Databus Issue: 2006 1 02/13/2006
Transforming Education
Carl Fong 2005 Speaker Chair & 2006 Conference Chair
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Now that the successful 2005 CETPA conference is done and under our belts, we can rest. However, I wish that was true. The CETPA board is already planning the 2006 conference that will be held in Monterey.
As I write this article and reflect on the enormous amount of hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for any of the CETPA conferences, I realize that it is you, the members of the CETPA organization that have made the conference a success for more than 45 years. Whether you attended, presented or volunteered, you all played an important part.
First, as the 2005 CETPA Speaker Chair, I would like to thank all the presenters for their sessions. We had over 50 breakout sessions scheduled and even more that had to be declined due to space availability at the Fess Parker Doubletree. As I wandered around during the conference, several attendees complimented on the variety and interesting sessions that were going on and wished they could attend them all. In 2005, we looked at four pillars: 1) Secure and Reliable Infrastructure; 2) Technology Tools for Education; 3) Policy and Programs that Impact Education; and 4) New Learning Environments. These pillars build a strong foundation in which technology and leadership will build upon for the next generation.
Second, I would like to thank the docents that volunteered their conference time to get the sessions prepped and ready to go on time. The 2005 docents were:
• Chuck Berridge, Capistrano Unified School District
• Sandra Ching, Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
• Lisa Hayes, California School Information Services
• Molly Schaeffer, Poway Unified School District
• John Stamper, Orange County Department of Education
• Tim Templeton, Red Bluff Union High School District
• Jerry Walkowiak, Visalia School District
These were the folks that got up early and stayed late to make sure the presenters had everything they need. I am hoping I did not forget anyone and if I did, by accident, please accept my public apology.
Third, with all the sessions to keep track of and the network cables (just in case), a special thanks goes to Mona Banks and Julio Briones. Thank you Julio for making and certifying that the network cables for the breakout sessions were in correct order. Making and certifying 25 patch cables is a task in itself. How about the e-mails reminders and the constant tracking and changing of the sessions before the final print? Without Mona and her Post-its, I could have never have gotten things organized and on time.
Finally, after serving my first year on the CETPA board, I wish to extend my personal thank you to the board members for assisting and helping me with the 2005 Speaker Chair responsibilities. Their wisdom and guidance assisted me more than they could ever know. These are the hardest working and most dedicated individuals I know. The volunteering of their time and effort to this organization makes me proud to be a member of CETPA.
