September 01st, 2021

Nurturing My Own Professional Growth

 By Anne Folsom

​I am easily awed by famous people.  Chatting with Ralph Fletcher in the elevator.  Asking serious questions of Regie Routman, or P. David Pearson.  Listening to the amazing stories of Patricia Pollaco.  Being challenged in my thinking by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst, or laughing hysterically with Gerry Brooks.  These are experiences that have permanently imprinted themselves into my mind.  They have fundamentally changed who I am as an educator.  And I know that I am a better person because of these connections that I have made at CCIRA’s annual conference over the past 20 or so years.

Let’s face it - teachers are BUSY people.  We always have too much to do, too many people to help, too many lessons to plan.   But the chance to feel INVIGORATED and inspired, the energy to do better, be more, and make an even bigger impact on the lives of our students and teachers.  That is what CCIRA and JLA have brought to me.

CCIRA is one of Colorado’s professional literacy organizations.  We are a non-profit, not connected with any district, but made up of local councils from across the state.  JLA is your Jeffco Literacy Association - our local council.  We are run by a small but mighty team, working together to provide you with these sorts of invigorating and inspiring learning experiences - along with a healthy dose of fun and companionship.  

CCIRA’s highlight activity is the annual conference - planned this year for an in person event in February.  But CCIRA offers even more - grants and awards, regular professional learning through local councils, a blog, podcast, and book studies.  Check out the website to learn more.  

 Please consider joining us Thursday, September 16 to invigorate your practice, and liberate your genius!  Access this flyer, or use this QR code to find out more information and to RSVP.  The event is FREE for everyone!  And because it’s so important for us to nourish ourselves as professionals - even outside of our daily work - I’d like to encourage you to get involved with JLA and CCIRA.  Your membership and participation matters so that we can keep this great organization around to inspire and invigorate us for many years to come.  

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