|  For the Opening General Session, attendees will hear from Dave Weber. Weber, who is from Georgia, is no stranger to educators, having spoken to a number of education-related audiences around the country.
Weber, a captivating presenter and phenomenal story teller, has been described as a “Chihuahua on caffeine.” That type of energy, along with his insight, is sure to get attendees in the right frame of mind for three days of networking and learning. All educators deal with barriers, obstacles and challenges, and in Atlanta, Weber will share his motivational message about overcoming them. Look to leave this session excited, motivated and ready to learn. 
On Saturday, ACTE will close its 2006 Annual Convention and Career Tech Expo with Christopher Gardner. Gardner will share his inspirational rags-to-riches story with attendees. Twenty years ago, Gardner, now a successful broker, was homeless and living in a bathroom at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in Oakland, California. How he got there and how he managed to pull himself out will give attendees another reason to return to their classrooms and schools ready to help students succeed. Gardner credits his success not only to his strong work ethic, but also to the people in his life that gave him a chance. As educators know, giving students the opportunity to succeed is all that some of them need. ACTE invites Convention attendees to come and hear Gardner’s inspirational story. And, by the time you return home, the movie based on his life should be in theaters. In fact, you can watch the movie trailer now! Sandwiched in between these wonderful speakers on Friday, December 1, will once again be the ACTE National Awards presentations. It’s during this General Session that the best CTE educators in the nation are recognized for their hard work and dedication. Come and show your support for your colleagues. To learn more about Christopher Gardner, read what Yahoo! Movies had to say. | 
