Name: Virginia Turner
Occupation: Intervention Program Specialist
Employment History: Intervention Program Specialist, Georgia Department of Education (August 2004-present); Related Vocational Instruction Coordinator, Douglas County School System (1979-2004)
ACTE Involvement:
Division: ACTE/GACTE/GAVESNP Member (1994-present); ACTE National Convention Delegate (1997-present); ACTE Co-Presenter Special Needs Programs in Georgia (2002-2003)
Committees: ACTE/Special Populations Division Policy Committee Member (1997–present); ACTE/Special Populations Division Membership Committee Member (2001-present); ACTE/SND Cultural Diversity Board Member (1997–2001); ACTE Membership Alternate Vice-Chair (2005)
Other National, State and Local Involvement: President Special Needs Division – Georgia (1996-1998); Vice President State Board Liaison.
Platform Statement:
Being involved in Career and Technical Education over the years, I have learned that the best educators are those who are willing to be students. The experiences that have led me to develop my own personal styles have all been lessons that I have learned from my students.
As your Special Populations Division Vice President, I pledge to be involved, active and take a stand on issues that affect special populations and Career and Technical Education. I believe it is also important for our members to become involved and active in the issues. To make that happen they must be informed. Communication is often the key to keeping our members involved and active.
I believe our most important asset is our students. Our goal is to educate and provide career opportunities for them to be successful as they enter the world of work. With this in mind, as a leader in the organization it is important for me to share that with others. Also, we must share with others the importance of students being able to reach their goals and have the opportunity to focus on a career of their choosing. Because of their exposure in career areas, they will be able to make logical and mature choices that affect their future goals and earning potential.
To be a leader you must have a passion for your profession and willingness to take risk. I believe my experiences with ACTE and my state organization have provided me with the experiences to help in reaching the goals of ACTE and the Special Populations Division.
