Workshop 2008: The Closing General Session

Workshop 2008: The Closing General Session

The Closing General Session of Workshop 2008, being held on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3 - 4:30 p.m., features awards, a glimpse into the world of politics, and chances to win door prizes.

Awards Individual board members and local boards will be recognized for their achievements. Presentations will be made to nine individual board members who have earned Master Board Member certification, and to Ed Bladt, NJSBA’s first Certified Board Leader. In addition, boards will receive Board Certification and Board Recertification awards for training, and the School Leader awards for innovative educational programs that advance student achievement will be presented.

Politics As a sixth-grade teacher in the year 2000, Tierney Cahill, the closing keynote speaker, faced a class of disenchanted students. During a civics lesson, one student told her that “You can’t run for office in this country unless you’re a millionaire or unless you know a lot of millionaires.”

To show her students that any American could seek political office, Cahill mounted a campaign for Congress in Nevada. She had a war chest of only $7,000 and faced a long-term incumbent. Despite these odds, she captured 34 percent of the vote. Cahill will share her inspiring story, which is the focus of a newly published memoir, Ms. Cahill for Congress.

Prizes At the conclusion of the session, tickets will be drawn for valuable door prizes, including copies of Tierney Cahill’s book. Closing session attendees will receive a free ticket as they enter the session, and must be present at the time of the drawing to win.