We all have our heroes and I just met mine...

I have been out of town this entire week spending time with my curriculum specialist and (BFF) in Salt Lake City, Utah. What an amazing way to end my summer. She was invited to the 2011 Summit featuring my mentors,
Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell. When I reflect back on my teaching career these are two educators who deeply influenced my thinking and make me look at guiding reading in a systematic way. I had the honor of gaining an invitation to this event through my friend and it was an experience I will reflecting on for a long time.
The room was filled with administrators, coaches, and curriculum specialists from across this country. I was the only classroom teacher! Canada was also well represented. We worked together for several days and had rich conversations about teachers, balanced literacy, and best teaching practices. I learned so much and loved meeting so many educators who were working to make importance changes to improve the lives of our children.The Heinemann people worked hard to bring us together in the most beautiful setting they could find, providing fabulous food (better work on that weight) and entertainment. We had informal discussions in wooded areas with wildflowers and the sounds of nature surrounding us. It all ended too quickly with hugs and promises to stay in touch and this event changed me in so many ways.
Thank you Gay Su for making this so meaningful. You are a warm and loving individual who never complained when asked to take a picture, sign a book, or listen to another story we needed to tell you. You connected with everyone in the room and I feel blessed to have met you.