Jeff Bradbury is an author, podcaster, public speaker, creator of the TeacherCast Educational Network and father of the world famous #EduTriplets.
The Conference That Changed Everything
The summer sun blazed outside the San Diego convention center as I nervously clutched my badge, a first-time ISTE attendee back in 2012. I remember thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” Little did I know that moment would mark the beginning of a transformative professional journey that continues to shape my career today.
That first ISTE conference was overwhelming – in the best possible way. The halls buzzed with thousands of passionate educators exchanging ideas, innovative companies demonstrating cutting-edge tools, and session rooms filled with practical wisdom I could immediately apply to my classroom. But what truly captivated me wasn’t just the impressive scale of the event – it was the community.
Finding My Professional Learning Network
Before joining ISTE, my professional learning existed primarily within the walls of my school. While valuable, this limited perspective couldn’t prepare me for the rapidly evolving educational technology landscape. Through ISTE, I connected with educators across continents who were tackling similar challenges but with different approaches and insights.
These connections didn’t end when the conference did. Through ISTE’s online community, I maintained relationships with fellow educators who became mentors, collaborators, and friends. This vast international network has become my go-to resource whenever I face classroom challenges or seek innovative approaches.
Beyond Conferences: Year-Round Professional Growth
While the annual conference remains a highlight, I’ve discovered that the real power of ISTE membership lies in the year-round benefits. The biweekly expert webinars have transformed my teaching practice – offering concentrated doses of professional development that fit into my busy schedule.
One particular webinar series on digital assessment strategies revolutionized my approach to gauging student understanding. Instead of traditional quizzes, I implemented interactive digital portfolios that allowed students to demonstrate mastery in ways that aligned with their strengths. The impact was immediate: increased engagement, more authentic assessment, and data that actually informed my instruction.
The Game-Changing Combination: ISTE+ASCD
When I learned that ISTE and ASCD were joining forces, I was genuinely excited. These two organizations have complementary strengths – ISTE’s focus on educational technology innovation paired with ASCD’s whole-child approach and leadership resources creates a powerful combination for educators at every level.
The newly launched membership model offers something truly special: when you join either organization, you get access to the other as a free bonus – a $99 value that essentially doubles your professional development resources.
Why Every Educator Should Join Now
If you’ve been considering membership in either organization, there’s never been a better time. Here’s why:
- Get two world-class professional memberships for the price of one
- Access specialized communities tackling your exact challenges
- Stay ahead of educational trends with curated resources
- Build a support network that extends beyond your school or district
- Transform your teaching practice with expert-led professional development
My thirteen years as an ISTE member have shown me that the best investments we make aren’t in tools or resources – they’re in communities that support our growth. The ISTE+ASCD community has been that catalyst for me, transforming not just what I teach, but how I approach my entire educational career.
I’m excited to see how this new chapter in the ISTE+ASCD story will create even more opportunities for educators worldwide. Will you join me in this community? I’d love to connect with you there.
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