| Conference News \ |
—Oct. 24-25— Summersville, WV The theme for the 2008 conference was 21st Century Skills. The WVAGT Fall Conference was held Friday-Saturday, October 24-25, at the Summersville Armory. Lodging was at the Comfort Inn. Our keynote speaker wasMarianne Solomon, Executive Director of Future Problem Solving Program International. Ms. Solomon has presented at the World Future Society conference and taught a strand this summer at the University of Connecticut Confratute, held in July. For more information on Confratute, go to: www.gifted.uconn.edu Ms. Marianne Solomon, Executive Director of Future Problem Solving Program International #1 After receiving her BS from Youngstown State University in Ohio, Marianne moved to Central Florida where she began her teaching career. In the early 1980’s, Ms. Solomon received a brochure from Florida Future Problem Solving Program in her mailbox at the junior high school where she taught Gifted English. Eager to bring problem solving and critical thinking to her 7th – 9th grade students, she included Future Problem Solving in all of her courses. During the next 20 years, she coached and evaluated for Florida FPSP and eventually served as affiliate director for thirteen years. Ms. Solomon obtained her Masters of Arts Degree in Gifted Education from University of Central Florida while serving the gifted and high achieving students as Curriculum Specialist for Accelerated Programs and Gifted Student Program for Brevard County Public Schools in Florida. Ms. Solomon now proudly devotes her professional life to FPSPI. #2 Marianne Solomon has taught all grade levels, including adult endorsement courses for gifted certification. Ms. Solomon obtained her Masters of Arts Degree in Gifted Education from University of Central Florida while serving the gifted and high achieving students as Curriculum Specialist for Accelerated and Gifted Student Program for Brevard County Public Schools, Florida. While teaching Gifted English and pull-out gifted seminars for senior high students, Marianne incorporated the creative problem solving (CPS) process into her classes. For over twenty-five years, Marianne has served the Future Problem Solving Program as director, coach, and evaluator. Ms. Solomon now proudly devotes her professional life to FPSPI as executive director. Bio: Youngstown University – BS Elementary Education University of Central Florida – MA Gifted Education 27 Years as Teacher – all levels: Elementary, Gifted English - Junior High School & Pre-IB, Theory of Knowledge – IB Seniors Curriculum Specialist – Gifted, Accelerated Programs, AVID Program Instructor for Gifted Endorsement Classes – Brevard County, Florida Writer in development of Creativity Course for Florida DOE and Gifted Curriculum for Brevard County 20+ Years as coach and evaluator for Florida Future Problem Solving Program 13 Years as Affiliate Director for Florida Future Problem Solving Program 8 Years as member of Board of Trustees, including President, for Future Problem Solving Program International, Inc. Honored by Florida Association of Gifted as Teacher of the Year – Finalist, 1987 & Winner, 1997 The Fall Conference is not just for teachers. Please encourage parents, administrators and school psychologist to attend this informative event. Useful Links www.summersvillewv.org/ Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau New River Gorge Park |
| Many thanks to Dana Thomas, organizer of the 2008 WVAGT Fall Conference Best of Luck to Dana in his new position! |
