Professional Development Spotlight: How Tomato Aspic, Pure Wonder, and Classroom Magic Refueled Our Team

If you had told us our summer professional development trip would feature tomato aspic, homemade mayo, and non-stop laughter, we might have been skeptical—but we wouldn't trade those unforgettable moments for the world! This July, Darlington’s first and second grade teachers had the extraordinary chance to attend the 2026 Get Your Teach On (GYTO) Conference and enjoy some magical team building at Disney. Between sharing retro food stories, soaking up world-class instructional strategies, and doing a little park hopping, we spent six days getting inspired, reconnected, and deeply thankful for an experience that blew our expectations out of the water!

There is a captivating energy that unfolds when you spend several days immersed in a community of educators who genuinely love what they do. The atmosphere was electric from the moment we arrived. Seeing the passion everyone brought for their grade level was completely magnetic, and hearing how long some of our peers have been dedicated to the craft was deeply inspiring.

Throughout the week, our team dove headfirst into small-group workshops, master classes, and live-model lessons. Watching master educators bring learning to life was a powerful reminder of how subtle shifts can create extraordinary student engagement. It challenged us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and embrace new possibilities.

The master class on small-group instruction was a standout highlight. We filled our notebooks with vibrant, student-centered routines and dynamic, hands-on activities that we can’t wait to weave directly into our daily reading blocks. We also discovered brilliant strategies for setting uplifting expectations and cultivating warm, empowering spaces where every child feels cherished and confident.

To top it off, collaborating with fellow 1st and 2nd grade teachers from across the country was a deeply rewarding experience. Swapping resources, sharing stories, and bonding over the unique joys and hilarious daily moments of early elementary reminded us of the vast, supportive community we belong to.

While the professional development was exceptional, the true heart of the experience was the meaningful time we spent together as a grade-level team.

This journey was a breathtaking way to reconnect with everyone in our cottage. We all needed a soul-nourishing reset, and the shared laughter made this experience truly unforgettable. Whether we were immersing ourselves in workshops, sharing ideas over dinner, exploring together, or braving unique regional dishes, the trip gave us room to recharge. We’re stepping into the new school year not just with innovative teaching tools, but with a renewed, unshakable team spirit.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Darlington for believing in our growth and granting us this remarkable opportunity to learn, collaborate, and create lasting memories together.

As a new chapter begins, our devotion remains steadfast: to craft vibrant, joy-filled classrooms where every child feels valued, inspired, and excited to learn. Thanks to our time at GYTO and creating magical moments at Disney, we are ready to explore in a year of endless possibilities. We can’t wait to welcome our students back!