Last year, I attended my first ever GAFE Summit here in Toronto and the minute it was over, I began counting down until the next one. I loved it that much. Not only did I learn about incredible ways that both my students and I could benefit from using Google Apps for Education, I was able to connect with some really amazing teachers, including the inspirational Sylvia Duckworth. What made it all the more special was the feeling that I had found my tribe, a group of people who spoke the same "language" and was just as passionate, if not more so, about educational technology as I was. It felt like I was finally at home.

Love this photo taken on Day 1 of the @edtechteam #GAFEsummit in #Toronto. Thanks @sylviaduckworth! #gafesummitto pic.twitter.com/hSf8vFWMCZ

— Diana Mancuso, OCT (@TeacherMomOfTwo) October 26, 2015

Since then, I have introduced GAFE to several of my students as well as the staff members at my school, many of whom are jumping on board the GAFE train this year. We have only been a GAFE school board for just shy of a year but I have a feeling many great things will be happening at our school thanks to Google Apps for Education. I am also looking forward to the monthly #PubPD meetups with my local tribe members and sharing with my colleagues what I have learned thus far as a Google Certified Educator: Level 2.


This year, the Toronto GAFE Summit will take place at Crescent School on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, and will feature some fantastic keynote speakers and spotlight presenters that will include Sylvia Duckworth, Donnie Piercey, Kevin Brookhouser, Jeffrey Humpries, Sandra Chow, Dominique Dynes, Kristen Wideen and Scott Monahan. And you can't miss out on the Demo Slam. I have a pretty good feeling it will be extra slamtastic this year. Registration includes eight sessions of your choosing, all keynotes, a light breakfast and lunch on both days, and a chance to win door prizes.

If you plan on attending this year's GAFE Summit, you'll be pleased to know that there is currently a Back to School special where you can save 10%. Type in ‘backtoschool’ during registration and the discount will be applied to your ticket. Please note, this promotion ends on October 1st. Group rates are also available for parties of 5 or more, and student teachers can save $100 on their registration.

Don't forget to get plenty of rest the night before because it's sure to be a high-energy, mind-blowing kind of weekend. And if you see me there, please come say hello! I'll be the one with the green antennae.