edcamp Taos
The first edcamp for northern New Mexico will take place November 12, 2016 at Ranchos Elementary School in Taos. Edcamp Taos is part of a global “unconference” movement, which brings educators together to share ideas with other educators and participate in customized workshop sessions. This is a free event open to all educators, especially those in New Mexico and Taos County.
The national EdCamp Foundation describes the goal of an edcamp as “promoting organic, participant-driven professional development” (http://edcamp.org). Rather than having a professional speaker, edcamps draw on the expertise of the participants. When the participants arrive, they create the sessions based on what they have ideas they have brought to share and the questions that they want answered.
Participants will share in fun, informal sessions. Educators can participate in three ways: 1) They can come prepared to lead a session, 2) They can come with a question or problem that they would like ideas to help solve, 3) They can just come and participate in the sessions. All levels of experience from student teachers to veteran teachers are welcome. The edcamp is also open to educators in all grade levels and schools. The edcamp is a unique opportunity for educators to share and network across grade levels and school campuses.
The organizers of Edcamp Taos represent several schools in Taos County including Ranchos Elementary School, Taos Academy, and TISA. Many of the organizers are part of an NT3 group that is working to support and improve teaching in Taos County by reaching out to all teachers with a focus on increasing the number of National Board Certified teachers in Taos schools. Edcamp Taos has received sponsorship and donations from Ranchos Elementary, The Edcamp Foundation, and NT3 (the Network to Transform Teaching). The edcamp is free for the participants, so the organizers are looking for local sponsors to provide refreshments, prizes, and office supplies for participants.
If you would like more information or would like to register to attend, contact the Edcamp Taos organizers through Facebook at Edcamp Taos or online at https://www.dragonflyluz3.wixsite.com/edcamptaos