When I came to California, I had a doctorate from the University of Washington, and had been a junior high teacher, curriculum coordinator (for Seattle’s central area), and a superintendent in two small school districts.  I wondered how I was going to get acquainted in California—large in area and population.  Fortunately, an education administration professor at Sacramento State reached out and invited me to a CAPEA conference in Fresno.  There I met education leadership faculty from throughout California in both the private and public universities.  I was immediately impressed by how helpful, caring, and welcoming members were.  I learned about administrator preparation programs and K-12 institutional needs.  This helped me identify a relevant research agenda, and get my research published in appropriate publications.  As faculty, we are responsible for developing our profession’s knowledge base, and CAPEA is our self-governing professional organization. I recommend joining. 

    - Dr. Louis Wildman, California State University, Bakersfield

 Reflections on CAPEA

     As I reflect on my CAPEA membership, I think of the bi-annual conferences—normally held in the fall and spring.   I think of the informal comradery and networking among members who mainly have come from senior K-12 administrative positions, and who now want to share their experience with each other and student administrator candidates.   I think of the opportunities those CAPEA conferences give to doctoral candidates to discuss their dissertations, and faculty an opportunity to get feedback on their research interests. For several years, I have arranged for a CAPEA member to speak at ACSA’s Superintendent Symposium.   That has been an outgrowth of the ACSA/CAPEA Committee which works on issues of mutual interest to both organizations.  Faculty from both public and private universities belong to CAPEA.  They cooperate and care about one another. Attending, learning, and participating at a CAPEA conference is a professional joy. 

   - Dr. Cliff Tyler, National University

 Memories of CAPEA

     When I decided it was time to retire as a school superintendent, I still wanted to be involved in education.  Teaching school administration seemed like the next step in my career.  I applied for and received an appointment at California State University at San Bernardino. How did that happen at my age of 57?  My experience did include administrative positions from assistant principal to school superintendent.  I had also taught educational administration classes as an adjunct professor for several years. At the university I was not worried about my teaching ability, but I was concerned with my lack of research and having my research published.  My department chair told me about our professional organization: the California Association of Professors of Educational Administration (CAPEA), and encouraged me to join and become an active member. At that time, CAPEA conducted two meetings per year.  I enjoyed the meetings and making friends with other professors from around the state.  There was a presentation at each meeting where research information was shared and members were encouraged to share their research in the CAPEA Journal. During my second year of CAPEA attendance I became the financial officer for the organization.  This responsibility included making hotel reservations, arranging for food service, and collecting fees. Being a member of CAPEA has been a great experience and through it I have developed many life-long friends.   I will always be grateful for CAPEA, which provided the help that I needed at this stage in my career.