Marc Cohen
What Is Your Vision for ASCD? I believe that every student who walks through the doors of our schools has within them the capacity for greatness, and it is our responsibility as educators to make sure that they are provided equitable access to world-class instruction to help them live up to their fullest potential. Socioeconomics, race, geography, and availability of resources should not be allowed to hold any young person back from achieving his or her truest dreams.
The strength of our organization rests in its membership. Whether it is through our new social network for educators, ASCD EDge™; expanded opportunities to come together through Web 2.0 interactive technologies; PD In Focus; education advocacy; or our work with the Whole Child Initiative, ASCD can serve as a catalyst for change by bringing together educators from across the globe to share ideas, provide professional development, and promote legislation that supports the needs of the whole child. As a united organization, we can help each other produce the next great generation of thinkers and innovators, problem solvers, and difference makers who will learn, teach, and lead us to a better tomorrow.
Current Position: Principal, Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, Md.
Education: B.A., Towson State University; M.S., Western Maryland College; doctoral student, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Career History and Highlights:2009 ASCD Outstanding Young Educator Award winner, middle school principal, director of alternative programs, high school assistant principal, high school English teacher.
ASCD and Affiliate Participation:2009 Emerging Leader; session presenter at ASCD Annual Conferences; keynote presenter at ASCD affiliate conferences; featured guest blogger for the Whole Child Blog; author of articles in ASCD publications, includingASCD Express; guest blogger on ASCD's blog, Inservice; featured in ASCD videos Mr. Cohen Goes to Washington, a two-part series produced and designed to promote educator advocacy; featured in ASCD Podcast "Partnering to Transform the Conditions of Learning: Families and Educators Together."
Mariann Helfant
What Is Your Vision for ASCD? Throughout its long history, ASCD has consistently striven to move from success to significance by adapting to the ever-changing education needs of learners, teachers, and leaders. ASCD has achieved its position as a worldwide, premier education organization through reflective planning and prudent, insightful decision making. Its current involvement with the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills and its support for the Whole Child Initiative represent its forward thinking and strong leadership. ASCD's growing presence as an instrument of political influence and global cooperation continue to place it in the forefront of education leadership.
As a Board member, I envision my role as one of support and contribution to the synergistic problem solving that will enable ASCD to continue on its current, successful path. As a committed advocate of collaboration, mentoring, and coaching, I would encourage input from ASCD's constituencies, especially affiliates, the heart and soul of ASCD, and make decisions based on the needs of members and well-being of the organization.
Of all the education organizations to which one can belong during a career, I have always felt passionate about my participation in ASCD and its governance. I welcome the opportunity to continue to be of service to the organization and its members.
Current Position: Adjunct, supervisor of student teachers, Fairleigh Dickinson University; mentor and coach, New Jersey Leader to Leader program, New Jersey State Department of Education and Foundation for Educational Administration
Education: B.S., University of Connecticut; M.A., Kean University; M.A. and Ed.D., Seton Hall University
Career History and Highlights:Elementary and middle school principal, 13 years; director of human resources and executive director of special academic projects, 3 years; teacher, elementary and middle school, 16 years; adjunct, Rider University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, 3 years; director, Fostering Change in School Culture Through Character Education Project, Rutgers University, 1 year; education consultant and presenter; author, "The Relationship Between 3rd and 4th Grade Everyday Mathematics Assessments and Performance on the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge"; recipient of Dodge Foundation Leadership Award (1997); 1991 Round Valley High School (N.J.) Teacher of the Year.