Professional development at Mackinac: small but mighty

Building off the success of the 2021 MSCI Professional Development weekend, the Professional Development at this year’s conference was small but mighty. This year Michigan Speech Coaches offered three unique PD sessions based on member interest.

Former MSCI Executive Board member Chris Kuhlman presented an in-depth look at speech activities with his critique and constructive criticism section. Kuhlman’s morning session was titled “Constructive Critiques: Providing Ballots That Make A Difference” and those in attendance shared ideas in a round-table discussion that is sure to benefit the community at large. Chris and the group talked about ways to continue to better the community with criticism that enriches the lives of the students who participate in speech activities.

The second session was titled “Beyond High School: Preparing Students for a Future in Speech” and was run by Ryan Rigda (Saginaw Valley State University) & Carole Bennett (Oakland Community College). The purpose of this session was to reintroduce what offerings are available to students who may wish to continue speech activities beyond high school. The session provided wonderful resources and contact information to all those in attendance. Additionally, this material was shared with all conference participants.

Finally, three MSCI members (Sarah Scurti, Karah Tanski & Jen Leija) led a session titled “Cultural Responsiveness and Equitable Judging Practices (Part Two)” – part two because it was a continuation of a popular session led during the 2021 MSCI Professional Development weekend. The workshop focused on culturally responsive and inclusive judging practices for all coaches and judges who participate in speech activities. The largely informational session was a big hit amongst those in attendance and the session leaders even stayed late to answer questions afterwards.

Professional Development is only one part of the MSCI Spring Conference experience providing members to engage and interact in speech activity discussions to learn and grow as professionals.

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, August 2022.