Greetings,
Two days before the Spring Conference a crazy man showed
up at my school with a high powered hunting rifle. It
was the end of the day and students were leaving to get
on busses to go home. Listening to the voices in his head
he started shooting. Two of our students were hit. In
an instant, life changed. You haven't lived until you
have been escorted from your school building by a SWAT
team.
Needless to say, when I arrived at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Wednesday night before the conference,
I was a bit distracted. I am especially indebted to the
members of the Board. You will never know how much I appreciate
all your hard work. You are an amazing group of people!
You are not only outstanding teachers and leaders of the
language education community; you are extremely efficient,
intelligent, creative and dependable people. I am blessed
to have had you all on my team. You were patient, friendly
and nurturing. You blew sunshine my direction and energized
me when the clouds from the week's events threatened to
overtake me.
It
has been very gratifying to receive such positive comments
about the Spring Conference. I was happy so many of you
were able to attend, in spite of the budget constraints
each of you have been feeling in your districts. Attending
this year's conference showed your commitment to your
own professional growth. Chances are good that the funding
to attend professional development events like the Spring
Conference have dried up and are no longer available.
Many of you had to pay your own way. I am overwhelmed
by your enthusiasm for professional development and passion
for teaching.
The
actual key to the success of this year's Spring Conference
was the outstanding workshop and session presenters who
made this year's conference worthwhile and stimulating.
The variety of topics presented was truly remarkable!
I have received numerous positive comments about the quality
of the presentations at this year's conference. Thanks
to all of you for sharing your expertise with your CCFLT
colleagues. Without you there would be no Spring Conference.
I
would like to thank all the hundreds of presenters, session
hosts, student volunteers, sponsors, award and grant recipients,
essay writers, and general attendees for coming together
to participate in our continuing efforts to provide a
positive professional opportunity in the area of foreign
language education. A big thank-you goes out to the exhibitors
who displayed their products. Without their financial
support, CCFLT would not be able to underwrite the conference.
Several exhibitors generously sponsored conference activities,
donated prizes, and presented sessions.
Special
thanks go out to Jack Berckemeyer, whose keynote address
was incredibly entertaining and funny. If you missed it
you missed a good time.
Have
a wonderful end of the school year, and a restful and
restorative summer vacation. I have really enjoyed serving
as president this year and I have greatly appreciated
your enthusiastic support.
Remember
to Celebrate the Journey!!
Dale
Crum
CCFLT President 2009-2010
