Association Presidents reflect on service and growth.
Wall Street pundits claim the world is flat, but when it comes to public education, the earth is still multidimensional and in constant orbit. When it comes to successful professional associations, the world is also boundless.
ASCD, composed of more than 175,000 members in approximately 135 countries, has never been bound solely by domestic themes or U.S. education policy agendas. The Association is decidedly international in scope and composition and largely volunteer-driven. ASCD relies on members from Sydney and Bangkok to Toronto and San Diego to volunteer their time and energy. They are tasked with implementing a concise mission statement that identifies the organization as “a community of educators, advocating sound policies and sharing best practices to achieve the success of each learner.”
Through officers and a Board of Directors currently comprising 18 elected individuals, ASCD members oversee the organization's governance principles, safeguard its constitution and bylaws, and implement its strategic plan.
Serving ASCD in an elected position gives educators opportunities to meet outstanding, supportive people who work en masse to achieve success on a grand scale. By co-opting the brainpower, energy, and clout of tens of thousands of educators, ASCD's elected leaders report they are able to achieve more than they imagined possible as individuals working at local or state levels.
Education Update invited ASCD's current President and recent Past Presidents to share with readers their thoughts about serving the Association as elected officers.
“The personal and professional growth connected with my active participation in ASCD rivals the power that today's Internet brought us, because the pace of change today is so fast that one person cannot keep up with what is going on. Only through systems of mass collaboration, such as participating in the Association's governance, can you remain connected.”
—Raymond McNulty, 2003–04 President
“Serving as ASCD President gave me an unparalleled opportunity to see the big picture of education in the United States and beyond while feeling some sense of being personally involved in trying to improve teaching and learning. I had the opportunity to share a theme of ‘power, passion, and promise’ with others throughout the world, and to realize that the theme resonated with educators everywhere. The experience cemented the belief that we can and must be better at meeting the needs of all children—everywhere. It's the reason I continue to find new ways to challenge myself in meeting that goal.”
—Martha Bruckner, 2004–05 President
“Serving as President of ASCD provided me with the incredible opportunity to work side by side with creative, dedicated, forward-thinking colleagues from around the world. Each person I came in contact with was driven by a desire to do the very best for learners and teachers by providing them with opportunities, offering them support, and advocating for their success. As a result of my presidency, not only have I grown professionally, but I have developed an even stronger commitment to the mission and goals of this outstanding educational organization.”
—Mary Ellen Freeley, 2005–06 President
“It was an amazing, life-changing experience to be ASCD President. The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm increased all aspects of my professional and personal life immeasurably as I found myself surrounded by ideas that have taken me far beyond where I thought I could ever be, and among people from many countries who have provided me with powerful models of why we are educators and why our work with children is so important. The excitement in being part of helping ASCD move from a very successful organization to one that will make a huge difference for the whole child has provided me with more than enough energy to do the work with ease.”
—Richard Hanzelka, 2006–07 President
“I'm still in the first third of my term as ASCD's President, yet I know, from the advice of past presidents, that it is important to make each moment count because the time goes so quickly. The opportunity to serve and to make whatever contributions I can toward the advancement of ASCD and its mission is my motivation. The chance to meet and work with so many fine educators throughout the world is my reward.”
—Nancy DeFord, 2007–08 President
