Getting Home

My day began at 4:15 am - up in time to finish packing and meet the shuttle at 5. The flight to Atlanta was uneventful until the landing. Atlanta was experiencing high winds and our plane was bouncing as if on a trampoline. This, naturally, caused the pretzels that i had recently eaten to be “tossed”, much like some people  “toss their cookies.” After that all was well. While waiting for my connecting flight i was able to watch the Steelers lose - GO BROWNS! I was not able to access the wireless internet, hence the blogs are now posted.

The convention was wonderful. I would attend again and encourage colleagues. There was so much to choose from and the networking with members will be with me for a long time.

Jody

The Delegate Assembly

The delegate assembly process was very interesting. Roll call was taken and many state presidents addressed the chair with much humor. The rules were set down, we heard from our new president elect candidate, who is a CTE graduate, and then passed the bylaw amendments with a vote of 133 to 65.

After another monorail ride to the strip and an energizing walk, dinner was enjoyed in the company of a few ACTE members. Then off to bed for the 4:30 am wake up call. Hopefully all will return home safe and on time.

I look forward to continuing my involvement with ACTE, both at the state, regional and national levels.

My thanks to all who helped me experience great professional development and nurturing friendships: my husband, my administration and Ohio SND.

Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer, our closing speaker, is the best conference/convention speaker I have witnessed. His talk was 30 minutes over the allotted time, but few people left before he finished. He used humor and sensitivity along with intensity in presenting his story. Blind since the age of 13, Erik has become an accomplished rock climber and mastered the feat of reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. This he did with a team of 21 – 19 of whom reached the summit. Erik spoke strongly of the importance of leadership and also to always try to do what you want to do. “Believing is seeing” was one thing he stressed. Comments following his talk included, “Whatever we paid him, it was not enough,” and “He was very engaging,” as well as, “I guess if he can do all of this, I can at least exercise 30 minutes a day.”

More Friday

Another Newbie

Mel Forman, a business teacher from Great Oaks in Cincinnati was at one of the literacy sessions. She spoke highly of this session and others she attended such as those on retention. Mel believes she has learned a lot of new good tips to help her be a better teacher. She has also found many to members to be friendly and talkative, especially “Marion the Librarian.”

FACS

Bowling Green is my alma mater. I looked for my former Home Economics advisor but was unable to locate Dr. Erikson. I did stop in and take a photo of the Family and Consumer Science standards session.

Town Meeting

It was standing room only and we should have been assigned to a larger room – certain to be taken into thought for next year. After an interesting panel discussion that included Kevin, as AZ agriculture teacher who enthusiastically stated that he loves his job and he stays active in ACTE so he can keep his job, there were many comments regarding the bylaw changes coming before the delegate assembly tomorrow.

Nightlife

Off to a hospitality session for Ohio members and then it’s Freemont St and the lights.

Early Friday

It has been a busy day, with two excellent sessions regarding literacy and how to help students get more out of reading. I heard from a science teacher from Ohio and a PA English instructor. Both offered terrific ideas to use in classrooms. An update on the CTE fund drive at 9 am informed me that over $13000 have been raised. This includes a little over $11000 from last night’s auction. Way to go ACTE members, vendors and friends of ACTE. Keep those dollars rolling in.

My Ohio State Buckeye sweater was an eye catcher today – 5 comments within an hour.

Making New Friends

Roberta Pattison, an Interactive media instructor from Oklahoma stopped me in the hall. She asked me and my friend Monica if all people from Ohio are friendly. Naturally we said yes. You may see a photo of the two of them. This is one of the best parts of this convention – making new friends.

This is something I have heard from many attendees – both new and veteran – rekindling relationships and the networking that goes on in sessions, vendor exhibits, the hallways or while eating are so valuable.

Friday Night

The Freemont St experience was fun, fun, fun.

We ate at Binion’s, where Joyce’s $2.50 glass of wine came in a plastic cup.

My steak was good and provided me with the energy to walk and walk and walk.

Wonderful light shows, an ice skating show and people from all walks of life.

Now i am off to the closing speaker session and more ACTE learning.

Vegas Night Life

  

ACTE sponsored a silent auction and “gaming” Thursday to raise funds to benefit the CTE Support Fund. I tried my best to raise the cost on some of the many items up for auction. There was live music – and very loud – even the bartender asked if I had the clout to get it lowered. We did not stay long – my friends were ready to hop the monorail (another first for me) and head for the Strip. We enjoyed dinner in New York, the sights of Paris, the beautiful Christmas display at the Bellagio, and the Hallelujah Chorus set to the fantastic dancing fountains. Handel would be very proud. We came across many happy ACTE members as we wandered the streets, and many offers to shows that educators really should avoid.

The weather is great – sorry Boston. There is not a cloud in the sky as I write this at 8:20 am.

My Friday is packed with meetings and sessions until 5. There are so many sessions to choose from that it could come to drawing a number. But, since we are discussing literacy at my school, and they paid for me to be here, I will be checking out the session about reading this morning. I will deserve a relaxing dinner when done.

First Day

Okay - was interupted by my battery going out - it lasts for about 16 minutes. Now that i am plugged in i can continue. I thought bringing my laptop was a good idea - it has given me exercise as i have needed to return to my room 3 times just to get this blog written. Why am i not posting from my room you ask? My laptop is 8 years old. The ethernet connection in my room does not fit my laptop and i neglected to pack the cord i need.
I went to a very creative session, run by a pirate and two of his mates. The Auburn crew had a terrific power point presentation (it could be used to teach good pp presenting) while they shared about moving forward in the field of educations. We’ll try to get a photo up later. Well, not we - I will definitely let Catherine handle that one.

You must know that a national rodeo show is here and along with it is Cowboy Christmas. I know some folks who will be envious when i tell them of all the cool things for sale.

There about 5000 at the conference - very successful so far. We are off to a CTE fundraiser and then it is the monorail and sightseeing - maybe even a little gambling.

THE CONVENTION

WOW! There are thousands of people floating around this convention center, and over 1000 of them are first time attendees such as myself.

Naturally, there were some glitches in getting me on this site - only due to me being born in the 50’s, when computers took up an entire room. Catherine has been so patient with me, for which i am so grateful.

I am off to tour some exhibits and then lunch with firends. I’ll post again later today.

Time is Flying

Yes, the time is flying and soon so will i. 48 hours from now I could be winning a jackpot. My packing list has been created, now to stuff all of it in the bag. Thank goodness for in-room irons. I’m in Columbus (OH) tomorrow for a meeting so I have to leave my building prepared at the end of today, and of course, it is the day of a staff meeting. Several people have offered to go to Vegas with me, including our department secretary. Sounds good, but I’d never be able to find her. I am almost embarrassed to tell people I am going to a conference in Las Vegas–I’ve received some interesting looks and comments. No more entries before Wednesday. Happy traveling to all of you.