Becky Cooke
What Is Your Vision for ASCD?
The global news has been spellbinding this past year. Young people strove for freedoms that many take for granted, coordinated their efforts through social media, and overthrew governments in search of democracy. Can we remain meaningful in a world that changes based on a tweet? ASCD has been the premier international education association, influencing the way we learn, teach, and lead, for nearly 70 years. But what will the future hold for our association?
This question dominates as we embark on a new three-year strategic plan. I have been so honored to be a part of our association, and am looking forward to creating our future together. As President-Elect, I would embrace the challenge of engaging our worldwide, diverse membership in the reinvention process while capitalizing on our strength of valuing the whole child. We must communicate in new ways, influence while respecting context, listen deeply to our members, and examine our practices to ensure that we are nimble enough to quickly adapt. Our programs, products, and services are second to none, and we must ensure they are relevant in this ever-changing environment. I look forward to continuing this work together. Our children deserve nothing less than our best.
Current Position
Superintendent, Deer Park School District, Deer Park, Washington.
Education
BA, Eastern Washington University; MEd, Western Washington University; EdD, Teachers College Columbia University.
Career History and Highlights
More than 25 years in public education: teacher (5 years), building administrator at middle and elementary school levels (19 years), and superintendent. Adjunct faculty at local universities. Presenter at numerous conferences and workshops. Member, Washington Association of School Administrators; mentor principal, Association of Washington School Principals (2 years), Washington State Learning First Alliance Executive Committee and founding member (3 years), recipient of Excellence in Leadership Award from Washington State University and Educational Service District #101, 2005. Author and coauthor of numerous journal articles; contributor to numerous publications.
ASCD and Affiliate Participation
ASCD and Washington State ASCD (WASCD) member, 20 years. Member, ASCD Board of Directors (2007–2010); Board audit and assessment committees (2008–2010); Legislative Committee (2010–present), Worldwide Influence Study Group (2007); elected at-large member to Leadership Council (2003–2005). Member, Leadership Council Transition Team (2008); Leadership Council Position Action Team co-chair (2005); Constituent Relations Committee (2002). WASCD board of directors (2009–present) and president (2001–2002); coeditor, WASCD journal (2009–present); presenter and attendee at Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy, Leader to Leader Conference, Leadership for Effective Advocacy and Practice Institute, northwest/southwest regional conferences, and Affiliate Leadership Conference. Annual and state conference attendee (1998–present).
Return to the Meet the 2011 President-Elect Candidates Forum.