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Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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Patrick Hausammann

VSTE Announces Election Results 2025

May 2, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann Leave a Comment

Congratulations to the three candidates who have been elected to the VSTE Board of Directors for the 2025-2028 term! You can learn more about each Board member below.

Region 5:

Rebecca "Erin" Comninaki, Classroom Teacher / Middle School English, Linkhorne Middle School / Lynchburg CityR. Erin Comninaki Schools

Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:

In the next three years, I envision VSTE expanding its role to support smaller and underfunded divisions that are losing access to edtech coaches and resources due to budget cuts. Many educators in remote areas can’t attend the annual conference or don’t have access to regional events. VSTE could serve as an umbrella organization to help connect and support these divisions by amplifying regional efforts and creating equitable access to professional learning. Additionally, a centralized resource hub with shared content would help ensure all educators and learners have access to high-quality tools and training year-round.

Region 2:

Kari Lomanno, Technology Innovation Coach, Chesapeake Public Schools

 Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:Kari Lomanno

In the next three years, VSTE can lead the way for instructional technology in Virginia by continuing to provide relevant and hands-on professional development opportunities. As schools across the state work to develop effective AI policies, VSTE should be at the forefront of this movement by providing sample policies and best practices for districts. With the growing uncertainty about federal funding in our schools, VSTE should be a leading advocate for funding initiatives and equitable access to technology in our schools. VSTE should continue to offer opportunities for educators to earn credentials and collaborate in an online community. Finally, the VSTE Annual Conference is a wonderful event that showcases the most innovative tools and resources available to our schools. We need to keep up this momentum by growing this event each year.

At-Large-Director

Denise Henry-Orndorff,  Instructional Technology Coach,  Frederick County Public Schools

Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:Denise Henry-Orndorff

I have been an active member of VSTE for several years and deeply value the sense of community it fosters among educators. My vision is to continue building on VSTE’s strong foundation by supporting current initiatives and exploring innovative ways to reach and empower educators across the Commonwealth. With experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology coach, I understand the challenges educators face and the transformative role technology can play in teaching and learning. I am committed to advancing professional development through high-quality training, hands-on support, and advocacy for equitable access to educational technology. If selected to serve on the VSTE board, I will bring a collaborative spirit, a strong focus on educator support, and a passion for promoting innovation and equity in education.

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Filed Under: Blog, Board of Directors, Elections, VSTE News Tagged With: 2025 Elections, Board of Directors, Elections

Virtual Virginia & The ActiVAted Learning Podcast

May 1, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann Leave a Comment

 

 

Virginia Virtual (VVA) invites all K–12 educators, administrators, and central office personnel in Virginia public schools and divisions to participate in the 2024–2025 weekly VVA Statewide Professional Learning Meetings. These meetings take place every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and serve as a platform to showcase professional learning opportunities provided by VVA and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

In June, the focus of the Statewide Professional Learning Meetings will be the Activated Learning Podcast series. This series is produced by Blue Ridge PBS in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE). Each episode of the podcast features conversations with leading educators who share their insights on what energizes and excites them about teaching. They discuss innovative ways to use technology to enhance student engagement and learning.

To register for the Virtual Virginia Statewide Weekly Meetings register here. 

To listen to the Podcasts click here.

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Filed Under: Blog, VDOE Tagged With: Activated Learning, Activated Learning Podcast, VDOE, VVA

VSTE Announces Next Executive Director

April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann 1 Comment

The Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) is proud to announce that Craig Spraggins has been named the next Executive Director of the organization. Craig currently serves as an Instructional Technology Specialist with Loudoun County Public Schools and brings a wealth of experience to the role, including nearly two decades of dedicated service to the VSTE community.

For years, Craig has been a steady presence behind the VSTE Annual Conference, helping to create meaningful learning experiences and fostering connections among educators across Virginia. His background also includes serving as an Instructional Technology Coordinator in Arlington Public Schools, reflecting a career-long commitment to supporting teachers and students through effective technology integration

“VSTE has had an ever growing opportunity to support Virginia educators through the hard work of past executive directors. The Board of Directors is excited about this next phase of our growth and support of the community. Craig has done great things as the lead for VSTE’s annual conference. We are excited to have him bring his energy and commitment to the organization as a whole,” said JB Reynolds, VSTE’s Board Treasurer.

Craig will begin his tenure on July 1, 2025, upon the retirement of the current Executive Director, Rod Carnill.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, VSTE News Tagged With: Executive Director, Executive Director 2025

Common Sense Education Resource Share – February & March 2025

March 28, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann

An image of students working on laptops in a classroom. A Common Sense Education text overlay appears in the top right of the graphic."Common Sense is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all kids thrive in a world of media and technology. They support pre-K–12 schools with lesson plans, edtech reviews, family resources, and everything else students need to thrive in a connected world." Below is a custom set of resources pulled from this month's newest updates! Check them out via the links and explore even more at www.commonsense.org/education. VSTE is proud to partner with Common Sense Education.


For Teachers:

  • Decrease Digital Distractions and Elevate Attention Spans
  • Content Moderation and Misinformation
  • Teachers' Essential Guide to Viral Online Challenges
  • AI Chatbots & Friendship
  • Professional Development Opportunities!
    • ChatGPT Foundations for K–12 Educators
    • Teaching How AI Works to K–8 Students

For Parents & Caregivers:

    • 2025 NAACP Image Award-Nominated Films, TV Shows, and Books
    • Common Sense's Guide to ChatGPT for Parents and Caregivers
      • Espanol
    • Movies That Inspire Resilience

 

 


All Resources via Common Sense Education

All VSTE Posts of Common Sense Education Resources

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Filed Under: Blog, Common Sense Education Tagged With: Common Sense Education

2025 VSTE Board Nominations Elections

March 16, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann

VSTE Board Elections Opening on April 9, 2024

You are invited to nominate yourself or a colleague to be considered for election to the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Board of Directors, for the 2025-2028 Board term (three years). This is an opportunity to become involved in the key decision-making group for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. The online election, which will be held in April 2025, is for four seats on the Board of Directors for Region 2, 5, and an At Large Position.

Learn More About the VSTE Board of Directors

Nominations

VSTE members may nominate themselves or a colleague for a three year term who belong to VSTE and who live or work in Region 2 (Southwest) or Region 5 (North Central) or At Large (Any Region). This is an opportunity to become involved in the key decision-making group for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. If you are interested and meet these requirements, please login to members.VSTE.com and complete the electronic form no later than April 7, 2025. If you are nominating someone else for the position, please be sure they are aware in advance and properly secure responses to the nomination form prompts.

Nominations open on March 17 and close April 7.  You must be a VSTE member as of  December 31, 2024 to nominate, to be nominated, and to participate in the online election.  Details for a complimentary membership can always be found at VSTE’s website.

 

Voting 

Voting will open on April 14, 2025 and close April 28th 2025. You must be a VSTE member as of December 31, 2024 to be eligible to vote. New board members will be announced May 1. 

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Board of Directors, Elections Tagged With: Board of Directors, Election, Elections, VSTE Board

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