Memo to myself and you: Recent Contributions to America From: Dr. Joyce Pittman Reporting Year: 2011-2012 Well, there slowly but surely it seems I am becoming acculturated to living in the USA again. Finding my way back to professional networks, social and personal life in America with family and friends has not always been a smooth road. I never thought it would be because being Black in America is always a developing saga it seems. One phenomenon known as "crime in America" continues to concern me and how prominent it is portrayed in the media. In America headlines are all about crimes, celebrities and politics. Its seems that when I was living abroad I was somehow shielded or cut off from the reality of the risks, fears and opportunities that come with a democracy. Freedom to live and let live are choices we have no matter what culture, society or country we live in. The way we choose to use our freedoms remain a personal choice that more often than not in America seems to inflict attitudes of indifference, pessimism, happiness, pain or suffering to others. While I continue to choose to use my life to center on helping others to have the best life possible - through formal and informal education- I understand others may choose differently. I highlight a handful of efforts that I think offer me the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of others and a personal, selfish desire to reach the pinnacle of life--self-actualization (Maslow's Hierarchy). Therefore, since I am still reaching for that height in my life, I write about myself in the third person--outside looking in...

Here you go... Dr. Joyce Pittman, Associate Clinical Professor in Goodwin College of Education was named one of 37 nationally recognized voices in education to speak at the New York Times Schools for Tomorrow: Bringing Technology into the Classroom Conference. On September 22, 2011 the New York Times will bring together 400 of the most influential leaders in teaching, government, philanthropy and industry at the New York Times Center in New York. On a panel, The Environment: College and University Stream, moderated by Dan Shine, Former Senior Innovation Advisor, US AID and Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat. Dr. Pittman will share for the first time, her forward-looking policy brief and white paper, Transforming Future Learning Environments: Classrooms for Tomorrow (to be published as book and as a contribution to the New York Time conference white paper). The event was streamed worldwide from the New York Times Center on the website.http://nytschoolsfortomorrow.com/speakers.html

Dr. Joyce Pittman, Associate Clinical Professor was selected by The Pennsylvania Department of Education to serve on the Equity Assurance Panel for the NEW Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) program. A three-day Item Review Conference was held on June 20-22, 2011 in Harrisburg, PA. As an honored participant on the Equity Assurance Panel she reviewed draft test items to ensure that the materials are free from potential bias and to provide recommendations for revisions to PECT and Pearson Education.

Dr. Joyce Pittman, was named to The IASTED International Conference Program Committee on Technology for Education~TE 2011~December 14 – 16, 2011. Dallas, USA. The International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED) is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting economic and cultural advancement. Established in 1977, IASTED organizes multidisciplinary conferences for academics and professionals, mainly in the fields of engineering, science, and education. IASTED holds conferences and courses in both industrialized and developing nations. More information: http://www.iasted.org/conferences/home-754.html and http://www.iasted.org/conferences/ipc-754.html Dr. Joyce Pittman, for the last 15-20 years was once again selected to review submissions for two SIGs, Research on Evaluation and AERA Division A - Section 3 (School Improvement) SIGs. She was also invited to chair sessions for the 2012 AERA Annual Meeting. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Friday, April 13 - Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Theme: Non Satis Scire: To Know is Not Enough.

For more about Dr. Joyce Pittman's International Work visit a few selected Websites: TeachingLearninguae - home teachinglearninguae.wikispaces.com/‎ Dr. Joyce Pittman is the Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence ... In the UAE Dr. Joyce in UAE http://drjoyceintheuae.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-middle-east-education-philosophy.html Learn, Travel, Explore with Us! http://getra.vpweb.com/About-Us.html

My Return to USA

Dear World, It has been a while since we talked. It has been almost two years since I returned to USA after nearly five years of a grand world educational adventure. Yes, adventure is how I describe my global educational experience. My return is also no less an adventure. Until you have lived outside your country for months or years, I don't believe we are able to comprehend or understand the world we live in. The USA seems small now in comparison to the the places I have lived and visited. The world is changing so fast and for five years I am grateful to have been immersed in different cultures to experience this phenomenon called "change". I am a different person than when I left... or so it seems. I faced a real culture shock as I struggle to once again "find my destiny" here. I think I am close so I face with future without fear as I always have. Going alone, as a female to live and work in the Middle east was a big decision. The decision did not come without some superficial fear and apprehension largely because most of what I thought I understood about that part of the world was based on secondary sources--not necessarily the most trustworthy. Stories I had listened to on CNN, Worlds News or other media outlets were seldom helpful in alleviating even my most reasonable concerns. I had no formal curriculum in international affairs or education. I went to the middle east to get that education--so I essentially completed an equivalent of a 4 year degree in international education,focusing on middle eastern culture. I spent three years learning and finding my way and practiced and traveled the region for five years. My philosophy continues to be rooted in a strong belief in experiential or learning by doing philosophies. I look forward to getting caught up with old friends, students, associates and other Americans. Check back later, this is a story unfolding that you will not want to miss...! are

Happy New 2010 Year!

2009 went by so fast! I am now a year older and so are you if you are following this blogspot. My Arabic students had fun exploring the possibilities. I was happy to see the new languages added - Arabic, Persian and oops I forgot. My book is finally finished and is with the publisher for layout, printing and finally distribution some time this year. My adventures are continuing to help me grow by leaps and bounds. I am happy to be living my dream, truly. My strong advice for anyone is to believe in yourself and  work towards that which leads to truth and makes you happy. Success will defined by your natural actions and service to others. Effortless - no way - everything comes with a price and a trade-off so be ready to make that the big decision when it finally comes your way. Keep God at the center of your life - let your faith in him be your anchor and your peace in times of good and bad. I will write more later but for now just wish me luck as I continue my middle east journey as it comes full circle in my return to USA.

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