Every year I tell myself I’m going to do better and not have a bad attitude about the stuff we’re required to do, that I’m going to stop complaining and look for the positives and try to learn SOMETHING from our mandated inservice and PD. But then there’s convocation. I have been to exactly one convocation that left me feeling inspired, and it was almost ten years ago. Then during covid they did live-streamed convocation for a few years, which was honestly magical. I could work in my room while it played in the background. It was too good to last, and the last two years have been so so so terrible. Last year we were outside, in the sun, in August in the Midwest. It was 90°F by 9 AM. So I’m trying to not be in a grump before school even starts, but how do I make convocation not completely suck to sit through? Alternatively, why do districts insist on subjecting teachers to this when there are so many other things we need to do?
It’s like a staff assembly? They have a keynote speaker and recognize teachers of the year and give us “motivational” speeches from the superintendent and various people from the district. Apparently this isn’t a universal thing, which makes it even more annoying.
Oh, how I can relate! Lately I have it good with a P who doesn't like to waste time, but I have had so many of those convocations and assemblies at the beginning of the year that suck away at my energy. It really has been a challenge to me to not let it drain my energy. I don't have all of the answers. I have tried some things that have helped me some, and maybe they can help you. I first lower my expectations. I plan on trying to find one thing that I will learn to do OR not do. I remember having one where the speaker was so bad, it was amazing. It really fired me up to make sure I would never end up like this speaker. I started to list all the ways my teaching would be different. I entered that first week with more creativity and passion then I had in years. I realize the one thing I can control is my mind. When they go on about some point that is so obvious it is insulting like "It is important to communicate with parents" or "It is important to do lesson plans", I go in my head and spend the time going over something more productive. Such as "What would be some great bulletin boards to use this year? or "What things were bad last year that I want to make sure don't happen this year?" "What ways can I save time and be more efficient this year?" Then, I write them down. I have gotten great ideas in really boring beginning of the year meetings. You are in control of your mind, so whatever works for you. Anything that helps to not get you down (or in trouble ) should work. Good luck to you.
We had one of these a few years ago and I have a feeling this year might be a repeat. I don't know how our board chooses the keynote speakers but I really wish they'd do some better vetting. Ah well. I'll probably bring a book or something lol. Unfortunately I've gotten a lot of my planning/list-making done already or it'll be done in the next couple weeks, so I don't know if I'll have that as an option during convocation. Last year I ended up being able to sneak out a little early because it was so dang hot, but generally the expectation is we're there the whole 2 hours (assuming we start and end on time). Like I said, I'm trying really hard to catch myself and not have an attitude, and I'll get over it eventually, it's just a struuuuuggle with things like this.
To make convocation more enjoyable, try to focus on the positive aspects and look for opportunities to learn something new. Connect with colleagues, set personal goals for the year, and reflect on what you're grateful for in your teaching career. As for the purpose of convocation, it's likely meant to create a sense of community and unity among teachers before the school year begins.
In my area of CA, most districts have convocation. We have it at the local theatre. It's a 3 hour event with all the teachers in our district (close to 1,000 of us). There's never anywhere to park, it's hot, and we could be using that time to work in our classrooms.
Oof, 3 hours is too much. That sounds about like how ours normally go too though - long, hot, crowded, and never enough parking. Thankfully this year ours was reasonably short. The guest/keynote speaker was a bit much for my taste but the superintendent’s speech was actually really good and surprisingly inspiring.
