So, I’ve found myself organising TeachMeet Midlands 2011 with the incomparable @ssutherland and @tombarrett. Firstly, I need to make a confession – I’ve never been to a TeachMeet in person! I have attended several virtually by following Twitter hash tags and a variety of different streaming web video services but 20th May 20011 will be my first actual, physical appearance at one. No pressure then!
TeachMeet Midlands 2009 was also at the National College, Nottingham
However, as you’ll know if you have been lucky enough to attend a TeachMeet – this is actually the point of the movement. You don’t need to have presented at a TeachMeet before to offer a presentation at TM Midlands and you don’t need to have organised any kind of event before you take the plunge and set up your own TeachMeet. I am most fortunate to have Tom and Stuart as co-organisers, of course, as they have both set up TeachMeets before, so maybe there’s a challenge for you -
come to TeachMeet Midlands, find someone who has organised one before and lean on their expertise to set up your own!
Even if you’re not quite ready to organise an event yourself, you should definitely consider presenting at TMM11. Everyone I have ever spoken about TeachMeet to talks passionately about their first presentation experience. Most of us are in the business of presenting to some kind of audience at times but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to stand up at a TeachMeet. However, if you can share even the smallest experience from your classroom or work, you’ll get a great reception from your peers at a TeachMeet.
Don’t think what you have to share is obvious or that someone else has already covered it – there are bound to be lots of interested people in the audience.
TMs are so informal and supportive that everyone goes away energised, whether they have listened, shared or both. So sign up on the wiki and get involved!
TeachMeets – a great time and great CPD, guaranteed!
Many thanks for the comment, Michelle! You are right on every point!
I’m very much looking forward to meeting lots of people as well – including your good self!
#TMM11 will also be my first TeachMeet and although I am a little nervous about presenting, I am really looking forward to meeting some of the wonderful people that I interact with on Twitter.
I like the spirit in which #TMM11 has been set-up, e.g. the way in which Tom is encouraging seasoned TeachMeeters to bring along newbies and the way you are saying to be open-minded about what you could share.
I guess it’s easy to assume that what you want to share has already been covered, but so what? Despite using the same tools, I’m sure we’re all using them in completely different ways?
Thank you for being a co-organiser Kevin and Good Luck!