From October 21 to 22, 1999 approximately 700 educators attended a Provincial Conference in Gander sponsored by the Primary Teacher's Council of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA). The Primary Teachers' Council is a professional organization for primary teachers and other individuals who are concerned with the improvement of primary programs and teaching procedures in Newfoundland and Labrador. Membership in the Council is open to all persons engaged in teaching or supervision at the primary level and who are active or associate members of the NLTA. The main functions of the Council are to provide professional development for its members and to encourage teachers to be aware of pertinent and significant practices in all areas of the curriculum. Usually it sponsors a provincial conference every two years.

The theme of this year's conference was "So Much to Learn...So Much to Share". During the two days there were numerous opportunities for teachers and administrators to experience much of what is relevant to curriculum and professional development. The conference featured over 40 presenters from our own schools and as far away as New Zealan. Included were speakers from the Department of Education, Memorial University, the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, School Districts, Professional Training Institutes and the classroom. Participants were exposed to the latest research and practices in reading and writing, as well as topics from all curriculum areas. Keynote speaker, Dr. Mary Bigler from Eastern Michigan University, touched the hearts and minds of teachers as she entertained and inspired them with accounts of her experiences and expertise in the classroom. Feedback from across the province indicated that the conference was a resounding success with teachers returning to their classrooms with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.