I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as a Founding Faculty Member of the new Department of Teacher Education. This new department, while created within a rich historical context, has no history. Collectively, that history is ours to write. How exciting for us! I also want to take this opportunity to share with each of you some of my initial thoughts:

• A normal part of a restructuring process is to feel a sense of loss. Go ahead and grieve.
• Each Individual brings to the new department a wealth of resources and experiencescollected over the entire span of his or her professional and personal life.
• Our Frame Of Mind about our work will not be Business As Usual.
• We have been given a rare opportunity to develop a new Work Culture, one that meets our needs, nurtures our spirits, encourages new ideas, engages our interests, utilizes our skills, enhances individual and group growth, honors our contributions, rewards our collaborations, and supports our individual and collective dreams.
• Our interests and ideas will help each of us find a place on the Departmental Team.
• We will be establishing Working Alliances with other Departments to deliver our programs, to plan new initiatives, and to achieve college and departmental goals.
• As we face challenges our intentions will see us through --
  Together We Can.

Our first meeting with the Dean and three Moratorium Days have been scheduled. However, in the meantime, I am proposing that you call or stop by 208 Gabel Hall so we can chat. I want to learn Who You Are and listen to your ideas, hopes, dreams, strategies, concerns, questions, issues, and insights regarding the new department. We could also meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can reach me for any reason by phone at Work (815) 753-2306, or Home (815) 748-3615, or E-mail: cfulmer@niu.edu. I am looking forward to our conversations.