Dear ACTEAZ Members,

It is difficult to believe that it is the middle of December! I am inspired by the accomplishments our members have made in what seems like such a short time: the delivery of statewide professional development, expanding the number of courses offered through The Premier Series, the facilitation of quality sessions at ACTE’s Career Tech Vision 2013, increasing support for CTE among our local business and industry leaders and the daily impact on students in our classrooms. It is abundantly clear that each of you is making a difference in our educational community!

With holiday concerts, student assemblies, projects to be graded and final exams, December can also be a frenzied time of year. However, it can also be a time to reconnect with our shared purpose to provide students with career-ready skills, prepared for significant post-secondary learning and credentials. During this season, I often reflect on whether I acted upon my educational beliefs:

• Did I work to see every student in a different light?
• Have I initiated positive contact with every student, parent and staff member?
• Did I model learning by engaging in meaningful professional development and learning from best practices?
• Was I a broker of hope?

As we enjoy family and friends and find a little time to relax, my wish for all of us is that we remember what inspires us, acknowledge what we’ve accomplished thus far and recommit to our shared purpose with the energy given to us from that source of inspiration. Above all, enjoy this holiday season, and remember students and our schools and community are better because of your passionate commitment.

Sincerely yours,

Stephen Weltsch
ACTEAZ President 2013-14