The meeting that could have been an email, the meeting that was called to address one person's transgressions, or the meeting that you've already had 8 times this school year -- it's dragging on and on. Professional Development and staff meetings are a part of many jobs, but in the world of education they are a special kind of boring and low-engagement (which is always funny when the meeting is about improving engagement!) Here is a quick list of ways to stay engaged beyond just "taking notes" at your next mandatory meeting.

1.) Bring Snacks

There is nothing worse than being hungry or thirsty during a meeting. Snacks make boring or repetitive meeting slightly more enjoyable. If you bring a snack that can be broken into smaller pieces, enjoy a bite every 5 minutes to help you push through. It is also a great idea to bring your favorite, fun, and caffeinated drink to any meeting that a person may make longer by asking a question, that undoubtedly goes over time.

2.) Utilize a fidget or other stress-relieving sensory item

They're not just for kids! Bring a poppit, a fidget cube, playdough or slime, anything that can keep your hands busy. Make sure you bring "quiet" fidgets and be sure to check with your neighbors to not bother them. Better yet, bring fidgets for the whole table!

3.) Play BINGO

You can create your own hard copy and digital BINGO cards at bingobaker.com to play with your fellow educators. You can insert buzzwords like data, collaborate, standards, and rigor. You can also put in actions like "someone asked a question that's already been answered" or "the group is asked to close their laptops." Use this with caution, you may want to get approval from Admin beforehand... or do you? You can't let them know the words! That's half the fun!

4.) Play a "Sipping Game"

Similar to a drinking game, which unfortunately and for good reason is illegal in a school setting play a PG "Sipping Game" version. To play have the members at your table group bring a full drink and pick an education buzzword, or just a word you know your favorite administrator uses frequently. Every time that word is said you have to, you guessed it, take a sip! The first person to finish their drink wins! Pair up with teachers who have Stanleys if you're competitive!

5.) Pray or Meditate

Being a teacher in today's day and age is nothing short of being a miracle worker. From the stress to the heart ache and everything in between, all that a teacher goes through may require the power of prayer. Use the time during the annual "build the relationship" lecture to further build your relationship with God. Pray for your students, your family, everyone you care about. Not religious? Take this time to meditate, take in some deep breaths, and visualize how you're going to continue being a great teacher.

6.) Write a To-Do List

If you're fortunate to have an Admin team that truly values your time and gives you that last hour and a half at the end of the PD Day to "work in your classrooms" be ready! Jot down a to-do list of things you need to accomplish in your classroom, or even just in your personal life. This is a great way to pass the time in a boring, repetitive meeting, but as a bonus it looks like you're paying attention and taking notes!

Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope it gave you some ideas on how you can get through your next PD Day or Staff Meeting. Thank you for being an educator!