During my year as ASCD's President, I have had the privilege to make many journeys, but the most significant and memorable ones are related to the 1999 Annual Conference theme of "Building Dynamic Relationships—Our Bridge to the Future."
The theme of "building relationships" has been an important guide for me in interpreting my experiences this year. Just what has this theme meant for me? Building relationships has meant forging linkages among affiliates, student chapters, and networks; convening for celebration and nourishment of the spirit; and finding opportunities to collaborate and network. I would like to share my reflections on my journeys as ASCD President.
One of my early journeys was to the beautiful state of Tennessee. It was my first visit to the state as well as to the Tennessee ASCD. The young people whom I met addressed me as "ma'am," which I found charming and courteous.
TASCD held its summer conference in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Aside from the breathtaking setting and the stimulating conference, what was memorable for me was TASCD's strong link with the local student chapter. This affiliate made certain that the student chapter was an integral part of the conference.
The members of the student chapter were busy registering and welcoming the attendees, organizing events, and carrying out many other duties related to the conference. To interact with these young, energetic, and enthusiastic future educators was an uplifting experience for all. Moreover, this was an opportunity for the student chapter members that their university classes could not provide. They were thrilled to be at the conference.
Another journey was to Puerto Rico, where the sights and sounds were completely different from those in Tennessee. However, there was the familiarity of earnest educators excitedly interacting and busily convening for a conference.
The conference theme was "Relaciones Dinamicas: Nuestro puente hacia el futuro." Even though the words were foreign to me, the ideas they expressed sounded familiar. The sessions were conducted in Spanish, yet I felt the passion of these educators as they addressed the conference theme.
There is one word, confraternizacion, that I will always remember. During the confraternizacion, the educators got together to exchange ideas and generally to fraternize—the very essence of building relationships. This session was a vital part of the success of the conference.
In reflecting on my experience in Puerto Rico, I have come to believe that relying solely on speaking limits deeper communication. There was no communication barrier when we sang my favorite Spanish song, "Besame Mucho," and danced La Plena! These are memories that I will treasure—and these are the kinds of experiences that are important for lifelong learning.
Two of ASCD's larger affiliates, California and Illinois, had similar themes for their respective conferences. State-driven standards, accountability measures, and assessment policies dominated the session offerings. What was impressive at both conferences was the affiliates' effective "spin" to these top-down mandates. They took a mechanical and technical topic such as standards and applied a humanistic framework.
I learned that the education community implements policies and reaches its goals by collaborating and being inclusive of all. I am impressed with the way educators translate and transform disparate policies into a viable educational process, continuously and with resilience. Networking with colleagues is vital to educators' survival and success. At these conferences, I am always proud to be a member of the education community.
I believe that Utah ASCD captured the essence of education in its conference theme, "Completing the Puzzle: Understanding the Whole Child." This conference addressed the human dimensions of educating the whole child. The discussions focused on the difference that educators make in schools and asked what we need to do differently.
Thinking back on this conference, what stands out in my mind as central is the importance of relationships in education and in life. All evidence indicates that the most important aspect in learning is the relationship between the student and the teacher. All other factors are of less importance. In all of our memorable experiences with teachers, the relationship stands out as the most important factor. We make a difference by building relationships.
My participation in these affiliate conferences enabled me to build relationships with colleagues from around the United States and the world. I look forward to building more relationships with educators at future ASCD conferences.
Very soon, many of us will be attending the 2000 Annual Conference in New Orleans. Building on last year's theme—and in keeping with the historic timing—the conference theme will be "Celebrating Education: Leading the Way in the New Millennium." Celebrating and leading are descriptors of what educators do. I hope that the 2000 Annual Conference theme will inspire all of us to greater heights in our work of educating all of our students.