ACTE Conference Report

By Mryon Sonne

First things first:  thanks to SDACTE for the stipend which was of great assistance in helping me get to the ACTE conference.  I believe that this was one of the best conferences that I have attended and I have had the opportunity to attend many. Possibly this was because Coleen Keffeler was the national president.  In addition I thought that the speakers were very good and if they were not knowledgeable of ACTE and our goals and achievements for and with students they had me fooled.  Several were involved with education so they understood our challenges.  One speaker said something that I think that we just need to be reminded of—the people that you surround yourself with is what brings success, and then let them know that you do appreciate them for what they add to the equation.  Over 6000 were in attendance at the conference.

I was especially impressed with the US Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily DeRocco.  She really knows how we can help educate the work force and the challenges we have at this time in having time with students during the regular school schedule.  I believe that she will be helpful with funding proposals at the national level.

As always the exhibitors were present in large numbers but they were concentrated on a few areas.  Dr. Clark Hanson counted the number of sit down hands on opportunities that were presented and they were in the hundreds.  Needless to say you could get involved.

ACTE Executive Director Janet Bray reminded us of why we were a member and why all who teach vocational-technical courses should be a member.  This conference is only second to our own state conference in keeping the fire within our hearts for what we do.  I also attended the business meeting for ACTE Region V and NAAE Region III.  I would recommend that you look into going to the regional in April in California, 2009 -Washington or 2010 in Alaska.  The regional meeting is really where the wishes of you and I begin and then culminate in actions and activities at the national level.  You will develop some close professional friends at the regional meeting, and you get more time to be together and as Past President Widman would say “network”.

South Dakota stands tall with our members-Joan Anderson was named ACTE Teacher of the Year, and five SDVATA  members were recognized.  Dr. Clark Hanson-Outstanding Service, Lori Williams-Outstanding Young Member and Turn the Key award, Bill Lehman-Exchange of Ideas, Terry Rieckman-Outstanding Teacher and Myron Sonne-Outstanding Mentor.  Mr. Rieckman receives a new Toyota pickup to use for two years for $1.00.  I apologize if I omitted others that were honored.  To mention again Coleen Keffeler represented us in super fashion, leading us during the general sessions and presiding at the annual meeting.

I sure felt like a country boy when $3.00 water, $4.00 soda and $8.00 beer seemed pretty expensive.  The ACTE Networking Reception and Silent Auction was well received and I felt pretty good when the hors d’oeuvres came out and I asked a southern bell what she was eating—she didn’t know but thought that it was delicious.  I tried it, nothing but chicken livers wrapped in bacon.  She did not take another one, but I always have liked them so I ate her share.

The main business item was that the delegate body approved allowing the Board of Directors to set the dues without going to the members.  The main supportive comment was that you should elect people to the board that represent your view, therefore they would vote the way that you feel.  The main objection that one person on the board cannot vote cannot vote the feelings of all, so maybe by member vote it would be different.  Passed 135 to 65.  Bylaws say that changes only need majority to pass.

Thank you again for allowing me to represent South Dakota at the conference.  The stipend was much appreciated.