Over 750 Teacher-Authors gathered at TpT Forward 2019 in sunny Austin for three days of learning, conversation, and collaboration. Every year, the TpT community comes together to share tips and ideas for creating high-quality resources so that teachers all around the world can use them to engage students and create unforgettable learning experiences. It’s an incredible moment for us to get inspired and build momentum for the school year ahead.
Timely Messages
Opening #TpTForward19, our sixth conference, Director of Seller Happiness Amy Borrell Berner welcomed teachers with a message about the strength and power of the TpT community.
In his first keynote as CEO, Joe Holland talked about how TpT’s partnership with Teachers-Authors helps solve problems for teachers around the world. He gave voice to the TpT community that’s started a movement based on the belief that teachers are experts who know what’s best for their students. He urged attendees to dream big dreams and imagine a world where the collective wisdom of teachers on TpT helps every teacher meet the needs of every student. And he encouraged educators to seize the moment ̬ to take advantage of the time they have to make an impact now.
Greg Coleman from Mr Elementary Math called on everyone in the room to take a pledge to be bold and awesome — and to take a step in the next 30 days. His advice to Teacher-Authors on creating effective resources: “Focus on one thing. Learn everything you can about that one thing and do it well.”
Shelly Rees shared her personal journey with conference-goers, one that proved it’s never too late to achieve your hopes and dreams. She described how her evolution helped renew her belief that she could make a difference by connecting with teachers. She reminded Teacher-Authors: “It is never too late to begin again. It is never too late to change your teaching methods. It is never too late to improve your resources. It is never too late to make your own dreams come true.”
The resounding sentiment of the morning was one of inspiration and empowerment as Teacher-Authors look forward to the year ahead.
The rest of the event saw endless moments of Teacher-Authors connecting, learning, and celebrating their achievements together. The days were full of plenty of laughter, happy tears, aha moments, and excitement.
Stay tuned on the blog for more highlights from TpT Forward 2019. You can also share your own experiences and check out more highlights on Instagram with #TpTForward19 and @tptevents.
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Are you a TpT Seller who is interested in coming to next year’s conference? Registration is now open for TpT Forward 2020.