Martha Bruckner
As part of our 60th anniversary celebration, long-time members and leaders are sharing their thoughts on being part of the ASCD community. President-Elect Martha Bruckner has served on the former Executive Council and the new ASCD Board of Directors. She has been a member of both ASCD and Nebraska ASCD for 23 years. She is associate superintendent for educational services in Millard Public Schools, Omaha.
Reaching Out: I've witnessed ASCD's growth in influence and partnership building over the years. Members are meeting their commitments to teaching and learning by becoming more active in political discussions that affect education. The Association has done a marvelous job of increasing its influence without making enemies, thereby ensuring that we will continue to be invited to the discussion table.
Fond Memories: On a personal note, I vividly remember becoming engaged to my dear husband at the ASCD Annual Conference in San Francisco in 1991. Evidently, ours is one of numerous marriages among ASCD members. On a more professional note, William Glasser probably changed my life with his message at an Annual Conference in the mid-1980s. At other ASCD conferences I first heard such exciting speakers as Alfie Kohn and Carl Glickman in person. Their messages have greatly influenced my life and practice.
Personal Perspective: ASCD has helped mold the educator I've become, and that's true for many of my colleagues around the world. It is the organization that we turn to for vital information about teaching. Along the way, I've met many extremely dedicated educators who are in this profession because they passionately believe that children and society deserve the best. I trust that ASCD will stand up for what's right and will always be looking for what's next in the evolution of our profession.