Jordan teacher Philip Davanzo presented at the Association for Career and Technical Education 2009 National Best Practices Conference in Austin, TX, last month.  One of only 20 presenters chosen from across the country,  Davanzo “had the only workshop that had to turn people away to his session,” said Max Thomas, Jr., an attendee of the conference.  “The primary message is that my classroom is so far in left field with the direction I run it. I use technology everyday, I empower my students, put them in place to succeed, and much more,” explained Davanzo about his presentation.  When asked how he became involved with the conference, he said, “When establishing a network, it’s important for people to know you! It’s not who you know!! I have met and spoken with Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys), but he doesn’t know me!”  Thomas further complimented Davanzo, saying, “He has remarkable energy and represented [Durham Public Schools] quite well.  We are currently losing some battles in educating our youth of today.  I believe Mr. Davanzo is on the right track in reaching students we are not reaching.”