There are only a few more days of the school year left, and soon we'll all be turning our attention toward the tasks of summer. Among all the hours you're going to spend repairing equipment, making SAE visits, attempting to organize materials for next year, and attending conventions and camps, I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to spend several hours mesmerized by professional presenters addressing everything from safety to learning styles and technical integration to parental involvement. These presenters will range from poor to outstanding, from cheap to horribly expensive. So as you think about what lies ahead, consider those events you've attended in the past

You've attended workshops that inspired and motivated and  ones that depressed and irritated. What determines your reaction? What is the difference between good  professional development and great professional development? What are the characteristics that presenters across the country need to include so that you get the most out of what they are saying? Do you prefer events that are interactive, require participation, or let you practice techniques? Do you prefer presenters who challenge you to think differently?

The LPS team will be attending your summer conferences, and we really want to know how we can create professional development events that are great. We want to share those characteristics you identify with other presenters so that the next time you leave a presentation, your first though is NOT "There's an hour I'll never get back."

For additional ideas on creating great professional  development in your state, be sure to check out the Summer issue of Making a Difference magazine.