Just returned from the Virginia Art Education Association Conference in Williamsburg. There were many good and exciting presentations, but as usual, the most important aspect of the experience was the talking done in-between the formal presentations. I can't help but wish for more of that. Actually, more of the no-pressure kind of talk that lends itself to easy and relaxed personal communication. I love to hear what other people are doing, how they are, and how they handle the personal and professional demands of their time. You can't force such easy conversation, I know. But, is there a way to provide more opportunities where it could occur? Could we schedule "interest gatherings"? For example, could there be an hour or so alloted for people to choose a room, etc. that is devoted to talking about such issues as "Balancing personal and professional time," "Summer goals," "Help, I'm burning out," "Help, I don't know where to start," "I'm the only one here from my school district and I don't know anybody," "I want to meet people who are thinking about retirement," "I want to meet new teachers," "Help, I'm not the only art teacher anymore and I want to talk about strategies for working with other people," "I want to go shopping," "I don't want to eat by myself," etc.
Just thinking aloud and wishing for more in a world (my world) that seems to gobble the minutes before the day even begins.