Mission Statement: As an educator in the 21st Century it is absolutely essential that I embrace technology as an integral part of preparing my students to be global citizens and leaders in this new era of learning. It is important that as a teacher leader, I recognize the difference between having my students simply use technology in the classroom to complete assignments, and integrate technology effectively in to my curriculum in order to effectively support my student’s mastery of the standards. Both the Common Core State Standards for California (CCSS) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) establish the standards for 21st Century educators to implement in order for students to be prepared for success throughout their educational experience, and to ensure success for their future as a global citizen and member of the 21st Century society. I will be able to use the standards as a guide to effectively integrate and implement technology within my existing curriculum. Methods for integrating technology into content standards are to match the appropriate technology standard to an activity within the curriculum, such as utilizing technology to complete a research task in our ELA classroom, or to use a flipped classroom model of instruction, with our school’s 1:1 IPad program, to encourage a student centered classroom, where the focus is on students exploring, collaborating and teaching their peers through technology, after I, as the teacher have modeled the process. Students as members of the 21st Century society need to be able to utilize technology effectively as both a student and as a member of the workforce. Through the effective use and implementation of technology in my classroom, I will be preparing my students to have a successful future as they continue their education or enter the workforce. By examining the standards, searching for ways to implement technology, and applying learning from both continuing education and professional development opportunities, I will be able to effectively lead my students in to the 21st century. As part of my understanding for how to effectively prepare my students, I must also have a firm foundation regarding the areas of digital and media literacy. Media literacy refers to the ability to “evaluate, access, analyze and create media” in a variety of forms, in order to demonstrate the skills and abilities learned through courses integrating technology. Digital literacy refers to the ability to “find, evaluate, produce and communicate clear information through writing and other forms of communication on digital platforms”. In order to lead my students, I must develop my strengths in both media and digital literacy, as well as technology in general recognizing the need to move forward into the 21st Century as an educator and leader in the classroom.