2019 Conference Reviews
“Hands down the best conference I have ever been to!”
“The hospitality we felt at every turn in your town, from Scott at The Place (who even remembered us from last year) to sweet Hank at Spaghetti Works, who hooked us up with the most amazing desserts, to every place we went we were greeted by, ‘Hey are you with the teacher group?’ We were made to feel so welcome.”
“Melanie and Gretchen are so genuine and a joy to listen to.”
“Thank you for inspiring us to be the best teachers we can be. You are a treasure and we love you.”
“You have greatly influenced my career as a teacher.”
“Of all the conferences I have attended during my career, this one truly was the best and most useful. There was not a session that did not include at least one idea, and in most cases, many more, that was immediately applicable to my classroom.”
“The fellowship we experienced with other teachers from our district was invaluable.”
“You have spoiled us. All other conferences will be a disappointment after this.”
“The content was spectacular. Everything relevant. Sessions for secondary which is rare. I like how a lot was TEKS based and addressed the new TEKS.”
“The prizes and food was excellent, the culture was relaxed and welcoming, and everyone made it feel like a group of friends coming together, instead of the usual professional development, which is not fun.”
“This conference had the same high quality, entertaining information I have come to expect from all Melanie Mayer events. I will be back.”
“The shops and restaurants, and the people at all of them, were absolutely awesome. I love the gifts, coupons, and discounts!”
“We loved getting to attend meaningful sessions and learn plus shop and eat at wonderful places. Your recommendations were spot on. The community was so welcoming and wonderful.”
“Port Aransas is a wonderfully charming place! I can’t wait to come back with my own family now. The conference was great and I will be taking home some good information to my campus.”
“Our per diem is so small, we appreciated the discounts at the restaurants. Everyone was so incredibly welcoming. The prizes were fun, the t-shirts are so cute, and the hospitality was just the best ever.”
“Port A – and Melanie Mayer – knows how to treat tired, discouraged November teachers!”
“I was in the seventh inning slump and this really motivated me.”
“Your tech guy (Jeff Moss) was super about helping us set up for our presentations!”
“Phenomenal conference.”
“The community support is something to be so proud of. You have something special here. I will be back.”
“Loved the little things, like available drinks and candy at all times in every session!”
“You must put this conference on again! Our entire ELA department needs to attend!”
“I feel like I got so many new ideas to actively engage students as soon as I return to the classroom!”
“No other word for this conference than outstanding.”
“Coolest shirts and door prizes ever! I’ve never received such a nice welcome bag.”
“Stinkin’ Awesome! All of the general sessions were excellent, rejuvenating and inspiring. Each of the break-out sessions were fantastic.”
“Holy cow! The door prizes were amazing!”
“Every single session I went to was a winner. I learned so much. My toolbox is overflowing and I am anxious to get back home and teach.”
“You have inspired me to love teaching again after being beat down by data. Excellent conference.”
“Above and beyond my expectations. The quality of teaching in every single break-out session is unprecedented.”
“This conference was inspiring and helpful. It was a privilege to be taught by these wonderful educators.”
What 2018 Conference Attendees Had to Say…
“Thank you so much for a wonderful conference! I so loved your real, do-now activities and positive messages for teachers.”
“Thanks for the rejuvenation, validation, and inspiration…This is my 16th year of teaching and I had yet to find a conference that so adequately met my needs as a secondary English teacher—until now.”
“What an incredible experience…I'm already planning PLCs around two particular strategies for my teachers!”
Conference hospitality was better than any I’ve ever experienced. I felt like I was on Oprah!”
“This conference really filled my toolbox. You’ve given me the courage and confidence to try something new, and my discouraged, heavy heart new life.”
“I can take your strategies straight to the classroom!”
“Love the new ways of looking at vocabulary. So engaging!”
“So many useful things I can’t wait to try!”
“Loved the GRAMMAR ideas! So many things I can take back to the classroom and use NOW!”
“Amazing conference! Thank you for all the gifts, hospitality, skills, and ideas. Let’s do it again!”
“You are a teacher’s teacher. Reminded me of why I do this.”
“Such a nice, welcoming feeling. Fabulous door prizes! And I learned so much!”
“Conference hospitality was above and beyond what I expected.”
“All aspects of hospitality were amazing! Really appreciated the reception, food, gifts, and especially your presence.”
“Enjoyed tying in college readiness…loved your perspective as both high school and college teacher.”
“When I came here I had in my mind maybe teaching isn’t for me. I feel unloved and unworthy in my school…Thank you for making me feel loved and that my job matters.”
“Loved that we got to DO the activities instead of you just telling us about them.”
“The timing of this conference is perfect; my “batteries” were just starting to get low.”
“Will start using your ideas TOMORROW and can’t wait till next year!”