In the midst of teaching, it can be easy to forget about your own projects and professional interests. However, these are fundamental areas that should not be ignored. Below are some useful resources for continuing to grow as an instructor.
Conferences
Attending conferences in your discipline (and even better, presenting at them) is an excellent way to stay fresh in your field and motivate yourself to keep working on your own professional projects. Many departments have travel money available to graduate students and faculty for conference attendance to help offset the cost; check with the chair of your program for more details.
While I have listed some of the major conferences for writing instructors, you can find more opportunities in a variety of fields at sites such as the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning through Kennesaw State University, or check with your own school's research & faculty development center.
The MLA conference is one of the most important conventions for instructors of English language and literature. A yearly event, the conference also represents a great opportunity for networking.
The Conference on College Composition and Communication (or "4 Cs") is another gold standard event for writing instructors held on a yearly basis. Special consideration is given to first time attendees, and financial assistance is available to help with registration costs.
The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) convention from Wayne State University Press is another excellent opportunity for networking, presenting and checking out new titles from the University Press.
Career Networking and Materials
In addition to staying up to date with conference opportunities, it can also be valuable for first year instructors to keep their career information up to date. Whether you need some information about job opportunities or strategies for a strong CV, the links below can help keep you on your professional toes.
Academic Keys: Higher Ed Job Site offers listings to careers in higher education for a variety of disciplines. You can also sign up to receive their monthly newsletter with current job listings and post your own resume/CV on the site.
Keeping your professional resume current might be one of those tasks that slips by the wayside during your first year of teaching. So, make it a priority to update your career material by noting conference attendance, publications and other professional development. The Columbia Career Education link above is one good source for tips on strong CVs and resumes, but do not overlook your own school's career and faculty development center as a good source of information.
For some further inspiration about ongoing professional development, check out the TEDx talk below from Tai Basurto, educator and self-described "professional development junkie."
