ACTEAZ News  Exec. Director’s Letter

Executive Director’s Letter – August 2020
Submitted by Pam Ferguson

Dear ACTEAZ Members,

Wishing all of you good health as we all maneuver through so many factors of the COVID 19 pandemic. Who knew, that our summer conference theme, CTE: Beyond the Classroom, would turn out to be so prophetic. With many classrooms becoming virtual, the struggle to remain relevant, creative, and still keep the content engaging is something many of our members are experiencing. Yet, I have found, that our ACTEAZ Members have risen to this challenge and have driven through it to reach new heights.

I read stories of the AG school farms that had to be maintained with crops and livestock. Some of you might have had some of these animals become extended visitors at your homes! Some of you have been working from home since the middle of March and yet, you used your CTE background to continue to be a constant support system in your students lives. I loved the pictures some of you took of little parades while in your cars in the neighborhoods where your students lived. The music students even performed concerts on Facebook and they connected with people all over the country for graduation and holidays.

ACTEAZ has recognized and been inspired by your efforts. We are expanding our technology skills and learning to provide more webinars, professional training, and meeting opportunities to encompass the virtual needs of all our members. Recently due to the efforts of our staff and the support of many individuals we were able to host a virtual Summer Mini-Series Conference filled with Premier Series Sessions. It is our goal to continue to provide further events and opportunities for all of you, even if they must be virtual.

ACTEAZ Board Meetings this year will also be Virtual until further notice, but members are still invited and encouraged to attend. You can find the dates on our website and the agendas will be posted a week beforehand. Please join us.

I would also like to take this time to congratulate and thank our ACTEAZ Senior Fellows who completed their Fellowship Program this Spring.

• Tammy Bonner – Arizona Curriculum Consortium
• Lisa DeCota – Estrella Foothills High School
• Bryan Kestle- West-MEC
• Monika Krienitz- Valley Vista High School
• Maya Milhon-West-MEC

ACTEAZ is looking forward to seeing the leadership of these Fellows graduates in our schools, communities, and state and national associations as they continue their careers.

Things are different, but change is a chance for growth and provides new opportunities for all of us to advance. ACTEAZ is ready to walk down this new path with all of you so that we can continue to provide support so that CTE will continue to be a success in Arizona classrooms and beyond.

Stay healthy and we are here for you!

Yours truly,
Pam Ferguson