I’m trying to make sense of this weekend… and obviously, I’m incredibly close to EduCon (and more than a little tired), but I had to get at least this much out.

The weekend was incredible. On the most basic level, the best part of the conference was watching SLA students and parents run every logistical aspect the conference… not just 10 A students, but over 100 students working together to make the entire weekend amazing.

SLA students were presenters / facilitators in several sessions, and they were participants in many more. They worked tirelessly to make the live broadcast work. (And they were at school for hours after the sessions on Saturday rendering video.) They were docents for some of the panelists. And of course, they had the chance to have a personal session (or three) with Jeff Han as he worked with them on "the wall."

I admit, if part of TFA’s strategy is to have their alumni go into policy, I hope that, no matter what fields SLA alumni go into some day, that they all somehow keep a hand in education, as active parents, as school board members, and some as teachers, I hope. It is amazing to me to see students start with pride in their school experience and use that as a springboard to care deeply and speak powerfully about education.

Thank you to all the SLA students. I am so proud and so humbled by your work.