A space for learning, sharing, and open discussion on education.

As many who know me know, I have a passion for educational technology. I firmly believe that technology itself is not the answer to a better education, but that with proper planning and integration, it can certainly make our instructional practices more effective and engaging. In addition, I also have a passion for empowering my fellow colleagues and teacher leadership, whereby I hope my enthusiasm for the classroom can reach out and help others have an impact on our classrooms, school, and community!

With that in mind, I am always seeking out where I can assist others (and learn more about ways to assist others). Building off some of the opportunities I've had with Teachers Train Teachers sessions and my Teacher Leadership endorsement, I am going to continue extending these opportunities on a regular basis. One of the best ways to do that is offer up a space to engage with colleagues on all things education, often with a particular focus on using tech in our classrooms!

This begins with offering space, that I am calling "A Breath of Fresh Ayer." This will be a designated time, place, and space to engage with you and each other on all things education and technology related in our classrooms. If you have questions about technology you are using (or want to use) in your classroom, come by and maybe we can figure them out together! If you have ideas on technology that have worked well in your classroom (specific programs/tools, specific lessons with a tech tool, etc), then this space would be a great opportunity to share what was effective! It may be an open space for any of this, or we may have days where we specify a theme or tech tool that will be of focus in the space that day!

I am offering A Breath of Fresh Ayer when announced (before or after school when my schedule allows) in my room B210. BUT, I would also be glad to help and meet with teachers by request during a period I can be available (periods 2, 5, and 8 can be made available if scheduled ahead of time). I will send out an email with a reminder as well as whether or not there will be a theme for the space that day.

So, PLEASE, feel free to stroll into the "lab" (bring your own device) and ask, comment, and share! And remember, I'd just as much love to hear success stories of what's working as I'd love to help you with ways to make things work more effectively!

If you attend a space with me on EdTech, would you please be so kind as to fill out this brief Feedback Form?

Much appreciated!

Notes on navigation

What's the Latest? (EdTech Links)

Research should always be at the forefront of our improvement and I will try to use this section of my platform to include any links and material that point you toward new research on EdTech or in the direction to find more!
I will also include resources of interest such as my Gamification site, or other tech based exemplars that can be used to inspire new ways of using technology in the classroom.
I will also provide links that may be useful in the general EdTech atmosphere

Resources from my past training sessions (Canvas flyers, Nearpod videos, etc) [Training Resources]

I have given many various trainings through Deptford Public Schools. Here you will find some of the material, recordings, and other resources connected to those past trainings.

EdTech & Social Media

One of the best ways to stay connected to inspired ideas, latest news and research, and more is through social media! This page links you to various useful resources of people, lists, and others to follow and discover!

A bit more about me and my EdTech & Leadership journey

My EdTech journey probably began for real as a kid playing Atari, getting my first PC, and hopping on to the WWW upon entering college. At my age, being born at the end of the Gen x and beginning of Y (Millenials), I am uniquely positioned as both Digital Native and somewhat Digital Immigrant. These pivotal moments of interacting with technology in various educational and fun ways allowed me to see the potential they have for bringing out some of my best skills.

I graduated with a BA in English and minor in Secondary Education from Boston University in 2002. And I recently completed my MA in Educational Technology from Rowan University in the summer of 2021. I followed that up with my NJ Teacher Endorsement after completing the NJEA's Teacher Leadership Academy (with Thomas Edison University credit). But in between, I had experience through numerous other grad programs and trainings, including many that I've given through the Deptford Township Public Schools. From some of my first workshops on Social Bookmarking to some of my latest on Canvas and Nearpod, I've always been fascinated by the potential of "Web 2.0" and other online tools for the classroom. My masters program also helped me better connect my interests and knowledge to a grounded curricular viewpoint and spread my wings in other avenues including special education, gaming, leadership and more. My Teacher Leadership endorsement has helped me hone my skills in instructional coaching and advocacy, both of which will help me better serve and empower my colleagues.

My approach to EdTech has always been about sound curriculum first and technology second. I firmly believe that technology should not be used just for technology sake and that it serves as a toolkit to make our pedagogy more effective, engaging, inclusive, diverse, differentiated, and connected. My approach to Teacher Leadership is rooted in empowerment but also focuses on advocating for all teachers in the school and school community working toward collective efficacy and impactful seats at the table.

How can I help you?

A brief look at how the Teacher Leader role can be of assistance!

Simply put, the Teacher Leader role is designed to influence colleagues, principals, and other members of the school community to improve teaching and learning practices with the aim of increased student learning.

What that looks like can be many different things. Here is a closer look at the areas in which this role has duties and responsibilities to help!

Foster a collaborative culture to support educator development and student learning.
Access and use research to improve practice and student learning.
Promote professional learning for continuous improvement.
Facilitate improvements in instruction and student learning.
Promote the use of assessments and data for school and district improvement.
Improve outreach and collaboration with families and community.
Advocate for student learning and the profession.

The goal of my Teacher Leader role is to help EMPOWER fellow teachers to continue to improve instruction so that it better meets the collevtive vision of our school and community. The beautiful aspect of this role is that it can be molded and shaped to assist teachers in whatever ways they may desire an assist!

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