TCCTA Blog

Raffle Winners Announced

One of the most hazardous spots in the world is the space between a community college teacher and Fabulous Prizes. Nevertheless, the winners of the Raffle at the 2012 annual convention in Frisco received their goodies without inflicting or receiving any casualties. Mission accomplished!

Here are the lucky recipients (and many thanks to the sponsors of another successful TCCTA Raffle).

Worth Publishers Bag of Books:

Beverly Boling, Laredo Community College

Kathy Corley, North Central Texas College

Mary Escolar

Nancy Griffin, Tyler Junior College

Cathy Haley, Tarrant County College

Wiley Price $400 Scholarship to Wiley Learning Institute Seminars: Debra Dixon, Palo Alto College

TCCTA 66th Annual Convention 2 Free Nights at the Westin Galleria: Suzie Smith, Trinity Valley Community College

$100 Gift Voucher from Primal Pictures 3-D Anatomy Software: Laura Witherspoon, Panola College

MOBI View Wireless Interactive Whiteboard: Dan Mendoza, Lee College

$25 Gift Card from Half Price Books: Mary Becker, Ranger College

Join Us in Frisco!

It's time to prepare for the TCCTA annual convention, to be held in Frisco this week, on March 1-3. Our conference has never been to this particular site and we are anxious to check out the place. The headquarters is the beautiful Embassy Suites and Conference Center, where all official meetings will be conducted. For those staying in "overflow" hotels, you will find them conveniently located.

Here's a link with everything you need to know about the convention. If you wish to make precise plans in advance, have a look at this chronology. (Just click on the time frame to open up more information.) The chronology is designed to provide access during the convention as well, especially for those with portable devices such as "smart" phones.

A chronology will also be provided in the printed convention program, available at registration.

Join us!

Seminars Added to Program

The TCCTA Success and Technology Seminars, to be offered on Friday afternoon, March 2, during the annual convention in Frisco, now feature a pair of new additions. The list of offerings is longer than ever, reflecting their popularity with convention attendees.

The sessions are designed for teachers in all disciplines. Here's the complete slate of programs.

Here's a link for more convention information.

"Teaching for Student Success"

The Professional Development Seminar during the TCCTA annual convention is designed for teachers in all disciplines. This year's program, on Friday, March 2, at 1:00, is "Teaching for Student Success." Speaking will be Patrick Allitt, Cahoon Family Professor of American history at Emory University.

Here is more information on Dr. Allitt, who will also be speaking (on a different topic) as the keynoter of the General Session and Banquet, on Thursday, March 1. 

The convention this year will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Frisco. Here's a link to all convention and hotel information.

Join us!

Keynote: "Teaching and Civilization"

Please join us for the TCCTA Banquet and General Session, on Thursday, March 1, at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Frisco. The General Session is open to all registered members and their guests, but If you wish to purchase a banquet ticket, the deadline is today, February 17.

The keynote speaker, Patrick Allitt, will also speak the following day at the Professional Development Seminar.

More information on the General Session and Banquet (including ticket information) is available here.

Convention Programs Go Chronological

Now you can plan every moment (well, almost) during the forthcoming TCCTA convention. In addition to the programs listed by topic—section meetings, seminars, and special events—prospective attendees can click on the date and time to see what's up.

The new feature not only allows members to plan before coming to Frisco. It can also be accessed during the convention, most readily by those with hand-held or other portable devices, a number that is growing rapidly. If you don't know what to do next, you will know what to do next! (In a few years, the previous sentence will seem coherent and make perfect sense.)

Here's the link. Be sure to allow time for a few surprises, and abundant socializing with colleagues from all over Texas—not to mention the fine entertainment and dining opportunities in Frisco and surrounding areas. Here's a link, which includes registration and hotel information.

Technology and Success Seminars Now Complete

When making plans to attend the TCCTA annual convention in Frisco, March 1-3, be sure to allow time for the Technology and Success Seminars, which will take place on Friday afternoon, March 2, at 2:30 and 4:00. The selections are more varied and numerous than ever this year.

Those with laptop computers or other portable devices may wish to bring them, as some sessions may include hands-on instruction or free software.

The full schedule of these seminars is available here. Here's the link for convention and hotel information. Please join us!

GIFTS Sessions: For Faculty, By Faculty

The Professional Development Committee has arranged for a number of the highly popular Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS) sessions to be held at the TCCTA convention in Frisco. These brief programs offer specific ideas for teaching and are designed to be of practical use to educators in all disciplines.

Each session will last approximately 10 minutes, allowing participants to sample a variety of useful teaching techniques.

The sessions will be offered Friday, March 2, 8:00–9:15 a.m., at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center.

Coordinator of the GIFTS Sessions is Essie Childers, Blinn College.

Here's the full slate. Join us!

Convention Section Programs Now Complete

Regardless of discipline, you can find amazing professional development opportunities with the TCCTA Section programs at the 2012 annual convention in Frisco. Many of the sessions will be presented by noteworthy scholars and prize-winning authors, as well as practicing community college educators.

Over 100 discipline-specific programs are now complete. Here's the link. Just scroll down to the appropriate group or subject. Also please note the various programs and seminars on the right.

There is no other educational conference in the nation that can approach such opportunities at such bargain prices.

Join us! Here's more information.

Seminars Include Social Security Briefing

During the 2012 annual convention, the TCCTA Financial Planning Seminars will include a presentation on Social Security. Speaking will be John K. Round, an attorney who specializes in retirement issues, including trusts, probate, and estate planning. Mr. Round has over 30 years of experience advising clients on all aspects of state and federal law. Aspects of Social Security law pertaining to all prospective retirees will be featured in the presentation.

This seminar will be held on Friday, March 2, at 8:00 a.m.

On Saturday, March 3, at 8:00 a.m., a seminar will feature “Planning for Life after the Chalk,” with Lloyd Lowe Sr., founder and owner of LD Lowe Sr. Wealth Advisory. The firm has won many accolades, including a Five Star award from Texas Monthly.

The session is designed for members of the Texas Teacher Retirement System and participants in the Optional Retirement Program.