Doug Boersma
Doug Boersma, M.Ed. is the Dean of Students at The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children, a Program of the Western PA School for the Deaf - where he has just concluded his 28th year in Student Life, applying his passion for impacting students by developing and leading co-curricular programs that engage, equip, and empower each one to reach their fullest potential. Following more than 18 years as a Coach, Athletic Director, and Sports Official, he currently serves as the Director of Broadcasting and Production for Garden State Esports, the scholastic Esports league of New Jersey, which is composed of over 200 member schools and more than 6,000 students. Doug has recently joined several other educators to organize and develop a regional Scholastic Esports coalition promoting and producing competitive Esports opportunities for students in a 5-County region in Northeast PA. Doug and his wife Elaine live in Clarks Summit, PA with their four children (Alexa, Zachary, Austin and Zorina) and are looking forward to celebrating their 30th Anniversary on July 2nd, 2023!
Presentation
Esports 101 - Everything You Need to Know
This workshop will explore the basics of Scholastic Esports and discuss ways in which Student Life programs can take advantage of this growing phenomenon to promote student engagement, facilitate social and emotional learning, support academic achievement, and empower our students for success.
Starting with a basic overview of what Scholastic Esports is and how it works, Doug shares guiding principles, simple step-by-step methods, and best practice, drawn from research, experience, and observation to help you build your own extra-curricular program in this emerging learning space. We will wrap up the session with an interactive strategy discussion considering the challenges of establishing and growing a scholastic Esports program that will provide increased accessibility and equity for students who may not fit the traditional model of scholastic athletics.
Come and join the conversation about the basic philosophy, guiding principles, essential tools, process, and amazing benefits of building an Esports program with your students!
Boersma, Doug ESPORTS 101.pdf