The 11th Annual ACE Professional Development Symposium was another in a series of outstanding professional development opportunities sponsored by the Arizona Correctional Educators, Inc. (ACE) since 2003. The theme for the Symposium “Hopes and Dreams; Working for Tomorrow’s Success Today” captured the spirit of hope and future-focus expressed by outstanding keynote speakers and workshop presenters during the 2 day event held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa located on the Gila River Indian Community Reservation in Chandler, Arizona, May 29-31, 2014.

Dr. Tom Blomberg, Dean and Sheldon L. Messinger Professor of Criminal Justice and Executive Director of the Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research at Florida State University delivered the Keynote Address at the opening Plenary Session. Dr. John W. Maag, Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln specializing in the education and treatment of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders was the luncheon keynote speaker on Thursday. JoAnn Contorno, Motivational speaker, author, entertainer and comedienne inspired and entertained with a rousing humorous luncheon presentation to conclude the symposium.

At the annual symposium each year, ACE recognizes individuals and programs that have provided outstanding service to the correctional education community in both the adult and juvenile categories. Dr. Don Covey, Maricopa County was honored with the ACE President’s Award presented for outstanding contribution and service to the field of Correctional Education. Ms. Rowena Bilgera was recognized as the Outstanding Correctional Educator of the Year for outstanding service and contribution to correctional students at the BiyaaGozhoo Education Center at the San Carlos Adult/Juvenile Rehabilitation and Detention Center. The Thoughtful Warrior Program implemented at the Maricopa County Jail School was honored with the Innovative Program of the Year Award for having a positive impact on the field of Correctional Education. These awards were presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday.

The evaluations received from symposium participants confirmed once again that the annual ACE symposium continues to fulfill the goal of being the premier professional development venue for correctional educators and related professionals that has drawn local, state, national and international audiences.