#TpT Flock 17

This has always been one of my favorite quotes.

Last weekend I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to come together with 180+ Teacher Pay Teachers teacher-authors at the Flock. Very fitting, the theme of the TpT Flock is "birds of a feather flock together" and yes we did!

It was so rejuvenating as an educator. Here I am surrounded by these incredible men and women who want to make a change. Not only in their own classrooms, but in classrooms around the world!

Along with my other half we made the 4 hour trip to Rochester, NY. That in itself was so full-filling to have him with me and support my career. 

 When we reached the Woodcliff Hotel I had to give a gigantic hug to my dear friend Erica of Ms. V's Kinder Kraziness. Would you believe that over a year ago she was a complete stranger?! I first met Erica at a TpT Meet Up in NJ. This was my first meet up and I was so scared, I was going there knowing not a soul! But I fully believe in a big risk, big reward system.

Lucky for our partners, we had adjoining rooms!!! Even though this lady was super busy being on the Flock planning committee.

Saturday was an early start and a long day, but so worth it. The day started with breakfast and a Keynote Speaker. And yes, that is a donut wall!!

 I finally got to meet Kay of Primary Cornerstone, I connected with her through Erica and Instagram. I met so many other great people, but I didn't use my camera! Fail! Next year I will be better, because you better believe I will be there next year.

Jenny of Art with Jenny K. was the phenomenal Keynote Speaker. She did such a fantastic job of building us up. She also gave such a good reminder of why we do TpT. Every resource that is purchased from us is being used in a classroom. That is 30 kids we are reaching, and we know that. That is why we put our heart and soul into these resources because you teachers deserve the best. 

After the AM Keynote she had us decorate a piece of paper. As you can she she put it together into a gigantic collaborative poster. Each one of us contributed to this picture. If even one person would not have done their part, it would not be complete. Truly we would not be complete without Paul, Adam and Amy of Teachers Pay Teachers. They are truly an inspiration to us all.  

 Throughout the day we attended sessions that helped us to grow. After lunch we had the opprtunity to hear from some amazing educators on a Q & A panel. This was followed by a Q & A from Team TpT.

Collaboration, not competition. We are all about building each other up. Because if we succeed, students all across the world will succeed.

If you are a TpT author, I highly suggest you join us a the Flock next year! You will not regret it. 

 We were so spoiled this weekend with goodies and our swag bags! One thing we did that I loved was a tool trade. We shared items that help us and then swapped with another teacher. Below are the items I received from Kim of Stress-Free Teaching.

My biggest take away from the weekend? Get out of your comfort zone, that is where amazing things happen. And, work with educators to build each other up. When we are built up, we build up out students.

Click here to read more about the Flock!