A President's farewell. (President's Message).

As my term as President of the Association for Childhood Education International draws to a close, I want to thank you, the membership, for giving me the opportunity to serve and represent you as President of this outstanding organization. These two years have seen some never-to-be-forgotten events that will affect our lives for years to come.

Two events stand out. On September 11, 2001, the world experienced an event of terrorism that continues to drive decisions at the United Nations and in countries throughout the world. The horror of terrorist attacks has continued in other places throughout the world. The other event occurred more recently with the breakup of the spaceship Columbia. The space program has changed many of our lives, as equipment and supplies that were originally developed for the astronauts have been adapted for items and devices used in our daily lives.

In thinking about these two events, I am struck by the opposing forces in our world. The space program, now shared with other nations of the world, works for the common good. The many scientific experiments will aid all of us, as will the ideas developed to aid the spaceship and crew. Terrorism, on the other hand, is destructive and damaging to all citizens, economies, and countries.

I write about this to you because the future leaders of the world sit in our classrooms. Whether we are classroom teachers or the faculty who prepare teachers and other educational personnel, we hold the potential to help develop these future leaders. More important, we hold the potential to guide these children and youth into productive lives.

This is an awesome responsibility, and one not to be taken lightly. I have seen your dedication to the children with whom you work every day. Through personal discussions with you over the past two years, I have heard your concerns for our profession and the dedication you express for your chosen life's work. I found this dedication shining through over and over again in your writing for ACEI publications.

As I close out my term, I want to express to you again my gratitude for the opportunity to serve such an awesome and responsible organization. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.