I am not a member of any. However, from the feedback and comments here, maybe I should be. Membership also sounds like a great way to earn flex-credit/continuing education credit.
I am a current member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and I also teach in this field. The benefits of being a member keeps me updated with new technology so that I can share with my students. I am also afforded the opportunity to take the student to a field trip to their monthly meetings anytime at no cost. Attending those meetings really makes that connection between what is learned in the classroom and real world.
Yes, I am currently a member of several organizations affiliated with my the field in which I teach. I believe keeping up-to-date with what is current and relevant in the filed is imperative. I find in the accompanying journals various articles that I share with my students that are very useful in motivating them to become successful in the course of learning the field. I also encourage them to go to the professional meetings that are associated with the organizations.
Yes, I belong to three organizations affiliated with my profession. I find it keeps me up to date on current events/articles/discussion points taking place in my field. I find that it keeps me more rounded and therefore a bigger asset to my institution and students. Belonging to these organizations also keeps my class and lectures fresh from the field. Many instances I have been approached from former students who have indicated that they were better prepared in their practice site than students from other schools due to our discussion and projects on current issues. There can only be advantages for keeping active and current in the field you teach.
I am currently a member of ASCD. This is a tremendous organization which encourages scholarship, educational leadership, professional learning communities and collaboration.
I belong to a professional organization and they keep me up to date with changes and trends in my industry. This assures my students that they are going to be up to date and marketable when they graduate.
I am a member of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for my field of Microbiology, A benefit is that I receive a quarterly journal called Emerging Infectious Diseases, hence, microbes cause infectious diseases. It benefits me because I can stay updated on the newest emerging diseases, which is part of what I teach. I also have access to great online resources through the CDC.
I am a member of several organizations that relate to my field and they offer many different continuing education opportunities. The information they provide helps keep me up to date on the current clinical practices which makes me a better instructor.
Yes, I belong to ABMP. It is an organization for massage therapy professionals. There are many benefits. They offer a free instructors on the frontlines training and travel around the country offering the courses. I will be attending on on communication and engagement in October. These trainings help me stay up to date and learn new ways to engage students in the classroom that are relevant to the industry.
I belong the the American Library Association. It is very informative. I feel that I learn about new developments and technologies all the time through this organization. I also make connections with other ALA members.
I have been a member of a professional organization since my first year that I graduated from college. It is very vital to be apart of a professional organization because it keeps you connected and up to date in your field of choice. I believe that it benefits you as an instructor because it shows your students that staying connected to other people who are professional and belonging to a organization that has the same goals as you is very important to your growth and success in your career.
No I do not belong to any organizations but I am interested in doing so.
Being involved in organizations in your field allows you to stay on the cutting edge of what is happening in your area. It also allows for networking and exchanging ideas.
Our professional organization is the Association of Surgical Technologists. They have an annual instructor workshop which is very beneficial and teaching instructors many of the new concepts that are emerging in education.
Because we are a vocational school training production makeup artists, it is essential to belong to professional organizations in order to obtain jobs. Most of our graduates freelance which involves a lot of promotion and networking. We encourage all of our students to join the professional organizations that will help them continue to develop their knowledge and skills, keep up with current trends, new technology and products, keep inspired and the chance to meet potential employers. Being a member of the international organizations can connect one to our global family and create unbelievable opportunities.
Not now, but in the past, I have belonged to several chapters of the American Society for Training and Development. I found their meetings and materials from the national organization to be of great benefit in becoming a better trainer.
Carol,
Yes,it is frustrating when so many conferences are cost prohibitive due to the travel and time involved. A great perk of membership to many organizations is the ability to access video archives of guest speakers and demonstrations of new technology. If the organization you belong to now does not do this currently, you may want to send your local chapter President an email and suggest a password protected area on the organizations website where videos can be accessed by current members.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
Yes, I belong to a couple of teacher organizations. One of the things I enjoy is the newsletter that keeps me abreast of current issues in education. It gives me a bigger picture rather than just what is going on in my corner of the world. I think the frustrating part for me is I get word about all the professional development available but often it is not cost effective to attend. I think I've only managed to attend one for national board teachers. It was so worth it I only wish that I could attend more often.
Being involved with an organization keeps you in the loop and also up to date, and sharp on topics pertaining to your field of study. I joined one, and it helped me understand another whole field of study alot better, I would recommend doing this if you can as an instructor.
Jason,
The American Culinary Foundation is a fantastic organization with many member chapters across the country. Scholarship opportunities, posted job opportunities, discounts on trade shows, and the many other benefits make the membership fee well worth it!
Theresa Schmitt
