Alexandria, VA – October 2, 2008 - The National School Boards Association’s Technology Leadership Network (TLN) has announced its annual list identifying 20 emerging leaders in education technology. These individuals are recognized for championing technology initiatives that make a difference for students, teachers, school districts, and the greater education technology community.
A nationwide search was conducted to identify individuals who reflect the spirit of creativity and collaboration that embraces the power of technology to enhance learning for students, inspire colleagues, transform operations, and engage communities.
“Innovation in K-12 technology is the result of educators with the vision, passion, and natural curiosity to explore new tools and teaching strategies that transforms teaching and learning,” said Ann Flynn, director of education technology for NSBA. “Today, the exceptional accomplishments of these 20 individuals help us define our expectations for the role technology can play in the future. We hope this program inspires other educators to follow their lead and provides policy makers and school leaders with the insight they need to further support future innovation.” The 20 technology leaders will be recognized at NSBA’s annual technology and learning conference, T+L, which will take place Oct. 28-30, 2008 in Seattle. They will also be showcased in future NSBA education technology publications. For more information, please visit http://www.nsba.org/t+l/.
The 2008 “20 to Watch” are:
Celine Azoulay, Borough Instructional Technology Director, Staten Island, New York City Schools (NY)
Celine Azoulay is recognized for her vision to introduce colleagues to powerful teaching strategies that are coupled with state-of-the-art technology to improve student achievement levels. Within the New York City public school system, Celine utilized her expertise in mathematics and background in teaching, professional development, and instructional technology to oversee the introduction of Tabula Digita’s DimensionM™, an immersive educational video game, into the district’s middle school math initiative.
Jeremy Davis, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Anaheim City School District (CA)
As the co-author of the Magnolia School District’s technology plan, Jeremy Davis was instrumental in helping define the district’s vision for instructional technology use and in the development and implementation of the plan. He designed a four-part technology lesson plan for each grade, provided in class laptop lab sessions for teachers, and created web-accessible screen shot videos and downloadable video podcasts for teachers to access. As a technology trainer for the Orange County Department of Education, Jeremy provides instruction on topics from “Making History Come Alive” with Google Earth to Advanced Excel and can often be found twittering and posting in various Diigo and Google groups.
Dr. Rudy Duran, Superintendent, Windsor C-1 School District (MO)
As superintendent, Dr. Rudy Duran recognized that students could not reap the full benefits of educational skill building software without sufficient access to hardware. In addition to increasing the total number of PCs, he has supported the creation of a wireless network and acquisition of other classroom equipment. Dr. Duran also made significant investments, in the district’s security and communication systems over the last three years that support increased collaboration with the local sheriff’s department to improve video surveillance, emergency parental notification, and included the installation of VOIP phones in every classroom.
Dr. Karol Galcik, Superintendent, Highlands School District (PA)
Dr. Karol Galcik has been the champion of many technology initiatives over the past several years, including gaining $850,000 in grants to furnish every math and English teacher with a personal laptop and outfit each of their classrooms with whiteboards, projectors, and laptop carts stocked with enough computers to accommodate every student. She is continuing efforts to provide every science and social studies classroom with the same equipment and believes interactive software can help struggling students. Dr. Galcik recognizes the importance of providing ample professional development through in-service opportunities to ensure that her teachers are able to effectively integrate the technology resources that are provided.
Karen Greenwood Henke, Managing Director, Nimble Press (CA)
Beginning in 1996, Karen Henke has been a leader in school technology planning efforts. She set standards for school networking as the director of the Smart Valley NetDay project, worked as consultant to national non-profits and technology companies to help bring technology created for business to learning organizations, and today is an advocate for using technology to improve school productivity, collaboration, and communication beyond the school house walls. Recognizing the lack of discretionary funds for teachers and foundation giving trends to education, Karen launched www.grantwrangler.com, a free online listing service of grants and awards for teachers and students. In fall 2008, mygrantwrangler.com, will be the first social networking site for both grant seekers and grant givers to share insights and experiences.
Kristen Hernandez, Teacher, Carolyn Park Middle School, St. Tammany Parish Public School System (LA)
As a middle school teacher, Kristen Hernandez is known for having a technology-rich classroom that uses technologies like, electronic portfolios, classroom response systems, and GPS, to enhance instruction, engage students, and raise student achievement. Kristen regularly presents conference workshops on integrating technology in the classroom and has received statewide recognition for her expertise by the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators. Kristen is acknowledged as the driving force behind Technology Night, during which students act as presenters showcasing the current technologies used in school to over 450 members of the community. She has inspired colleagues to earn their Masters Degrees in Education Technology, and supports her students and their parents through a comprehensive website that includes class assignments, school info, and at-home enrichment ideas.
Kay Hones, Librarian, Stevenson Elementary School, San Francisco Unified School District (CA)
As a school librarian, Kay Hones ensures that all students have the skills they need to effectively use technology to support their research and projects in the library where each child has access to a laptop. She teaches five-year-olds to turn on computers, find the library homepage, and use appropriate kinder websites; third graders to find digital primary sources and the how-to’s of blogging; and fourth and fifth graders to utilize Google Custom Search and to complete online book reviews. She produces a monthly newsletter for teachers that highlights online resources for all curricular areas and contributes articles to the parent newsletter on public library resources. In addition, Kay was chosen to participate in the Yahoo! Teachers of Merit program and to be the lead blogger on the official Yahoo! ForTeachers blog.
Ryan Imbriale, Assistant Principal, Perry Hall High School, Baltimore County Public Schools (MD)
Ryan Imbriale challenges his staff to integrate technology resources on a daily basis while reminding them that it’s more about learning than the technology. His encouragement to use Web 2.0 tools resulted in one of his teachers podcasting his Spanish class so that students could practice outside of school hours, and contributed to having, 22 students enrolled in the school’s first online course in the 2007-2008 school year. Ryan has made incredible strides in moving his school from the 19th century to the 21st century and formed an action team that developed a professional growth plan for infusing technology into instruction, data management, and classroom management. Under his guidance, a full-scale video streaming tool was implemented, a new student swipe system was introduced so teachers can immediately access attendance information, and the ConnectEd system has been adopted to send parents information and attendance daily.
Jim Klein, Director Information Services and Technology, Saugus Union School District (CA)
Jim Klein is recognized as an aggressive and enthusiastic technology leader for his work in advocating for education technology within California and through meetings with congressmen and women on Capitol Hill. Jim has inspired his district to implement cutting-edge technologies like the use of open source software, Web 2.0 tools and green computing and he actively challenges his peers to vigorously pursue those ideas and other emerging trends that will make a significant difference in the lives of students, teachers, and staff. With $1.4 million in grant funding to study the impact on 4th grade student achievement when each child has an ultra mobile device, Mr. Klein is well positioned to continue his contributions to the field.
A.J. McAdams, Teacher, Metropolitan School District of Warren Township (IN)
A.J. McAdams was one of 42 high school teachers in the U.S. to pilot a biomedical class as part of Project Lead the Way last year. A.J. was not afraid to take on this new curriculum at Warren Central High School since he recognized it provides a foundation for a career field that will become increasingly important to his students. He works well with a diverse student population and helps many reach their potential to become first generation college students. A.J. is a high energy individual who is approachable to those colleagues who are less tech savvy, because his interpersonal skills and personal humility, along with his focus on students first, makes him a leader among teachers.
Thuan Nguyen, Executive Director of Information Technology, Kent School District (WA)
Thuan Nguyen has been instrumental in developing the necessary infrastructure to support the district's outstanding technology program and has negotiated significant savings to do all of their technology initiatives at the best possible cost. He has managed an HR/Payroll conversion, established two secondary technology academies and is central to the implementation of a major laptop initiative. He supports the staff in sharing the district’s IT accomplishments from the community’s technology levy funds under the banner of “Delivering on the Promise”. As a former ELL student in the Kent District, Thuan brings a unique perspective to his position and wants to ensure that all students who come after him have the same opportunity for success. He was recently nominated for an international technology award and has been named as a "laureate" by Computerworld.
(Mr.) Jan Pabitzky, Chief Information Officer, Geary County Unified School District 475 (KS)
Working through challenging budget times, Jan Pabitzky has persevered and supported the superintendent’s vision of technology becoming a “non issue” where it is seamlessly integrated into everything that happens across the district – from instruction to business operations. In spite of the small budget, his large ideas have enabled the district to move towards a 2:1 ratio for computers without special funding; helped with the transition from four student information platforms to one, and made wireless access in all the buildings a reality. Jan regularly collaborates with business leaders and university and technical college faculty to determine their needs and then translates that information for his colleagues so they it can be incorporated in the district’s philosophy and future plans.
Matthew Putman, Teacher, Westfield High School, Westfield Washington Schools (IN)
Matthew Putman is recognized as an individual who makes a profoundly positive difference in the lives of kids and who teaches some of the most innovative – and complex – courses in the school. In his passion to teach 21st century skills and provide rich in-depth learning and understanding opportunities for his students, Matthew has convinced the district to invest in a new CIM (computers in manufacturing) course which involves producing 3-D plastic models generated by computer. Matthew is a strong advocate for advancing the district’s communications processing courses, and as a result of his vision, a computer lab was constructed to benefit Art, Music, Theatre, Engineering/Technology and Business department classes. Next, Matthew and his principal are planning to expand this course into an entire communications department capped with an operational radio/television studio for their students and community.
Jeremy Renner, Technology Resource Teacher, Jefferson County Public School District (KY)
Jeremy Renner, a Technology Resource Teacher, is both an instructional leader and a technology leader who fosters and supports a culture of change in his role. He championed initiatives to get laptops for low-income students, to ensure classrooms were web-enabled, and that 5,700 teachers in a special program had tablet PCs, projection devices, and the professional development they need to be successful. .. He is recognized for implementing the one-to-one laptop project at the state’s lowest performing high school, serving as an e-mentor, facilitating online professional development and implementing the a Parent Portal, bringing Google Tools into the classroom, and introducing primary teachers to Nings.
Amber Rowland, Project Leader, ALTEC, University of Kansas (KS)
Amber Rowland, a PhD student in the department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education at KU, is currently a Senior Project Leader for the Advanced Learning Technologies (ALTEC), a division of the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas (KU). She also serves as the project coordinator for the Technology Rich Classrooms initiative, whose mission is to provide evidence that technology integration, when supported by strong, on-going professional development, can produce positive changes in the classroom environment that result in improved student learning in the areas of reading, math and science. As a current instructor for the Technology Integration into Middle and Secondary Education course in the School of Education at KU, Amber hopes to empower pre-service teachers by modeling a multidisciplinary, project-based learning approach that uses technology as a tool to enhance content standards and 21st Century Skills.
Paul Sanfrancesco, Director of Technology, Garnet Valley School District (PA)
Paul Sanfrancesco is honored for his enthusiasm and availability to assist faculty, students, administrators, and community members in all aspects of technology. He frequently runs workshops beyond the school day so that all members of the Garnet Valley community can become aware of issues and new pieces of technology. Paul developed and implemented the district’s first summer Technology Academy for 94 teachers in partnership with the nearby Neuman College. If the district is unable to fund purchases to support new initiatives at the time that Paul feels they should be implemented, he often seeks and secures grants to advance the vision. Paul has earned the respect of the Board of School Directors, the administration, faculty, student body, and community at large. Recent accomplishments include his work to help the district go wireless, an Internet Safety program, and implementation of systems for online grading and emergency notification.
Lenny Schad, Chief Information Officer, Katy Independent School District (TX)
As Chief Information Officer, Lenny Schad set goals that changed the IT department’s focus from educational into a service-oriented business model. With over 30,000 desktops and laptops throughout the district, Lenny quickly recognized the need for software to be deployed remotely and that now allows it to be rolled out to all machines in a matter of minutes. While his primary focus is on reducing operating costs and downtime, enhancing performance, and increasing service delivery, Lenny implemented an online, automated curriculum and lesson-planning system which was developed in-house and patented by the district. He has utilized key performance indicators and metrics to demonstrate the IT effect on district and student achievement and is a leader in cyber security and IT organizational models. Mr. Schad has successfully combined his passion for technology with education and keeps Katy on the cutting-edge, not the bleeding edge.
Gail Soriano, Technology Facilitator, Avoca School District 37 (IL)
Gail Soriano has driven numerous technology related initiatives with her strong pedagogical background and fluid knowledge of technology. Under her guidance, interactive whiteboards were installed in thirteen district classrooms where, within one year, teachers have revolutionized their instructional practices with the support of her professional development efforts. Among the district’s technology team members, Gail is described as the teacher who has developed the most engaging and innovative projects and who is a driving force behind the district’s technology endeavors. She chaired a committee that helped develop the district’s long range technology plan and led the team that developed the scope and sequence of student and teacher technology skills for the district based on the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). Gail has not only taught many community technology classes that provide essential skills for the district’s constituents, but she has delivered others designed to help them understand the role technology plays in delivering a 21st century education.
Cynthia Trujillo, Directory of Technology, Zuni Public School District (NM)
Cynthia Trujillo is honored for taking a group of individuals with little or no technology training and transforming each member of her technology staff into knowledgeable, customer oriented service technicians. She has been called a visionary as a result of her work with community and tribal leaders to pioneer a new Student Information System, implement PLATO for academic remediation, and to ensure the availability of high speed connectivity for all school sites, as well as making it available to the entire Pueblo of Zuni. She implemented a youth program in which 6-10 high school students make applications, are interviewed and selected for a paid technology training program during the summer. Cynthia is frequently out in the school sites, training, problem-solving and generally assessing needs and even traveled 200 miles one-way to meet with the parents of a hospitalized child to provide a technology solution so that child could continue his education in his home district of Zuni.
Nicole Vitale, Teacher, Cleveland Municipal School District (OH)
Nicole Vitale has been instrumental in her district by bringing at least $250,000 worth of technology into the school through her grant writing and sharing her interactive 2nd grade writing program with her colleagues. Nicole has supported her English Language Arts curriculum with a SmartBoard and more recently, has pioneered the use of iPods and airliners in the primary grades. She is recognized by district administrators as an intelligent, reliable source of information, especially when it comes to technology, and has provided professional development content to her colleagues in the district and through her role as a presenter for her local PBS station.
The Technology Leadership Network (TLN) is NSBA’s district membership program designed for education leaders who establish policies and implement technology decisions that enhance teaching and learning, operations, and community outreach efforts.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association is a not-for-profit federation of state associations of school boards representing 95,000 local school board members throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education through local school board leadership. NSBA represents the school board perspective in working with federal government agencies and national organizations that impact education, and provides vital information and services to state associations of school boards throughout the nation.