This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend ASCD’s L2L conference.  It was simply amazing how much knowledge and experience could be packed into one hotel, and on a number of occasions, one conference room.  As a member of the new class of Emerging Leaders, I had the opportunity to meet with other distinguished educators from all over the world to share thoughts, ideas, and educational theory.  It was clear from the start that this conference would have a "Type A" personality and would lead to quite a few deep and rich discussions.  This was clearly the case, so much so, that on a number of occasions I left sessions with my head hammering; not so much in pain, but rather in anticipation of how I might utilize all the excellent information shared.

The purpose of the conference was to help leaders throughout the education realm  engage in capacity building, empower each other, and enthusiastically take the goals of ASCD back to our home regions.  Along the way, we developed personal leadership goals that incorporated action steps for our involvement in the ASCD organization.  Think of this as a leadership boot camp, if you will.

What made the conference work so well is that no one, and everyone, was an expert.  Some knew the policies and legislation of their home states or countries, others were social media oracles, still others were outstanding classroom educators and admins.  This infusion of strength and desire to strengthen weaknesses made each person's voice resonate to all conference attendees.  It wasn’t enough to assume you knew.  Instead, an underlying theme was that as leaders, we must realize that we still have much, and much more, to learn.

The conference had one overarching strand. . . to develop the leadership skills necessary to further ASCD’s vision and our own organizational goals.  Sessions included opportunities to network, discuss educational policy and programs with regional cohorts, and build our own leadership purpose statement.  In creating this statement, we were asked to think deeply about our leadership strengths and weaknesses.  Over the course of the long weekend we shared successes, failures, and ate way too much. 

The measure of a good professional retreat is when you continue to feel strongly about what you learned after you physically leave the conference venue.  By building a hundred day plan, all attendees encouraged each other to hold true to their action steps.  To keep me “in line” I’m incorporating my action steps into this blog, if for no other reason than to encourage all of you to force me to meet them.  So, without further ado, here they are:

1.  Assist in restructuring and strengthening the New York State ASCD affiliate.  As I learned, much change has come to NYSASCD, and with many of ASCD’s natural services provided throughout the New York region already (by BOCES regional education centers, political advocacy groups, etc.) the local affiliate has an opportunity to grow and be reshaped. 
2. Consider, research, and brainstorm the appropriateness of a state-based Emerging Leaders program.  While great on the national scale, there is a tremendous amount of amazing education going on throughout the country.  Let’s recognize even more of those leaders who have the potential to positively impact education throughout the US and the world, while at the same time building capacity for local affiliates.
3. Continue to write.  Writing takes time, and I need to provide myself with more time to do something I love.  ‘Nuff said (this post is a start).
4. Engage in advocacy.  With my current position focusing on science education policy, I have a natural connection to helping education reform in a positive light.  By assisting with advocacy at the state and national level, I can promote ideas that will truly help all students.

As I write this, an interesting idea is coalescing in my mind.  What if affiliates organized their own mini-L2L's prior to the national one? For instance, New York leaders need the chance to discuss educational leadership throughout the state.  We also must continue to build on the idea that leaders must be more than superintendents and administrators.  Teachers who love policy, students who long for better school conditions, and curriculum developers who bring creative and relevant design to content and skills that need to change, should all be in attendance (whether at the state or national level). 

A recurring theme throughout the conference was that while the challenges are mighty, with baby steps and reachable goals, much can be achieved.  We just need to keep moving forward.