President’s Message
Gwen Scarborough

May 1, 2010

I was not able to attend the SCACTE February meeting, and I apologize. When this responsibility is assumed, there is also the possibility of family emergencies; such was the case in February.

One mission I have felt compelled to follow through with is urging my CTE teachers to join the organization. If you obtain a roster of your district membership, it will certainly surprise you how few join. As I mentioned in the newsletter, I never doubted the importance of membership – from the time I first was introduced to the organization. If a colleague asks why he/she should join, they need no further reason than advocacy. We need a voice in Washington, and ACTE provides that voice. Congressmen only know what they are told by staffers (most of the time). If our state leaders can develop a relationship with legislators and congressmen, then they will remember how we serve our youth. They will remember that it is a separate funding stream from all others. They will remember that student from their district that you told them about when you emailed or spoke to them.

Instead of attending the National Policy Seminar, I felt it was more important to attend the SCBEA spring conference and the Health Science Education Leadership Conference. I made the right decision.

At the SC Business Education Association, I was welcomed by all members. I appreciate the fact I was allowed to move between the meetings and greet all the guests and division meetings, talking about SCACTE/ACTE. The business teachers are our largest division, and I do appreciate their participation in our association and the complexity of their subject matter! I am amazed that they can stay abreast of technology as rapidly as it is “updated” by vendors and industries; My hat is off to them. I am also so proud of the connection they developed between our secondary schools and secondary institutions. President Tina Crews and President Elect Lynn Keane were busy coordinating all the workshops, vendors, and questions by attendees. I appreciate being their guest at the breakfast meeting Saturday morning as the meeting closed. The highlight for me was the opportunity to speak to Lynn’s new teachers at USC, who were practice teaching this term. The executive committee agreed we wanted to welcome these new teachers and introduce them to SCACTE/ACTE with free student membership. Ray Boland and Tammy Haile joined me for this meeting to answer questions and welcome them to the world of education and the importance of being a member of the only professional organization that is 100% committed to all CTE teachers by protecting and educating all public entities of the intent of the Carl Perkins Act.

At the Health Science Education Conference, I was the guest of the division. I was grateful to be allowed to speak to the many attendees concerning the importance of the HSE advisory committee (new revised handbook/power point presentation for advisory committee) and the importance of membership to SCACTE/ACTE. I enjoyed, again, getting to know the teachers and listening to their success stories and the concerns they have as educators.

We know membership will be our most important priority this year. And, as I have said time and again: membership has never been more critical – than it is this year. We need a voice more than ever. We need you to share the good news of CTE and the impact you have on your students – to those that may make the difference: your state legislators and your members in Washington. Please know that you can make a difference.

Gwen W. Scarborough
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Division of Academic Services
Berkeley County School District
Post Office Box 608
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Telephone: 843.899.8646
Cell Number: 843.607.6609
Fax: 843.899.8792