About Ms. Travis

Hello, Steward families! I'm Alison Travis, the Lower School Technology Facilitator. 

Previously, I taught in elementary-level classrooms for nine years and earned a Master's in Reading Education from the University of Virginia. In 2018, I was named a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions and was supported in incorporating environmental education, multimedia tools, and an international field expedition into my first grade instruction. 

I also spent time developing curriculum for Unruly Splats, an innovative K-5 STEM tool that combines block coding with physical movement. Before transitioning into my current role, I worked in PK-12 continuing education at the University of Richmond for educator training focused on interdisciplinary arts and tech integration, in collaboration with local artists and community organizations.

As a resident "techie" faculty member, I sometimes feel like a walking conundrum. I only read paper books and mostly write in paper journals. I've only ever worn analog watches. My child doesn't have a tablet, and we haven't had a TV for over a decade. I'm often a cautious, critical, and late adopter of new tech.

While I can enjoy curating a low-tech environment for myself, at the same time I'm extremely comfortable working with all sorts of digital devices. This is what drew me to my role at the Steward School, which is all about balance and real-world preparation:

• we can embrace many forms of tech, and be competent, advanced users, without using it all the time or for all purposes

• to be tech fluent, a person should understand how tech works fundamentally, as well as its drawbacks and limitations

Technology use should be meaningful and support greater goals. We don't aim to maximize time on devices, but instead to maximize deep understanding, critical thinking, and positive character development.

Digital devices do not and cannot replace the excellent teaching happening daily in the Lower School. Instead, the tech that we do use is selected thoughtfully to enhance the abilities of those excellent teachers. We take advantage of a few high-quality tools to improve students access, creativity, and self-expression.