ISEA Community College Faculty Conference Held on DMACC Campus

On Friday, November 9th nearly 80 Team ISEA Community College Faculty gathered at the Ankeny campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). It was a beautiful, crisp, fall day whereas a year ago a snowstorm had swept through central Iowa closing many schools the day of our annual Community College Conference. It was a new day and the outlook was for change.

As Community College faculty filed in for registration, others enjoyed the continental breakfast provided prior to the opening of our conference.

Lee Skeens, ISEA Higher Education Executive Board Representative, opened the conference with introductory remarks then a brief welcoming from both Dr.Rob Denson, DMACC President and me.

Dr. Jeff Berger (at left) Iowa Department of Education Legislative Liaison, kicked off the conference with remarks around, "Rigor and Relevance: The Community College Role". Rigor and Relevance has become a very hot topic at the national and state level. The discussion is usually centered on the K-12 students. Dr. Berger discussed how the community colleges will play a role in the Rigor and Relevance debate in Iowa.

Key to a great conference is the great staff that works both behind the scenes as well as at the event. Jon Studer, ISEA Research Specialist/Lobbyist/Liaison to the Higher Education Committe (pictured at left) worked hand in hand with the Higher Education Standing Committee to put our 7th annual ISEA Community College Faculty Conference together. Working with Jon in the Research Department is support staff, Ellen Stone. Ellen (pictured at right) worked to make all arrangements prior to the conference as well as worked the day alongside Jon at the event. Thank you Jon Studer and Ellen Stone for all you do on Team ISEA!

There was a tremendous range of breakout session choices throughout the day for participants to select from.

At noon the keynote address was made by Dr. Jill Biden (pictured at right). Dr. Biden is in her 15th year at Delaware Technical and Community College in Wilmington, teaching English composition. She spent 13 years in the public schools, where she was a Reading Specialist and English teacher as well as part-time with Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program. Dr. Biden is married to U.S. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, candidate for President of the United States.

Team ISEA guests throughout the week were the leaders of the Delaware State Education Association, President Barbara Grogg (on the right) and Vice President Diane Donohue (on the left) pictured with Dr. Jill Biden. DSEA does not represent Higher Education in Delaware so it was a treat for them to see the great relationship we have with our Community College Faculty members.

One last photo, ISEA Executive Director Jan Reinicke (on the left) and I are pictured with Dr. Jill Biden. It did our hearts good to hear from a practicing Community College instructor about issues that others from across the country are also faced with.

It was again yet another great ISEA Community College Faculty Conference! We are grateful for the leadership of the ISEA Higher Education Standing Committee as well as to all those who presented and participated. Know that Team ISEA stands with you in working to bring Community College Faculty salaries to 25th in the nation!