• I have been in education for 8 years. 7 of these have been in teaching third grade. I teach math, social studies, science, and English language arts. I have a particular passion for using technology in the classroom and teaching students and teachers how to proficiently use technology.

• My school community is suburban. About 33% of my school population receives free lunch. 70% of the school is Caucasian with the other 30% being comprised of American Indian, Black, Hispanic, or 2+ races. I find that many of my students are lacking academic support at home. There is very little reading that happens outside of school. Homework that is sent home is returned by about 50% of my class. The PTA in our school struggles to find parents who are willing to volunteer or be involved with school sponsored events and many have been cancelled or responsibilities have been placed on the teachers to make sure the event still happens. There is a handful of very dedicated parents that put in many hours to make sure our school does still have events and fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

• Most of my teaching experience has been gained in schools that serve a low income population. I have recently become more involved with teaching students and working with teachers to better utilize technology in the classroom. I find that many of these students are lacking some very basic technology skills and do my best to fill those gaps in the classroom.

• My current roles with the association have been minimal.

My Background

I grew up in a two-parent household. I only switched schools once, and lived in the same house, which my parents owned until I went to college at age 18. My Dad has an associate’s degree in IT and we had early exposure to technology in our household. I had basic typing skills and knew how to do many basic things on a computer at a fairly young age. I took many of those experiences for granted and now I see the deficit between students who do and do not have those opportunities at home. I also see a deficit among teachers who have not been trained to use technology, and therefore struggle to utilize it effectively in the classroom with their students. I see teachers who are too overwhelmed, intimidated, or busy to take advantage of many of the trainings that are available. As we move into an increasingly technological world having these skills is imperative for their success. .

Overarching Competencies

Technological Facility: I am developing in this area. I use technology to help my colleagues and PLC team streamline information and make it easily accessible to all. When I find or create new resources I share those with my colleagues and assist with implementation.

Continuing Learning and Education: I am developing in this area. I know this because I am finding and participating in learning opportunities that are above and beyond what is expected or required of me in my school building. I am obtaining information from a variety of sources and engaging in discussion with others about these ideas. For example, this year I attended both the Global Leadership Summit, have read several books on leadership, and am currently participating in TILT. Some of these have been geared specifically toward education, some toward business or other leaders.

Foundational Competency

Explore and Challenge Inequity: I am emerging. I am beginning to find areas that teachers have not been trained/taught in technology. I am moving toward developing/performing in that I would like to create resources and work with teachers of all ages and cultural backgrounds to help bridge that gap. This will also increase equity for students as they will have instructors that are comfortable with and have basic knowledge of the available technology.

Instructional Competency

Coaching and Mentoring: I am developing. I am already working with colleagues within my own school building to help them utilize technology in a way that will improve their teaching, or ease some professional tasks. I am working with other TILT teachers to help them implement technology in the classroom. I am also creating seesaw and google tools for a math 3rd grade curriculum group for the district.