Tech &Learning magazine, published by NewBay, has named three educators as winners in its 2017 Leader of the Year program. According to the editors, these visionaries exemplify extraordinary leadership when it comes to the implementation of technology in their schools, often working within budgetary restrictions and limited resources. Beyond just putting tools into the hands of teachers and students, they have also crafted the greater schools community’s culture to welcome new ideas, techniques, and pedagogies, so that all stakeholders benefit and share the meaningful use of technology in their schools.
“It is an absolute honor for me to congratulate these award winners,” states Kevin Hogan, Editorial Director for Tech & Learning. “Each has shared their stories of success in the magazine, online, and in participation at Tech & Learning events. All of them, both winners and finalists, deserve to be commended for their efforts.”
Thanks to a sponsorship from Turnitin,all three winnerswill receive a trip to ISTE 2017 in San Antonio, where they will be honored at a gala celebration.
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2017 Tech & Learning Leader of the Year Program:
Todd Dugan, Superintendent, New Holland-Middletown Elementary, New Holland-Middletown Elementary District 88, Middletown, IL: Under Dugan’s innovative leadership, his district was able to disrupt great barriers of digital and economic inequity. He was able to obtain resources for students who would otherwise not have access, and he helped transform the reputation of the district’s brand.
Jerri Kemble, Assistant Superintendent Innovation and Technology, Lawrence Public Schools, Lawrence Public Schools, Lawrence, KS: Kemble redefined technology in the city of Lawrence by closing the gap of the digital divide, and personalized learning for the staff of Lawrence school district, as well as the students. She was part of the Future Ready rollout at the White House and was selected to be part of the Kansas Commissioner's ReDesign Education Team.
Michelle Cooper, Library Media Specialist, White Oak Middle School, White Oak ISD, White Oak, TX: Cooper created an inviting and innovative atmosphere in the library that includes a Makerspace to inspire problem solving, collaboration, and inventing. She implemented a successful professional development program and connected students with the global world through Digital Learning Day, Global Maker Challenge, and Skype connections.
"We are proud to support Tech & Learning as they highlight these exceptional leaders in education," says Meredith May, Head of Corporate Marketing at Turnitin. "Many schools and districts are doing amazing work to help teachers, and we're excited to support them as they continue to impact the lives of millions of students."
Look for detailed profilesin the June/July2017 ISTE issue of Tech & Learning.
RUNNERS UP
There were many examples of innovation in the applications received for the 2017 Tech & Learning Leader of the Year contest. We plan on profiling many of these stories in upcoming issues, but wanted to share some standouts:
Kristen Albright, Instructional Media Specialist, Penns Valley Area School District, Spring Mills, PA:Albright introduced robotics and coding in her small rural district and regularly offers tours of her school’s Makerspace.
William Brannick, Director of Technology, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA:Brannick helped establish a professional development webinar series that provided teachers with consistent opportunities to expand their skills in tech integration.
Patricia Brown, Technology Specialist, Ladue School District, St. Louis, MO:Brown helped to develop the district Technology Leadership Academy for Teachers.
PJ Caposey, Superintendent, MCUSD 223, Stillman Valley, IL:Caposey led his small, relatively poor district to do more with tech despite limited resources.
Diane Doersch, CTIO, Green Bay Area Public Schools, Green Bay, WI:Doersch led the Kajeet initiative in her district, making sure that all students without access at home have the opportunity to check out devices.
William Harrison, Superintendent, Alamance-Burlington School System, Burlington, NC:Harrison spearheaded a global immersion program and global education PD platform in his district.
Philip Hintz, Director of Technology, Gurnee School District 56, Gurnee, IL: Hintz works tirelessly to level the playing field when it comes to access to technology tools and access to the power of the Internet.
Michael Kuhrt, Superintendent, Wichita Falls ISD, Wichita Falls, TX: Kuhrt developed a Digital Pilot Teacher Program as well as a Digital Principal Project in which selected principals and campuses are sent to training to foster more tech infusion.
Deborah Marshall, Technology Teacher, Granby High School, Norfolk Public Schools, Norfolk, VA:Marshall helped lead the efforts to expand her district’s Computer Science program.
Maureen Miller, Director of Technology, Winnetka Public Schools, Winnetka, IL: Miller helped create Makerspaces in all of their schools, where students focus on the design thinking process to get through challenges in robotics, coding, construction, and circuitry.
Paul Sanfrancesco, Director of Technology, Owen J. Roberts School District, Pottstown, PA:Sanfrancesco has been able to cut costs in technology without hindering student learning. He is an effective communicator and is able to bring all types of different stakeholders together.
Adam Schoenbart, Teacher/Instructional Technology Coach, Ossining Union Free School District, Ossining, NY: Through events like EdcampOHS, Schoenbart has helped his district shift the culture of professional learning.
Randall Squier, Superintendent of Schools, Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, Coxsackie, NY:Squier led a district-wide digital conversion that allowed flexibility in earning credit for non-traditional students so more students could graduate,
Donna Teuber, Innovation Program Designer, Richland School District Two, SC:Teuber is a respected leader in the field of educational technology with a passion for using design thinking to help schools and districts implement innovative practices that support engaged student learning.
About TECH & LEARNING
For over 35 years, Tech & Learning has been — and continues to be — the leading resource for K-12 leaders. Its publications, Web sites, and events provide factual and evaluative information on trends, products, and strategies to educators who purchase technology products in their districts and schools. Tech & Learning, published by NewBay, delivers the highest quality content and essential resources to manage, train, and teach with technology. For more information, visit www.TechLearning.com.
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