Post-Conference Debrief

Pacific ASCD is now back in California and we're back to attending classes and going to our fieldwork classrooms.  We had a blast in Philadelphia meeting all of the student chapters, networking with many of the important people within ASCD and attending many of the intriguing sessions.  We've made new friends from schools all over the country and we are excited to keep in touch with everyone.  All of us enjoyed the time we spent in Philadelphia and we can't wait for the conference in Chicago next year!

-Pacific ASCD

In a History Mood

I started out today with Abraham Lincoln, then went to the General Session with Dr. Atul Gawande, a surgeon, who talked about learning through observations and further learning after you've reached a plateau in performance. It was actually really interesting and he received a Standing Ovation at the end.  Then, I continued my history day with a session about using Primary Sources in the classroom through the Library of Congress and we learned a really neat way to introduce primary source images into lessons.  Because Jen and I got out of the Primary Source session early, we decided to go explore the Reading Terminal Market.  There, we got some chocolate to snack on to help pass the time between our sessions.  Now, we are waiting in our next session (also history related to go along with the history streak) called "Medal of Honor: Lessons of Bravery and Self-Sacrifice" and eating our chocolate.

Not sure what sessions everyone else has been to today because we split up, but my Exit Buddy (Jen) and I are having fun with our Primary Sources and other history buff stuff.

-Valerie Yim

Lincoln's Legacy

Waiting for my first session to start.  I'm in a session called Advocating Respect for All: Lincoln's Legacy for School Leaders.  The history nerd in me is kind of tweaking out right now- connecting Abraham Lincoln to education is so neat.  This is a phenomenal session so far! Great information about leadership, effective communication, diversity, and hope.

I also won an #ASCDcuriosity shirt.

-Valerie Yim

Conference Day 1

Whooooo! What a day! Started off by going to the Student Chapter Session and learning about new ideas for Pacific ASCD. From there went and saw the opening session with Storm Chaser Reed Timmer, along with seeing two great individuals receive the Outstanding Young Educator Award. I will always remember "Never stop chasing your dream" -Reed Tiimmer.

After that went and had lunch from the local market and went to the Session about Serious Fun, incorporating fun activities in a serious classroom environment. Learned great tools and techniques that I can't wait to apply to my teaching in a few years.

From the session we went to the exhibit hall and saw a bunch of teaching tools and other materials that can be used in the classroom. Again another great time.

From there it was off to the Presidents Gala, with the other Student Chapters and other distinguished ASCD members. We had some dinner, and then the Chapters hit the dance floor, dancing to the band play some oldies. After a great time of dancing, a few of us headed out to continue the fun a karaoke night!

 Philadelphia has proven historic, and fun all at the same time. Can't wait for what's to come!

-David Tomaselli

It's RAINING

We walked out of the Marriott Hotel that the President's Gala was at and it was POURING. We ran back to our hotel and despite how close we are, (2 blocks, max) we were SOAKED.  Back at our hotel now drying off and doing homework... Wish we could all go karaoke with the other student chapters instead of doing homework...

-Valerie Yim

Great first day so far

I kind of want to try chasing tornadoes now. Great first session this morning with Reed Timmer from the Discovery Channel.  I also went to a session about Sexting and Cyberbullying- super informative and even more relevant right now.  Heading to the President's Gala tonight.

-Valerie Yim

PS. An awesome quote from today: "What's worse than being blind is being able to see, but having no vision." -Helen Keller

Saturday Morning

Saturday morning has started of really well and I hope it's foreshadowing the rest of the conference. This morning started off with the Student Chapter Meeting which was wonderful! We got so many ideas from the other students. They gave us great ideas such as: getting involved with California ASCD, holding professional development events on the weekend instead of the weekdays, and holding our own conference at our school.

After, we went to the General Session with Reed Timmer. This session was full of great quotes, from both Reed Timmer and Matt Mcclure who won the Outstanding Young Educator Award. Matt Mcclure said, "Have the vision to make it happen." He said this in reference to Hellen Keller saying something about the only thing being worse than being blind, is to be blind without vision. Reed Timmer said, "You've got to love what you do." and at the end of his session, he said, "Never stop chasing."

~Tracy Johnston

General session

Waiting for the general session to start. The president of ascd is playing a steel drum!!! I can't wait for the storm chaser Reed Timmer! -Lauren Meehleis

Student chapter meeting!!

So excited to see all the student chapters at the meeting this morning!!-Lauren Meehleis

The Welcome Session

Here is an image of all of the Pacific ASCD members who are attending the Conference.  From left to right: Lauren, Michael, Valerie, Dr. Arnold, David, Tracy, Jen, and Ashlee.  We thoroughly enjoyed the larger than life Declaration of Independence!
-Ashlee Freeman

What a full Day!

Today the group went to the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission that is located only a couple of blocks from the convention center.  Due to the high volume of residents at the mission , they are blamed for all the trash located in the surrounding blocks of the mission.  Today many student chapters including us participated in the ASCD sponsored service project where we helped to clean up the area surrounding the mission.  A local resident and a couple of homeless men thanked us for cleaning up the area.  The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is one of the oldest in Philly.  After the service project, the group went and tried the famous Philly cheasesteak!  Some members have never had one before!!  We continued with some historical site seeing which included Betsy Ross' house! (She designed the U.S. Flag)  Then we all met back up for the welcome session at the convention center.  Dr. Arnold introduced us to many of her friends and colleagues here at the conference.  One of which included the ASCD President!  It was a pleasure to meet and talk to principals and administrators across the country and it really opened my eyes to all the possibilities a teacher has.  Afterwards, the group went back to complete more homework and also edit the Pacific ASCD student chapter PowerPoint for the tomorrow morning's student chapter meeting.  We made sure that everyone was included and would have something to say.  Our group is small enough that we can all go in front of the other student chapters and explain the things that Pacific ASCD is part of.  Now everyone is checking the sessions to go to and making a game plan for tomorrow for optimal learning at the conference.  Tomorrow will be a busy day.
-Ashlee Freeman

Meeting Other Student Chapters

Today, we met students from the ASCD Chapters at: Penn State, Plymouth State, Western Oregon University, Hofstra University, and another New Hampshire School.  We participated in the student chapter service day and the Welcome Session with them will see them again tomorrow morning for the Student Chapter Meeting, where we will learn about the activities and other programs that they put on.


-Valerie Yim

Sunday Breakfast Association Project

Pacific ASCD at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
We helped clean up the streets of Philadelphia!

-Valerie Yim

We are relaxing after a long day sightseeing and meeting important people at the Welcome Session with Dr. Arnold! Here we are with the CEO of ASCD, Dr. Gene Carter and President of ASCD, Paul Healey.

-Valerie Yim

Ignite and Welcome Gathering

Just got back from a full day! Went to the Ignite Session with other Student Chapters and Emerging Leaders, learned great new things, especially in the technology department!

We are also now on Twitter! Follow us @PacificASCD

-David Tomaselli

Welcome reception!!

Taking pictures and eating with our wonderful advisor Dr. Arnold at the ASCD welcome reception!!

Community service project

Helping clean the streets of Philly.-Lauren

Dinner and Homework

Pacific ASCD spent half the day learning about the all the amazing history in Philadelphia.  After all the excitement of traveling and seeing the city, everyone was wore out!  We went to dinner at Chili's down the street from our hotel.  We shared lots of laughs and stories from the day.  We went back to the hotel early since we are all tired and have papers due while we are here.  Trying to get as much done tonight as possible before the ASCD conference gets into full swing and their is no time to complete it.  Tomorrow we get up early to check in and meet up with other student chapters for the service project all by 8 am!  Tired and excited can't wait until tomorrow!
-Ashlee Freeman

Save and Sound in Philly

We have officially made it to Philly and into our rooms! Ready for a great weekend ahead of us!
-David Tomaselli

Delay...

We have an hour delay to Philadelphia. But don't worry, we had pizza for breakfast!

~Tracy Johnston

Good Morning Sunshine!

Halfway through the flight from Sacramento to Atlanta.

Almost there!!

We are in Georgia!! It's almost 7:00 and it's still dark outside. I think it's nap time.-Lauren Meehleis

Waiting at Sacramento International Airport.

~Tracy Johnston

Starting our journey

We are at the sac airport waiting for our flight to philadelphia!!! -Lauren Meehleis

Look out for members of Pacific ASCD wearing these shirts at the Student Chapter Service Day!

Designed by our own Graphic Design Co-Chair Michelle Wang

Conference Blogging

While we are in Philadelphia, we will all blog about our experiences at the Conference.  The following people will be posting:

Lauren Meehleis- Lauren is a junior in the Benerd School of Education. She is the President of Pacific ASCD.  She is very involved at the University of the Pacific and is a part of: Pacific ASCD, Delta Delta Delta, the School of Education Student Association and the Math and Science Club.  Lauren hopes to teach from 3rd-5th grades.

Valerie Yim- Valerie is a junior in the Benerd School of Education. She is the Vice President of Pacific ASCD.  She is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  She is the President of Kappa Delta Epsilon, part of the School of Education Student Association and the Math and Science Club.  She hopes to teach from 2nd-4th grades.

Jen Paul- Jen is a junior in the College of the Pacific. She is the treasurer of Pacific ASCD.  She is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  She is involved in Delta Delta Delta and is part of the School of Education Student Association.  She hopes to teach History at the High School level.

Ashlee Freeman- Ashlee is a junior in the Benerd School of Education. She is the Secretary of Pacific ASCD.  She  is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  She is a member of Kappa Delta Epsilon, Treasurer of the School of Education Student Association and is part of the Math and Science Club.  She hopes to teach elementary school.

Tracy Johnston- Tracy is a junior in the Benerd School of Education. She is the Fundraising Chair of Pacific ASCD.  She is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  She is a member of Kappa Delta Epsilon, part of the School of Education Student Association and the Math and Science Club.  She hopes to teach Kindergarten and is interested in Special Education.

Michael Williamson- Michael is a junior in the Benerd School of Education. He is the Constitution and Bylaws Chair of Pacific ASCD.  He is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  He is the Vice President of Kappa Delta Epsilon, part of the School of Education Student Association and the Math and Science Club.  He is also a Student Adviser.  He hopes to teach elementary school.

David Tomaselli- David is a sophomore in the Benerd School of Education. He is a member of Pacific ASCD.  He is very involved at the University of the Pacific.  He is part of the School of Education Student Association.  He hopes to teach elementary school.

Getting Ready for Philadelphia!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Pacific ASCD is getting ready to go to Philadelphia for the International ASCD Conference! We are busy finishing homework, packing and getting ready to make new friends and gain new knowledge in the field of education.

A little bit about us:

Pacific ASCD is comprised of Pre-Service Teachers and Graduate Students in the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA.  We put on professional development events, give back to our community and use ASCD publications in our work at the Benerd School of Education.  We are led by Dr. Harriett Arnold, one of the Board of Directors of ASCD.  Seven members of Pacific ASCD are gearing up to go to Philadelphia and we can't wait!


If you would like to contact us, please visit our Facebook page or email us at pacificascd@gmail.com.