Experiences
Expertise in STEELS Standards Implementation
As an educational leader, I've been at the forefront of implementing the new STEELS (Science, Technology, Environment, Engineering, Literacy, and Society) standards across Pennsylvania. My journey involved participating in multiple Intermediate Unit and state-level trainings, where I gained deep insights into the complexities of these standards and the innovative 3-dimensional learning approach required for their successful implementation.
This comprehensive training equipped me with the knowledge and skills to lead a team at our Intermediate Unit in training over 100 area teachers. Our focus was not just on understanding the standards, but on transforming classroom practices to align with these cutting-edge educational principles.
The STEELS trainings we conducted were designed to revolutionize the learning environment. We emphasized the importance of:
Student-led discussions: Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning by leading and participating in meaningful classroom discussions.
Explanation of thinking: Creating a safe space for students to articulate their thought processes without fear of judgment, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.
Engagement through inquiry: Implementing strategies that spark curiosity and promote active learning through exploration and discovery.
Cross-disciplinary connections: Helping teachers integrate science, technology, environment, engineering, literacy, and societal issues seamlessly into their curriculum.
Assessment for learning: Introducing innovative assessment techniques that align with the 3-dimensional learning approach, focusing on performance expectations rather than mere content knowledge.
These trainings have had a profound impact on local classrooms, fostering environments where students are more engaged, articulate, and prepared for the challenges of our rapidly evolving world. By empowering teachers with these tools and strategies, we've taken significant steps towards creating a more dynamic, interactive, and effective educational experience for students across our region.
My experience with the STEELS standards has not only enhanced my ability to guide educators but has also deepened my understanding of how to create truly transformative learning experiences. This knowledge continues to inform my approach to educational technology and curriculum development, ensuring that our students are prepared for the complexities of the 21st-century workforce and society.
Collaborative Leadership in Educational Innovation
One of the most impactful aspects of my career at the Intermediate Unit has been my involvement with an exceptional group of educational leaders. Our regular gatherings in State College have been a wellspring of inspiration, fueling my passion for collaboration and innovation in education.
This collective of IU leaders has been instrumental in shaping my approach to educational technology and curriculum development. Our meetings have served as a crucible for new ideas, allowing us to share best practices, challenge conventional thinking, and push the boundaries of what's possible in education.
Some of the groundbreaking initiatives I've been privileged to be a part of include:
STEMPoC (STEM Point of Contact) Team: During the initial STEM boom, we were at the forefront of innovation, developing concepts like lending libraries for STEM resources. This initiative democratized access to cutting-edge educational tools, allowing even resource-constrained schools to provide their students with hands-on STEM experiences.
AI in Education Task Force: Most recently, I've been excited to join the team leading efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence into educational practices. This cutting-edge work is shaping how we prepare students and educators for a future where AI will play an increasingly significant role.
These collaborative experiences have been transformative, not just for me, but for the educators and students we serve. They've allowed us to:
Anticipate and respond to emerging trends in education
Develop innovative solutions to complex educational challenges
Create a support network of forward-thinking educators across the state
Implement large-scale initiatives that positively impact thousands of students
While my journey is taking me in a new direction, the connections I've made and the insights I've gained from this remarkable group of educators will continue to inform my work. I carry with me a vast network of passionate innovators, ensuring that wherever I go, I can continue to expand horizons and push the boundaries of educational excellence.
This collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation are core to my educational philosophy. I believe that by working together, sharing ideas, and embracing new technologies and methodologies, we can create learning environments that truly prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
As I move forward in my career, I am excited to bring this collaborative ethos and innovative mindset to new challenges, always striving to create educational experiences that are engaging, relevant, and transformative.
Keystone Technology Summit: A Transformative Journey in Educational Leadership
The Keystone Technology Summit stands out as the pinnacle of my professional experiences, a commitment I cherish and intend to continue indefinitely. My journey with this extraordinary organization began as an attendee, or "camper," and within a mere two days, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this educator-empowering initiative.
Since 2017, I've had the privilege of being part of an exceptional group known as the "lead learners." This role has allowed me to:
Connect with Hundreds of Educators: I've had the opportunity to meet, collaborate with, and learn from hundreds of passionate educators, forming close working relationships with at least 20 colleagues who continue to inspire and challenge me.
Document and Share Experiences: Initially, I took on the role of event documentarian, capturing photos, videos, and sound bites that became a huge hit among participants. This experience helped me realize my passion for guiding others to tell their unique stories and share their distinctive approaches to education.
Embrace STEM Education: My involvement in the STEM track opened my eyes to the power of true engagement. I learned that when you allow yourself to be fully immersed in a learning experience, professional growth becomes an exhilarating journey.
Discover My Purpose: Through these experiences, I began to understand more deeply my purpose as an educator - to help guide people in sharing their stories and recognizing that while others might do similar things, no one does it quite like they do. This realization has profoundly shaped my approach to professional development and collaboration.
The Keystone Technology Summit has been instrumental in shaping my educational philosophy and leadership style. It has taught me that:
Empowerment leads to innovation: When educators feel empowered, they're more likely to take risks and try new approaches in their classrooms.
Collaboration amplifies impact: By working together and sharing ideas, we can achieve far more than we ever could individually.
Continuous learning is key: The educational landscape is ever-changing, and staying current requires ongoing professional development and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
Authenticity matters: Encouraging educators to find and share their unique voice and approach can lead to more engaging and effective teaching.
As I continue my involvement with the Keystone Technology Summit, I carry these lessons with me, always striving to create similar transformative experiences for the educators and students I work with. This commitment to empowerment, collaboration, and continuous growth remains at the core of my professional identity, driving me to seek new ways to innovate and inspire in the field of education.
Keystone Technology Summit: A Transformative Journey in Educational Leadership
The Keystone Technology Summit stands out as the pinnacle of my professional experiences, a commitment I cherish and intend to continue indefinitely. My journey with this extraordinary organization began as an attendee, or "camper," and within a mere two days, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this educator-empowering initiative.
Since 2017, I've had the privilege of being part of an exceptional group known as the "lead learners." This role has allowed me to:
Connect with Hundreds of Educators: I've had the opportunity to meet, collaborate with, and learn from hundreds of passionate educators, forming close working relationships with at least 20 colleagues who continue to inspire and challenge me.
Document and Share Experiences: Initially, I took on the role of event documentarian, capturing photos, videos, and sound bites that became a huge hit among participants. This experience helped me realize my passion for guiding others to tell their unique stories and share their distinctive approaches to education.
Embrace STEM Education: My involvement in the STEM track opened my eyes to the power of true engagement. I learned that when you allow yourself to be fully immersed in a learning experience, professional growth becomes an exhilarating journey.
Discover My Purpose: Through these experiences, I began to understand more deeply my purpose as an educator - to help guide people in sharing their stories and recognizing that while others might do similar things, no one does it quite like they do. This realization has profoundly shaped my approach to professional development and collaboration.
The Keystone Technology Summit has been instrumental in shaping my educational philosophy and leadership style. It has taught me that:
Empowerment leads to innovation: When educators feel empowered, they're more likely to take risks and try new approaches in their classrooms.
Collaboration amplifies impact: By working together and sharing ideas, we can achieve far more than we ever could individually.
Continuous learning is key: The educational landscape is ever-changing, and staying current requires ongoing professional development and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
Authenticity matters: Encouraging educators to find and share their unique voice and approach can lead to more engaging and effective teaching.
PAECT: Advancing Educational Technology Across Pennsylvania
My involvement with the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT) has been a natural extension of my work with the Keystone Technology Innovators (KTI). This association has provided me with yet another platform to contribute to and shape the landscape of educational technology in our state.
Key Roles and Contributions:
PAECT Historian: In the past year, I've taken on the role of PAECT Historian, a position I'm excited to continue. This role allows me to:
Document and preserve the rich history of educational technology initiatives in Pennsylvania
Analyze trends and patterns in our field's evolution, informing future strategies
Share inspiring stories of innovation and success with the wider educational community
North Central Regional Board Member: For several years, I've served on the North Central Regional board of PAECT, where I've had the opportunity to:
Help shape and implement regional programming
Provide support and resources to local educators
Foster a community of practice among educational technology professionals in our area
Program Development: My work with PAECT has involved creating and facilitating various programs that:
Promote best practices in educational technology
Offer professional development opportunities for educators
Encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among members
Future Commitments:
As I move forward in my career, I am committed to continuing my involvement with PAECT, regardless of which region I find myself in. This commitment stems from my belief in the organization's mission and the value it brings to educators across Pennsylvania.
I look forward to:
Adapting my contributions to meet the specific needs of my new region
Bringing fresh perspectives and ideas from my experiences to benefit the organization
Continuing to build bridges between educators and fostering a culture of innovation
The Synergy of KTI and PAECT:
My work with PAECT has been deeply intertwined with my involvement in KTI. This synergy has allowed me to:
Apply insights from KTI to broader statewide initiatives through PAECT
Bring PAECT resources and networks to enhance KTI programs
Create a more cohesive and supportive environment for educational technology professionals across the state
Through my ongoing commitment to PAECT, I aim to continue driving innovation in educational technology, supporting fellow educators, and ultimately enhancing learning experiences for students across Pennsylvania. This work not only enriches my professional life but also allows me to contribute meaningfully to the broader educational community, a core aspect of my professional identity and mission.
Chief Science Officer Program: Nurturing Student Leadership in STEM
As the Regional Coordinator for the Chief Science Officer (CSO) program, I had the privilege of spearheading this innovative initiative in its inaugural year. Working collaboratively with Intermediate Units in Clarion and Erie, we laid the groundwork for a program that promises to revolutionize student engagement in STEM fields.
Program Highlights:
Student Representation: Despite being in our first year, the students who participated from our IU region demonstrated exceptional leadership and enthusiasm. Their predominant presence set a high standard for future cohorts.
Inter-IU Collaboration: By coordinating efforts with Clarion and Erie IUs, we created a robust support network for our student leaders, enhancing the program's reach and impact.
STEM Leadership Development: The CSO program provided a unique platform for students to develop crucial leadership skills within the context of STEM education.
Community Engagement: Our student CSOs acted as ambassadors, bridging the gap between schools, local industries, and the broader community in STEM initiatives.
Impact and Future Aspirations:
While we were in the early stages of implementation, the potential for growth and impact was clearly evident. The program succeeded in:
Empowering students to take active roles in shaping STEM education in their schools
Fostering a peer-to-peer learning environment that encouraged STEM enthusiasm
Creating networking opportunities for students with local STEM professionals and industries
Looking Forward:
I am incredibly excited about the future of this program and am committed to its continued success and expansion. My aspirations include:
Program Growth: Bringing the CSO program to new districts or significantly expanding existing programs to involve more students.
Enhanced Collaboration: Developing stronger partnerships between schools, local businesses, and STEM organizations to provide richer experiences for our student CSOs.
Innovative Projects: Encouraging and supporting student-led STEM initiatives that address real-world problems in their communities.
Mentorship Opportunities: Establishing a mentorship network that connects student CSOs with STEM professionals, providing guidance and inspiration.
Cross-District Collaboration: Facilitating interactions between CSOs from different schools and districts to share ideas and best practices.
The Chief Science Officer program represents a powerful approach to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders. By investing in these young minds, we're not just preparing them for future careers; we're empowering them to shape the future of STEM education and innovation.
Nearpod Pioneer: Innovating Interactive Learning Across the Nation
My journey with Nearpod began in its early stages, where I had the honor of being one of their first Pioneers. This role not only allowed me to embrace cutting-edge educational technology but also provided a platform to share my expertise with educators across the country.
Key Highlights:
National Presenter: As a Nearpod Pioneer, I traveled extensively throughout the United States, conducting presentations and workshops. This experience allowed me to:
Engage with diverse groups of educators from various backgrounds and teaching environments
Share innovative strategies for integrating interactive technology into classrooms
Learn from fellow educators, gaining insights into different educational approaches and challenges
Versatile Application: While my involvement in large-scale trainings has decreased, my commitment to Nearpod remains strong. I continue to:
Actively use Nearpod in my own educational practices
Provide training and support to teachers interested in leveraging this powerful tool
Explore new and creative ways to apply Nearpod's features in various educational contexts
Adapting to Changing Times: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to education, but Nearpod proved to be a valuable asset. We successfully:
Transformed our inter-district quiz bowl competitions into virtual events using Nearpod
Demonstrated the platform's flexibility and effectiveness in facilitating engaging remote learning experiences
Sustained Relevance: Unlike many tools that saw a surge during the pandemic but later declined in use, Nearpod has maintained its relevance and effectiveness in our educational toolkit.
Impact and Ongoing Commitment:
My experience with Nearpod has significantly influenced my approach to educational technology and interactive learning. It has:
Enhanced my ability to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences
Broadened my perspective on the potential of technology in education
Strengthened my skills in providing effective professional development to fellow educators
Looking forward, I remain committed to:
Exploring innovative applications of Nearpod in various educational settings
Sharing best practices and new discoveries with my professional network
Adapting Nearpod's use to meet evolving educational needs and challenges
The Nearpod journey has been more than just about a single tool; it represents my dedication to embracing and promoting technologies that genuinely enhance the learning experience. As education continues to evolve, I am excited to leverage my expertise with Nearpod and similar technologies to create dynamic, interactive, and effective learning environments for students and educators alike.
