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VANAS 2008
VANAS 2008 Teachers Conference
Embracing Our Connections • CIC-Valencia
Friday, January 25, 2008
On January 25, Colegio Internacional de Carabobo (CIC-Valencia) in Valencia, Venezuela, welcomed teachers and administrators from Venezuela and beyond to the VANAS 2008 Teachers Conference. The Venezuelan Association of North American Schools (VANAS) annually hosts this conference at one of three VANAS schools, and this year it was proudly hosted under the direction of Director Joe Houston Walker on the CIC-Valencia campus, an educational environment world-renowned for its beauty and grandeur.
Over 400 international educators from Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Aruba, Curacao, and the USA came together to celebrate this year’s theme of “Embracing Our Connections.” All in attendance eagerly arrived looking forward to a day dedicated to connecting, relaxing, and learning together. It was a sunny joyful day that allowed teachers the time and opportunity to embrace their connections as international educators and share their learning and expertise with one another.
After a light and healthy breakfast that featured assorted sandwiches, pastries, fruits, juices, coffees, and teas, VANAS 2008 attendees were pleased to welcome keynote speaker Ms. Elsa Lamb, Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE). Ms. Lamb’s keynote address was “Building a Global Society through International Education,” and she was remarkable in her ability to capture our changing world, the implications of that change, and how we as educators will play our part in our global society’s future. Her remarks prompted us to consider where we have been in education, where are, and where we will soon go.
VANAS 2008 was also honored to have Dr. William F. Johnston, Director of Academia Cotopaxi and President of AASSA (Association of American Schools in South America). Dr. Johnston provided an update on current educational research with three sessions throughout the day: “Schools, Change, and the Future” and a double session “Pulling the Research Together” that updated educators on effectiveness research in instruction, administration and other applicable areas. Dr. Johnston’s workshops were very well attended and offered a wealth of new information.
And VANAS 2008 presented a special welcome to Mr. Paul Poore, Executive Director of the Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA), who joined us and was amongst the many educational dignitaries and leaders of the Latin American world of international education.
The VANAS 2008 Teachers Conference could not have been nearly as successful without the support of Dr. William Scotti, our Regional Education Officer from the Office of Overseas Schools, US Department of State. We thank Dr. Scotti’s for his contribution. His care and leadership are immeasurable and greatly appreciated. And we express gratitude to Rick Gray, our TIE-Care representative, for his generous financial support and participation. Rick always has useful and up-to-date financial and tax information for the many who rely on his expertise year after year. He truly serves us and our needs as international educators.
Finally, the reason VANAS 2008 was such a success and the reason we connected so well: all the teachers and administrators who offered of themselves and their expertise through their various workshop presentations, essentially giving the conference its special meaning and essence. A very special thank you goes to you all! The connections that each of your workshops created is why our bonds were strengthened and why we will harvest better student learning well into the future.
Finally, the VANAS 2008 Teachers Conference is a labor of love. Many hours went into preparing for this event and it would be impossible to thank all the people in the CIC community who devoted their time and energy to its success. From the delicious lunch that featured beef, chicken, fish, salads, assorted side dishes, and “to die for” desserts to the wonderful decorations, exciting raffle, and exhilarating social event featuring sparkling live entertainment, it was a memorable day.
VANAS 2008 simply could not have accomplished all this without you and your dedication to serving others who in turn serve the students of today -- the leaders of tomorrow.
We thank you!
Conference Highlights
Click for VANAS 2008 Photo Highlights!
