It’s summer in-service time out in the states as teachers and administrators are gearing up for the new school year. This past Wednesday, I attended the Virginia Association for Trade and Industrial Education Summer Conference in Richmond. There were over 400 Virginia instructors and administrators in attendance. The SkillsUSA Virginia student officers worked at the conference all week and did a great job opening the closing banquet for teachers and administrators.

I was proud to be a keynote speaker at the banquet alongside Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. My presentation addressed CTE and SkillsUSA’s role in the current economy and the work force needs to rebuild America. I was also asked to give a live online demonstration of our Skill Connect Assessments, and they were well received by the group.

It was great to meet our new corporate member Ed Sullivan from the Virginia Department of Education. It was also great to speak with the CTE Director for Virginia’s largest school district, Fairfax County Public Schools, Chad Maclin, who told me ALL Fairfax CTE programs will have 100% SkillsUSA membership in 2010. Thanks to SkillsUSA Virginia and State Association Director, David Rathbone, and the VATIE organization for this great opportunity.