As part of our 60th anniversary celebration, long-time members and leaders are sharing their reflections on being a part of the ASCD community. This month: Ray McNulty, ASCD President for 2003–04. In April, McNulty became education director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He previously served as Vermont's education commissioner and has been an active member of ASCD since 1976.
Ray McNulty
Noteworthy Changes: ASCD has grown to be very inclusive. From our early focus on principals and college and university professors, we have broadened our membership to include teachers and other education professionals. Teachers have embraced leadership roles in schools, and that has boosted ASCD membership.
Future Directions: Student chapters have historically been an area of slow growth—the little engine that could. Now they are showing amazing growth and bringing new blood to the membership ranks. The increase in student members will have a great payoff in the future.
ASCD networks are another promising area. When these groups of like-minded people come together from all around the world, it creates a synergy for education, bringing real power and energy.
Personal Perspective: An international perspective adds a new dynamic to educational discussions. My trips with ASCD's former Executive Council have given me opportunities to connect with educators from countries that were really struggling because of a lack of resources. Those educators shared great ideas and really influenced my thinking.