Craig Verley

Is it possible to feel renewed, re-energized, and yet overwhelmed at the same time? Yep! Many of my fellow TSPRA members probably returned home from the annual conference feeling that way.

There is so much networking, idea sharing, and learning that goes on during the annual conference, and most of us return to work eager to implement many of the new things we learned. You may want hit the pause button on some of that.

The spring semester is a crazy-busy time for school communicators with the pace picking up as high school graduations draw ever closer. So, the spring semester may not be the best time to try to quickly implement a bunch of new things.

Perhaps now would be a good opportunity to thoughtfully go over the notes you took at the sessions you attended and think through a few things. Try to avoid the Shiny Object Syndrome urges or the new technology impulses that may be pulsing through your mind. Pause and think through the whole implementation process for each item as well as the purpose, and possible goals. Creating a realistic priority list for the implementation might also help. Then look at your organizational and operational plans and think through when you could start to work on the new ideas and projects in a manner that won’t just add to your spring semester stresses.

Another approach is to look at everything you learned, as well as the things you want to implement and select just one item to implement now. Then plan the other stuff into your calendar for after the graduation ceremonies. This way you get the rush of implementing the Shiny New Object and possibly see some quick, positive results that are always fun for the boss to notice. Being able to show how the new tools and lessons learned at the TSPRA conference can go a long way toward allowing you to attend next year’s conference during tight budget times.

One other thing to consider if you are already completely swamped at work and the thought of trying to implement even one small new item learned is overwhelming. Take a quick look at your calendar and think about when there are traditionally small pauses in the workflows and loads. Then make a reminder for yourself to revisit your TSPRA notes and thoughts at that time.

No one says you HAVE to implement your new TSPRA conference-based ideas immediately if it negatively impacts your stress loads. It is okay to build a slower, more intentional way of addressing the new things you want to do. Sometimes the hardest part is allowing ourselves that small luxury.

One final thought; don’t throw away your conference program! It is a treasure trove of help. Was there a session you missed out on that you really wished you could have attended? Reach out to the presenter and pick their brain or ask for their handout. TSPRAns are always willing to share. If you find yourself wishing you had a little more knowledge on something that just popped up on your to-do list, take a quick look through the conference program to see if there was a session that hit on that topic and then reach out to the presenter. The member directory on the TSPRA website has contact information for all your fellow TSPRAns.  You do not have to be on this school communications journey alone.

Your annual TSPRA conference is sort of like the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Take advantage of that.