Yes as a culinary educator I belong to ACF American Culinary Federation. This provides a huge support network as well as collaboration of ideas which help improve our knowledge and teaching skills.
Yes, I belong to several professional organization. The organizations help me keep current and expand my knowledge on topics of interest to bring into my classroom discussions.
I agree staying involved in outside activities relating to your workplace can greatly help you in maintaining a good outcome.
I have always belonged to a couple national education organizations to keep abreast of current legislation with regard to education and for an idea of what others are doing in their classrooms. Being a member usually includes discounts to seminars, and can definitely be viewed as one form of professional development.
I've been involved with many professional organizations throughout my career, and have benefited from all of them. I think the key is this: the more our yourself (time, attendance, volunteer work) you invest, the more you get out of them.
These organizations have led to wonderful opportunities for me, and to lifelong friendships. I'd have been happy with just the conferences, seminars, career trends, highlights, and other professional materials, but have gotten so much more from these groups. They are well worth the effort.
I'm a librarian and am an ALA member. I mainly enjoy the monthly ALA publications for ideas on new things to implement in the library. ALA offers a number of member forums that I do not currently take advantage of, but which I think would be beneficial for me once I check them out. It's a good opportunity to exchange ideas and see what other librarians are talking about.
I currently do not belong to any professional organizations related to my current instructional position. I do not know how belonging to such an organization would benefit me.
I belong to a GFWC woman's club in my community.
We have many speakers on various educational topics each year.There are also many opportunities
to aid in fundraisers for various schools and
organizations that benefit humanity.
I also belong to ABWA (American Business Women's
Association)which is a social networking org.for
women in business.
I plan to join AAUW (American Association of
University Women) sometime this year.
Yes I belong to the American Cuinary Federation. they provide good info on the culinary field and whats new and were we are headed in our field.
Yes. There is a union that is required to join to work in certain areas. It is not easy to join, but definitely protects each member and helps with the way operations are conducted in a professional manner.
Bruce,
You bring up a fantastic point, Bruce. I agree students should get involved with professional organizations as early as possible, though I understand fees and dues are an issue for many college students. Reaching out to local chapters and negotiating a student friendly night is something I have done in the past and I found members were very open to the idea.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
Yes, I belong to an international organization dedicated to excellence in online learning.. The many conferences, workshops and free webinars are quite valuable.
I am a member of a local organization call NSJVMA, a group of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. We meet regularly to discuss changes in laws and upcoming meetings that could affect our profession.
I am also a member of AVTE, an association of veterinary technician educators. Both organizations enable me to keep abreast of changes I need to be aware of. They also allow me to network with other professionals in my area of expertise. We share ideas and techniques that make us better at what we do.
Brenda
Yes,
I have been a member of Siggraph for many years. I have found attending the conferences (when able) to be extremely beneficial for keeping up with trends and practices in a quickly evolving industry.
Robb
I do currently belong to a professional organization related to my field. They publish periodic journals and hold regional and national conventions. It helps me to stay current with new and developing technologies and standards. They also have student chapters which I strongly encourage my students to join and participate in so they can stay update on these new breakthroughs and begin to become involved in the industry.
I am currently a member of several professional photography organizations including Tampa PPA and am actively involved in monthly events. I find the guest speakers provide much content that I can in turn share with my students. I find it crucial that students participate in these organizations from early on in their academic and professional career because of the possible apprenticeships and job opportunities network events afford.
Yes, I belong to the NAPP, a photoshop/photographers professional organization. This group is cutting edge not only in new software/hardware technologies and their use but excel in teaching methodology in this field.
While I do not currently belong to any dues-collecting groups, I have found a technological alternative in LinkedIn. There are numerous groups for many distinct disciplines. These groups offer networking as well as pooling of resources. I have benefited multiple times from knowing members of the groups as well as from their knowledge. Most groups allow members to post discussions, articles, and make comments for the good of all.
Yes - I think it is vital in teaching at within the Career Education classroom.
I have worked with Fashion Group International. They have been helpful in guiding my students with career paths, scholarships, and workshops. Their support and interest in our program has given me multiple contacts and resources.
