Happy New Year from Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children!
With the start of 2012, I want to take the opportunity to introduce myself as your new Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children Board President. For the next year I have the privilege of serving you in this capacity, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue on the tradition of dedicated leadership for the organization. Pennsylvania has remained one of the strongest state units in the country for Council for Exceptional Children, and many of our members' voices are heard and respected at the state and federal levels.
As an organization we have made a commitment to move towards a more "green" management of information and communication. By going green we not only help to preserve the environment, but we are also able to more directly and regularly communicate with you in a cost effective manner via electronic newsletters and email. As your president, I commit to regular email and newsletter communication on updates about what PACEC is accomplishing, important hot topics impacting our field, and letting you know ways you can get involved and make a difference! My goal is for the communication to be two ways, and I would like to hear from you! Please let me know what is going on in the field, what concerns you have, what is important to you and your work, and ideas about what we can do as an organization to best serve you our members. Please feel free to reach out to me and/or any of the board members. The website, pacec-sped.org has email contacts for all positions.
After hearing from Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis during our 52nd Annual PACEC Conference in November, we know that big changes are being considered that could impact our students and those who support them every day. Now more than ever it is important to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. Please consider how you can help make a difference and get involved.
In the upcoming year I plan on implementing a one year strategic plan. With the support of the board I plan to move PACEC forward and strengthen our organization's ability to support students with exceptionalities and those who serve them each day. I want to publically thank all of the current and past board members for the amazing commitment of time and talents they have given to help PACEC be influential and vibrant. We have a solid foundation to build upon and the future is bright. A few of the goals I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year are as follows:
- Increase public relations and visibility of PACEC
- Increase membership
- Develop connections and coalitions with stakeholders
- Increase communication and benefits to members
- Increase advocacy efforts at the state and national levels
- Develop and strengthen the PACEC board
- Maintain and further develop financial stability for the organization
If you are interested in helping to accomplish any of the goals stated above, or are otherwise interested in getting more involved, please let me know. We are always looking for committed people who are willing to help and eager to serve. It is only through your support that we can take PACEC to the next level in 2012 and for years to come. Email me at
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Congratulations to the 2012 officers and board members! We are privileged to be served by a wonderful group of leaders. Feel free to reach out to any of the board members at any time. Please check out the website for a full list of officers and board members, as well as to find email contacts for each!
We have an exciting year ahead of us. I hope you will join me in fulfilling our goal to be the voice and vision of special and gifted education in Pennsylvania!
Keep up the good work!
M. Christopher Tabakin
PACEC President
