Meet #NAESP15 Conference Blogger Melinda Miller
By Melinda Miller
Welcome to #NAESP15! My name is Melinda Miller and I am honored to share my NAESP experiences with all of you as the official conference blogger for the NAESP 2015 Annual Conference.
This year I am celebrating my 12th year as the proud principal of Willard East Elementary School. Willard East Elementary is located just outside of Springfield, Missouri, with approximately 320 K-4th-grade students. You can find Willard East Elementary on Facebook, Twitter (@WEEPrincipal) and the Web.
This will be my third NAESP conference. I thought I would share some tips and tricks for navigating this year’s conference.
Build your network.
It's amazing to have to so many like-minded administrators in one place. One thing I enjoy most is meeting other principals and sharing ideas. Once the conference is over, the connections last a lifetime. The connections you make are a phone call, Tweet, or Vox away when you need advice or an understanding ear to vent.
Leverage the technology that is available.
Definitely download and use the conference app. Everything you need to communicate, curate information, and connect are neatly packed into one easy-to-use platform.
Stay fueled and hydrated.
Take care of yourself! Unlike during the school year you--at the conference you will have more than 15 minutes to eat your lunch. Pack your favorite water bottle or treat yourself to a new one.
Backpack instead of bag.
Save your back and keep your hands free for coffee and handshakes. Carrying a bag and switching shoulders all day takes its toll. I will not make this mistake a third time. My backpack is packed and ready!
Connect with me!
You can find me in the Innovations Lab. Gathered there will be a great group of connected leaders ready to share and help with your conference needs. Online you can find me on Twitter @mmiller7571, at The Principal Blog, and The Principal Blog on Facebook.
Tips and tricks adapted from Renovated Learning
—Melinda Miller
Melinda Miller will serve as the official blogger for the 2015 Annual Conference. Visit NAESP’s Conference News page to find the latest updates from Long Beach.