Dear IVETA Member,
I suspect many of us are happy to see 2020 in the past. For a lot of us we were faced with a host of challenges…including but not limited to the loss of family members, friends, students, and/or co-workers. To those who have experienced loss, I am truly sorry.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we shop, learn, teach, stay socially connected, seek medical assistance, perform business and so on. If nothing else, the past year has taught us that change is inevitable and one needs to be adaptable in order to survive…still yet there are no guarantees.
Accordingly, there are a few goals your newly seated board plans to pursue as follows:
- Ensure our peer-reviewed journal returns to a quarterly format;
(We are fully aware that many of our members rely on this periodical for new teaching ideas while others seek an academic venue to publish their research)
- Design/Develop/Implement an auditing process for certifying TVET programs;
(Several schools in developing countries reached out to us during the past election cycle about offering such a service)
- Deliver bi-monthly webinars covering “hot” TVET topics; and
(This format may need to suffice until our world opens back up for travel and we can hold our next “Annual” conference)
- Develop a new strategic plan as the current one just expired.
As we embark on the beginning of a new year, I ask that you consider becoming an “active” member. Why? Because in order to improve, we need YOU! As we find our footing over the next few months, I ask that you stay in contact with your regional Vice President. Please submit your ideas, accomplishments, etc. Try to do this at least two times before the end of this year. Sharing your promising practices or program/students’ needs with others will help ensure that we truly are developing a community of professionals.
I urge all of you to take time for self-care. We cannot serve others well if “we” first do not strive for a balanced life: mind, body, and spirit. (See: https://www.edweek.org/education/opinion-educators-dont-forget-about-your-own-mental-health/2020/09)
Please let me know how I might be of assistance in your endeavors.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2021,
Respectfully;
John
Dr. John Gaal
President
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