VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Patrick Hausammann

Common Sense Education Resource Share – December 2024

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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:

For Parents & Caregivers:

 

All Resources via Common Sense Education

All VSTE Posts of Common Sense Education Resources

Thank a Teacher Contest from the VA Lottery

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Thank a Teacher started in 2016 with one goal: to thank as many K-12 public school teachers in Virginia as possible during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. With thank-you notes designed by students and distributed by the Virginia Lottery, Virginia’s residents can thank their favorite public school teachers and help them win a cash prize and supplies for their schools from Supply Room.

We’re currently looking for three students to have their artwork featured on the thousands of thank-you notes distributed across the state. The contest is open to K-12 students enrolled in one of Virginia’s public schools, and one top-prize winner will be selected from each level: elementary school, middle school and high school. The three winners will not only get to see their artwork featured on the 2025 thank-you notes, but they’ll also receive a $200 gift card and win $2,000 for their school’s art department.

We’re asking all our partners to help us get the word out! If you’re interested in helping, attached are some social media posts that you can share on your social networks, as well as some fun images to go along with them. We’ve also included a flyer that you could distribute to your email lists or post on your website.

Submissions will be accepted until February 3, 2025. For more information about the Thank a Teacher Art Contest including official rules, eligibility and entry requirements, visit www.ThankaTeacherVA.com.

Join ARISE at George Mason University to Engage in the Use of AI Tools for School Improvement Planning

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Interested in AI tools for decision-making?

Join ARISE at George Mason University to Engage in the Use of AI Tools for School Improvement Planning

By Drs. Seth B. Hunter and Beth Davis

 

K-12 education has entered a new frontier where educators are exploring the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in innovative ways to enhance student outcomes. While many human-AI collaborations focus on efficiency, some venture into uncharted territory, exploring new and improved decision-making. The AI Informed Education Policy team at George Mason University is working with educational leaders to use AI to assist in making better school improvement decisions based on current, rigorous, and technical education research.

School improvement planning demands significant time and resources from school and district leaders, with many struggling to meet federal and state requirements for federally defined “evidence-based interventions.” Indeed, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that many schools face challenges identifying and implementing compliant evidence-based interventions, conducting thorough needs assessments, and identifying resource inequities. These challenges persist despite dedicated efforts from district and school leaders.

At George Mason University, our preliminary workshops on AI-enabled tools showed great promise in reducing the time and resource demands of school improvement planning. When equipped with specialized AI tools, aspiring educational leaders reported significant benefits in both efficiency and effectiveness. These tools expedited the identification and evaluation of evidence-based interventions and saved valuable time. Dozens of future education leaders trained at George Mason are now learning to use AI tools for efficient and equitable school improvement planning. This is a testament to the potential for growth and learning in this field. Districts that understand and help shape these emerging practices will be better positioned to support and leverage the skills of their leadership pipeline.

 

Aspiring Education Leaders Use of AI-Enabled Tools for School Improvement Planning

This project, referred to as ARISE (AI for Responsive, Inclusive School Enhancement), brings district leaders across Virginia and beyond to transform school improvement planning from a compliance exercise into a catalyst for meaningful change. Our current participants, which include districts serving 10,000 to 100,000 students, are a testament to ARISE's rich opportunities for cross-district learning and collaboration. 

We are currently accepting additional divisions to be part of this exciting initiative to be at the forefront of AI and school improvement planning. There are many benefits for your division to join, including: 

Access cutting-edge AI tools that streamline the identification of evidence-based interventions

 

Connect with peers across districts to share challenges and solutions in school improvement planning and implementation

 

Shape the development of AI tools and processes that address your specific district needs

 

Receive affiliate faculty status at George Mason, providing access to comprehensive digital research resources.

 

If you are interested in getting started or would like to schedule time to discuss the initiative, contact Dr. Beth Davis at edavis32@gmu.edu. 

2024 VSTE Award Winners

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The VSTE Outstanding Coach, Teacher and Leader awards recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education. Award recipients are selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.
On December 9th, 2024, four individuals were recognized as Outstanding Technology Coach(s), Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Leader for their innovative and engaging work in supporting their peers and districts in becoming change agents in technology education. The winners met the high standards set by the ISTE Standards for Coaches and Teacher Leaders.
Below are our winners and remarks that were provided as part of their application packet.

Ashley Wood – VSTE Technology Teacher of the Year 2024
Ashley Wood has made a remarkable impact on teaching and learning at Hovatter Elementary through her leadership, innovation, and commitment to lifelong learning. As a member of the school’s Tech Teacher Leadership Committee since its opening in 2021, she has empowered her colleagues by leading professional development sessions and modeling the effective integration of technology into instruction. Her efforts have significantly enhanced student engagement, fostered personalized learning, and built a culture of collaboration and growth. Ashley’s passion for real-world learning is evident in her leadership of a PBL initiative with Meadows Farm Nursery, where students design and 3D print pollinator-friendly landscapes, combining STEM education with environmental stewardship.

Dedicated to equity and innovation, Ashley ensures all students have access to technology-rich, personalized learning experiences. She actively supports her team in integrating technology, providing tailored instruction, and fostering digital citizenship. Ashley’s completion of a Master’s in Educational Technology, her presentations at district conferences, and her leadership in achieving Common Sense Media certification reflect her commitment to professional growth and educational excellence. Her ability to inspire, collaborate, and create engaging learning environments makes her a true leader and the reason Ashley Wood is recognized as the 2024 VSTE Teacher of the Year.

 

Morgan Noone – VSTE Coach of the Year 2024
Morgan Noone, Elementary Instructional Technology Coach for Goochland County Public Schools, is a transformational leader who has helped redefine teaching and learning within the division. Morgan tailors her coaching to meet educators where they are, ensuring personalized, meaningful support that builds confidence and excitement around student-centered learning. Her collaborative approach—co-teaching, modeling lessons, and offering ongoing encouragement—empowers teachers to embrace innovative practices, fostering a culture of creativity and engagement. Her efforts have ignited enthusiasm for teaching across Goochland’s schools, making her a vital force for educational innovation.

Morgan's impact extends far beyond coaching. Through her community-focused video series inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, she creates enriching, real-world connections for preschool learners by collaborating with local partners like farmers, grocers, and librarians. Her leadership in digital citizenship initiatives, such as helping schools earn Common Sense School designations, ensures students develop critical skills for responsible technology use. A certified VSTE Coach and active presenter at state and regional conferences, Morgan exemplifies lifelong learning and innovation. Her unwavering dedication to supporting educators, advancing equitable technology access, and forging strong school-community ties makes her a true visionary in instructional technology.

 

Sandra Wilfong – VSTE Coach of the Year 2024
Sandra Wilfong is a transformative leader in technology integration and STEM education, whose impact resonates throughout her school division. Through tailored coaching, she empowers teachers to use technology effectively to engage students, assess learning outcomes, and differentiate instruction. Sandra’s professional development workshops provide educators with actionable strategies for integrating digital tools into their classrooms, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Her commitment to designing lessons that align with educational standards and promote meaningful engagement has enriched teaching practices across the district.

Sandra’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her exceptional work in building community partnerships. By collaborating with organizations such as NASA, NOAA, WHRO, and the Department of Forestry, she connects students and educators with real-world STEM applications. These partnerships culminate in events like STEM Day, where hands-on, interactive experiences bring classroom concepts to life. Her initiatives broaden students’ perspectives on potential careers in STEM while fostering excitement and curiosity about the field. Sandra’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and educational excellence makes her an invaluable asset to her community and a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor.

 

Heather Askea – VSTE Leader of the Year 2024
Heather has been a driving force in educational technology and professional development since 2006. As one of the first Instructional Technology Resource Teachers in Wise County, she trained hundreds of teachers in technology integration, and her influence has grown exponentially throughout her career. During her 13 years with the UVA-Wise Center for Teaching Excellence, Heather coordinated professional development for thousands of teachers, offering workshops, online courses, and summer institutes. Now, as the leader of STREAMWISE and UVA-Wise STREAM Outreach Coordinator, Heather works directly with both educators and students, hosting school visits, workshops, and events that promote STEM and STREAM learning. Through partnerships with organizations like Apple Education, the Appalachian Council for Innovation, and regional libraries, she has developed impactful initiatives such as coding camps, professional learning communities, and STREAMWISE corners to ensure equitable access to technology-enhanced education.

Collaboration is central to Heather’s work, as evidenced by her leadership in regional partnerships and initiatives such as the SWVA Can Code program and the Math of the Mountains project. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth keeps her at the forefront of emerging technologies and best practices, which she shares as a frequent presenter at conferences like ISTE and VSTE. Heather’s work embodies the mission of VSTE, promoting excellence in education through the integration of technology. She has been instrumental in creating equitable access to digital tools, fostering innovation in the classroom, and modeling excellence in digital citizenship. Heather’s ability to envision what’s possible and inspire others to achieve it makes her an invaluable leader in education.

A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use

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On November 13, VSTE partnered with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and The Social Institute for a dynamic webinar, "A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use" that covered important topics about cell phones in schools and Virginia's new "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban. Jennifer Clements and Charlie Hinsch, who are Instructional Technology Coordinators at VBCPS, joined Laura Tierney,  Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, to talk about some big challenges schools were facing related to cell phones and social media, like overwhelming notifications, TikTok challenges, and even behaviors like vaping in school bathrooms.

To address these challenges, VBCPS, implemented stricter cell phone rules, even before the state-wide ban, that require students to keep their devices in their backpacks during class. While these rules have been helpful, Clements and Hinsch pointed out that it can be hard for teachers, who often feel torn between enforcing phone restrictions and teaching students how to use technology responsibly. Instead of just banning phones, VBCPS teamed up with The Social Institute to take a positive and proactive approach to empowering students to make high-character decisions as they navigate technology, like cell phones. Through #WinAtSocial, The Social Institute's gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, VBCPS students learn from each other about making positive choices online, helping them build healthy tech habits without feeling restricted.

A big part of this strategy is involving students directly. Through #WinAtSocial, students can share their experiences anonymously, giving teachers a better understanding of what students face online. With this approach, VBCPS hopes to not only tackle tech challenges but also to empower students with the skills to make positive decisions online. Their goal is to build a school culture where students feel encouraged to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

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