We set aside each February to celebrate you, our wonderful members, during Member Appreciation Month—four weeks packed with special free resources and opportunities to win valuable prizes (iste.org/memberappreciation). We applaud the commitment you make
to pursue your own professional development. It is your driving passion for innovation—despite the roadblocks and detours along the way—that is transforming learning and teaching and preparing students for their rapidly changing world.
The road to innovation can be lonely, with no maps or street signs to guide you. Educators are often isolated in their classrooms, unable to see around the next bend what others may be trying. Think of ISTE as your personal GPS that will show you the way just when you need inspiration and new ideas the most! We take this journey seriously, knowing you depend on us to connect you with the latest trends and thought leaders. Staff and volunteers are committed to developing the very best print and online resources and professional development opportunities.
But make no mistake. You are our best resource. The enthusiastic members who make up ISTE’s communities generously offer a wealth of knowledge and resources. The ongoing connections they foster support not only ISTE members like you, but also your students and colleagues who benefit from your new ideas and experiences. Some of our most active communities are the special interest groups (SIGs), which offer year-round book clubs and webinars; databases of resources; newsletters; and workshops, sessions, forums, and networking activities at ISTE’s annual conference. With 21 groups, you’re sure to find one or several that match your interests—and they are free to join!
Our members also work on ISTE-led projects to advance the field and advocate for change. Members support the development of ISTE’s NETS, digital age standards for students, teachers, and administrators. Others write for ISTE’s membership magazine, blog, and journals; review papers; judge awards; present at conferences; and serve on ISTE’s committees or board of directors. Thousands of ISTE members are contributing their time, expertise, and leadership year-round to a whole much greater than themselves. We encourage you to explore these communities, access great peer-generated resources, and see what
everyone’s talking about. It’s easy to
get started! Visit iste.org/volunteer
to find out how.
In January, ISTE launched a new volunteer program. This call for participation lists a wide range of volunteer engagement opportunities. If you have an area of expertise you’d like to share, wish to grow your leadership skills, or want to meet others with similar interests, please do jump in. Progress requires individuals step-ping forward to lead and contribute. We can’t do it without you!
Perhaps you’re only beginning to daydream about your trip to the annual conference this June in San Diego, but at ISTE we have been on the road since October. An amazing crew of 450 volunteer reviewers has culled through more than 2,200 conference proposals looking for great new ideas, best practices, success stories, and inspiration that will make up this year’s program. We hope to see you in San Diego, but for now, please come with us on a virtual road trip to explore your member benefits—accessible to you at work, home, and on the go!