Message From the President

Dear PAVESNP Member: 

The 31st Annual Pennsylvania Association of Vocational Education Special Needs Personnel (PAVESNP) Mid-Winter Conference will be held on Sunday, March 2 and Monday, March 3, 2008 at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA.  The theme of the Conference is Connecting Education and Careers for Special Populations. 

This year's Conference will address an array of topics of interest to special needs instructors, support staff and administrators. Presentations by Pennsylvania Department of Education staff will address the new Perkins legislation including programs of study, academic support and assessment for program placement and transition as well as information about innovative programs in local career and technical education centers.  And this is only a partial list!  General session speakers, concurrent sessions and networking are highlights of the Conference. 

As part of this Conference, the Association sponsors the Life/Work Challenge Award to recognize graduating secondary students who have overcome barriers to reach their potential.  The Association also honors the Outstanding Vocational Special Needs Teacher of the Year, Direct Vocational Special Needs Support Person of the Year and the Indirect Provider of Major Support Services and Contributions to the Field of Vocational Special Needs Education.  Detailed information is on our website - take a minute to look at these award categories and nominate a deserving colleague and/or student.  The deadline for these award applications is January 31, 2008.

The Pre-Conference will be held on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2.  Separate registration is required for the Pre-Conference.

 Act 48 Professional Education Hours will be available for both the Pre-Conference and the Conference.

Join me at the Conference.

Brenda Kaufman
President