How to Keep the Momentum After A Conference

Attending a symposium or conference can be an exhilarating experience. The connections, the inspiration, and the flood of ideas can leave you feeling empowered and ready to take your teaching to the next level. But once the conference ends, the challenge begins: how do you keep that momentum alive in your daily teaching practice?

The Post-Conference High

We've all experienced the post-conference euphoria. You're brimming with new knowledge, excited by innovative teaching strategies, and motivated to implement changes. However, inspiration alone doesn’t make you a better teacher—it’s how you apply what you’ve learned.

If you’re determined to help your learners grow while maintaining your energy and enthusiasm, now is the time to act. The ideas and strategies you gained at the conference are like a well-stocked pantry—they're there when you need them. But, without action, those ideas remain untapped potential.

Three Key Steps to Sustained Growth

1. Write Down Your Ideas

Start by jotting down the most impactful takeaways from the conference. Even a single transformative idea can shift the trajectory of your teaching. Quality trumps quantity here—a few well-executed ideas are far more effective than a dozen half-hearted attempts.

2. Prepare for Obstacles

For each idea, anticipate the challenges you might face. What obstacles could arise when teaching this concept? Use the "SOS" (Situation, Options, Solutions) approach:

• Situation: What challenges might occur?
• Options: What are your potential responses?
• Solutions: What is the best course of action?

Thinking ahead not only reduces stress but also builds your resilience.

3. Schedule Time for Lesson Planning

Effective teaching requires preparation. Dedicate time for each idea—block out a full planning period if possible. Life happens—emails, meetings, or other interruptions can disrupt your workflow—so plan generously. As tedious as lesson planning might feel, it’s the foundation for impactful teaching.

Give Yourself Grace

Remember, mastery takes time. You won’t perfect a new technique the first time you try it, and that’s okay. Teaching itself is a skill, and refining each strategy takes practice. Embrace the learning process and allow yourself room to grow.

Stay Connected

Whenever you feel stuck or uninspired, revisit your notes or return to helpful resources like your symposium workbook. Engage with your teaching community, share your experiences, and learn from others. Momentum thrives in collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Keeping the momentum from a conference alive isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about doing something. Choose one idea to implement, anticipate the challenges, and give yourself the space and grace to grow into the teacher you aspire to be.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.