Hi Everyone, Welcome to NACCTEP's Fall Institute, Reflecting on the Legacy of Community College Teacher Education Programs Over the Past 20 Years! My name is Julie Ferin and I am proud to serve as the Executive Director of NACCTEP. I also serve as an Instructional Coordinator for Rio Salado College’s Educator Preparation Program overseeing curriculum and instruction and this is my eighteenth year working in community college teacher education. I am a former community college student who always dreamed of being a classroom teacher. It seems chiche’, but I never considered another career. I hope to see community colleges continue providing pathways to bring effective, life-changing teachers into the classroom to inspire students. In the next 20 years, I hope that more teachers feel valued and admired by their students, local communities and nation-wide. Having the Legacy of NACCTEP joining in the panel discussion tomorrow is a huge honor. I want to recognize Dr. Cheri St. Arnauld; Dr. Ray Ostos; Mrs. Kim Tobey; and Dr. Linda Gronberg-Quinn as leaders of NACCTEP, who have dedicated their careers to education and ensuring their voices are elevating the teaching profession. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone! Julie

I am excited welcome you all to the NACCTEP Now Blog! My name is Julie Ferin, and I am thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of NACCTEP. A little about myself, for as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher and attending community college after high school was the first step toward this goal. I had a wonderful community college experience with inspiring teachers who believed in me every step of the way. If someone would have told me that my career would be working in teacher education at a community college, I would have thought that is the perfect fit for me! I am fortunate to have the opportunity to inspire students in reaching their goals. My experience as a classroom teacher guides me everyday as I work with those who dream of being a teacher, current educators who seek professional development as well as those who want to give back to the classroom after a career in teaching. I feel strongly that providing resources and opportunities that are useful to current and future classroom teachers as well as sharing tools to effectively mentor, coach and evaluate k-12 teachers may be one way to garner more members as well as positively influence the future of such a rewarding profession. As a member of NACCTEP it is very important that we are offering the resources and services that are helpful to you in your role. If you don't see what you need, please reach out to me at julie.ferin@riosalado.edu or nacctep@riosalado.edu 480-517-8074. I look forward to getting to know you! ~Julie Ferin Executive Director