The 13 th Annual ACE Professional Development Symposium was the largest in the series of outstanding professional development opportunities sponsored by the Arizona Correctional Educators, Inc. (ACE) since the series began in 2003. The theme for the 2015 symposium “Correctional Education from the Inside Out: Charting the Course for Success” continued the spirit of hope and future focus begun in previous symposia. The outstanding keynote speakers and workshop presenters provided a rich learning experience for the more than 350 attendees during the two-day event held at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, Arizona, May 27-29, 2015.

Dr. Robert Maurer, Director of Behavioral Sciences for the Family Practice Residency Program at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and faculty at the UCLA School of Medicine delivered the Keynote Address at the opening Plenary Session effectively translating a new psychology of success that promotes hope and resiliency. Jerry Balistreri, Professional educator, administrator, trainer, speaker and author provided a personal story of inspiration and triumph over tragedy as the luncheon keynote speaker on Thursday. Lauri Burns, author of “Punished for Purpose,” inspired and entertained with a compelling true-life story of abuse, hardship and inspiration to conclude the symposium on Friday afternoon.Each year at the annual symposium, ACE recognizes individuals and programs that have provided outstanding service to the correctional education community in both the adult and juvenile categories. Eva Dong, Superintendent of the Pima County Accommodation School District and respected correctional educator for more than 20 years was honored with the ACE President’s Award for outstanding contribution and service to the field of Correctional Education. Darlene Thompson, Transition Coordinator for the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention School, was recognized as the Outstanding Correctional Educator of the Year in the Juvenile Category for outstanding service and contribution to correctional students in Yavapai County. AZ Common Ground founded by Frantz Beasley was honored with the Innovative Program of the Year Award in the Adult Category for having a positive impact on the field of Correctional Education. Transforming Juveniles through Successful Transition (TJST) an initiative of the Maricopa County Education Service Agency (MCESA) was honored with the Innovative Program of the Year Award in the Juvenile Category. 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. The symposium is a highly regarded and anticipated annual event as is evidenced by the growing number of attendees each year.