Technology Integration Secrets of Award Winning Teachers

These Award Winning Educators Share Many Skills That Helped Lead to Their Success and Recognition from Peers.

Mr. Christopher Chappell, a social studies teacher at Menchville High School in Newport News, was recognized as the 2012 “Technology Integrator of the Year” at the High School level.

Look for opportunities to participate in technology pilot projects: Chappell was selected to pilot the VDOE’s Beyond Textbooks initiative. His passion for technology integration and a reputation as an outstanding, innovative teacher helped to secure him this role, but he had to extend himself first.

Take Initiative

As a second year teacher at Victory Elementary in Portsmouth, Rachel Heil was recognized in 2011 as Technology Educator of the Year at the Elementary School level.

Apply for grants: Heil applied for and won a division grant, and used these funds to set up student computer workstations which included an interactive whiteboard, MP3 players, Flip video cameras, and digital voice recorders. Grant opportunities are great way to secure funds for equipment, software, and services that can provide you and your students with access to tools they might not otherwise have access to (but you don’t apply, you’ll never have these opportunities!).

Take Initiative

The 2011 Middle School Technology Educator of the Year was awarded to Melissa Chai Eighth Grade English Teacher, at Toano Middle School in Williamsburg.

Take Initiative: Ms. Chai worked hard at improving all students’ achievement through the use of technology. “She took the sole initiative to create the Stonehouse Elementary Computer Club in 2006 and the Toano Middle School Computer Club in 2008 and now serves as the coach and sponsor of four teams that participated in the 2011 Great Computer Challenge.”

Take Initiative

The 2012 Elementary Technology Educator of the Year was awarded to Ashley Theriault, 4th Grade Teacher, Hilton Elementary School, Newport News.

Theriault collaborated closely with teachers on her team to, “transform instruction into a digital interactive 21st century learning experience for students using iPads, Glogster, podcasting, blogging, and digital e-portfolios. Videos of her technology-rich performance assessments in action have been used during division presentations at gatherings such as ASCD’s annual conference.”

Collaborate

Mirroring a theme you will see throughout many of these awards, teacher Christopher Chappell collaborated with media specialists, technology integration specialists, and another high school teachers while working on the project.

As an English teacher, Melissa Chai “worked collaboratively with colleagues on the development and sharing of lesson plans that provided students with a first-hand approach to technology, leading to a rise in the 8th grade reading pass rate from 84% to 97%.”

Collaborate

Facilitate professional development: Rachel Heil encouraged fellow teachers to attend “Tech Tuesday” classes after school. She even organized car pools to help get them there! She is also a member of, and contributor to, the school division’s professional learning community. By seeking out professional development opportunities, getting involved, and encouraging others, teachers can be “shining stars”, providing a great example while helping peers learn and grow.

Exhibit Peer Leadership

Present to peers: Christopher Chapell presented on mobile learning to his peers at a VSTE learning event and at the National Council for the Social Studies national conference.

Exhibit Peer Leadership

Christopher Chappell challenged students to become researchers, inquirers, and content producers, and they were provided a mobile device to use over the course of the full school year towards this end.

Rachel Heil allowed students to share their knowledge, further empowering them. As students in her class worked with these new tools, they in turn taught other students and teachers how to use the technology.

Challenge & EmpowerYour Students

Share your expertise: “Ashley Theriault’s enthusiasm for technology and innate desire to be on the cutting edge compels her to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology and to share her expertise with teachers and students.” Making the time and taking the effort to share what you learn about technology can help other teachers get a leg up on technology integration, and also lead to new opportunities. Her fourth grade team was one of only two across her school division to be selected as a pilot team for a 1:1 tablet computing initiative.

Share Your Knowledge

Network: As a Discovery Education Network (DEN) Star, Rachel Heil networks locally, regionally, and nationally. She is a model for other teachers to follow. Today’s tech tools and social media make it easier than ever to build, expand, and leverage your own Personal Learning Network (learn more in this article).

Network

Heather Ulsh, Math Teacher at Tabb Middle School in York, was selected at the 2011 Middle School Technology Educator of the Year.

Create: Ulsh learned how to take advantage of the latest technology tools to help keep her math students engaged. “Using GPS systems, she created a scavenger hunt on the football field to help students review for the SOL test. Students used Animoto, Glogster, MovieMaker, Toondoo, Blogs and Wikispaces to learn the essential vocabulary of math.” When you and your students use tech tools to create their own learning experiences, in can be engaging and make learning fun!

Get Creative

It was noted in the write-up that Heather Ulsh was recognized, “For her creative and fun uses of technology to increase interest and knowledge in math”. Ulsh has fun using technology, and you should too! Nothing makes learning and work more productive and enjoyable than having some fun while you’re doing it.

Have Fun!

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