teachers, please add to the Padlet (Link here -> see Padlet below) or comment below.

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