VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Blog

2024 VSTE Board Elections Nominations

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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 2024-2027 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 2024, is for four seats on the Board of Directors for Region 1, 2, 3, and 8.

Learn More About the VSTE Board of Directors

VSTE Version of VDOE Superintendent's Regions Map of Virginia

 

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 1 (Southwest), Region 2 (Southwest) or Region 3 (East) or 8 (South). Nominations are only being accepted from individuals in these regions for the 2024 elections.  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 complete the electronic form no later than March 15, 2024.   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 4 and are open until March 15. You must be a VSTE member 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 1 2024 and close April 19th 2024. You must be a VSTE member at least 10 days prior to voting to be eligible. New board members will be announced April 29th.

Voting will open on April 1 2024 and close April 19th 2024. You must be a VSTE member at least 10 days prior to voting to be eligible. New board members will be announced April 29th.

Common Sense Education Resource Share – February 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

VSTE is Hiring! Apply to be the VSTE Certified Coach Program Coordinator!

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Are You the Future VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator?

VSTE is on the lookout for a VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator. The VSTE Certified Coach program aims to provide an extended learning program that certifies instructional coaches and to grow a professional learning network of certified coaches that actively contributes to the VSTE mission and VSTE Certified Coach program.

What Does the VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator Do?

The VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator (VCCC) advocates for the role of coaches across the Commonwealth by managing and promoting the VSTE Certified Coach Program (VCC), facilitating the VCC professional learning network, coordinating the renewal process for all VCC coaches, and collaborating with the VSTE Board of Directors, Personal Services Coordinator (PCS), Digital Resources Manager (DRM), and Forward Edge (VSTE’s VCC partner organization). The VCCC is a dynamic role that impacts instructional coaching across the Commonwealth!

Managing and Promoting the VCC

As the coordinator, one of the main tasks is to work with the VSTE executive committee to promote the VCC program, coordinate the VCC application and enrollment process, and update the VCC program resources. You will work closely with the VSTE executive committee and Forward Edge to ensure the efficient and successful management and growth of the VCC program. This means you will be promoting and running registration windows twice a year.

Facilitating the VCC PLN

The VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator will be the primary point of contact for all VSTE Certified Coaches from registration to certification and through the ongoing renewal process. You will manage the VCC Professional Learning Network by managing an online platform for asynchronous communication, coordinating VCC PLN events throughout the year, publishing a quarterly VCC newsletter, and maintaining a database of all VCC coaches and cohorts. This role will be the liaison between the VCC coaches and the VSTE board.

Coordinating the VCC Renewal Program

In order to support the ongoing growth of the VCC coaches as well as the overall VCC program, the VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator will manage the VCC Renewal Program by advocating for opportunities for VCC coaches to earn renewal credits and contribute to the VST vision and goals. In addition, the VCCC will manage the VCC Renewal Program by providing ongoing communication and support to coaches, reviewing and approving renewal submissions, and maintaining current renewal status for all VCC Coaches.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The PSC will work closely with the VSTE Board of Directors, the VSTE Professional Services Coordinator (PSC), and the VSTE Digital Resource Manager (DRM). This collaboration entails reporting updates to the Board of Directors, working with the PSC to coordinate opportunities for VCC coaches, and collaborating with the DRM for marketing material publication and website edits.

Do you have what it takes?

To be eligible for this exciting position, you should have completed the VSTE Certified Coach Program. A passion for instructional coaching and VSTE’s vision and mission is essential. The ability to demonstrate excellence in multimedia and design skills, communication and collaboration skills, and content creation experience are required. Experience in professional development design and presentation, project management skills, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders are highly desirable. Demonstrating honesty, humility, transparency, and respect will be highly valued.
The annual salary for this part-time position is $3,500, based on an average of 2 hours of work per week. The expectation is that this position will have fluctuating periods of activity, with some weeks requiring higher hours per week. This position also offers flexible hours and the option to work remotely.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Now!

So, if you're ready to take on this exciting role and make a difference in the world of instructional coaching and education, apply now! We can't wait to meet you. Applications are due by 3-1-24.

Application Form

VSTE is Hiring! Apply to be the VSTE Professional Services Coordinator!

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Are You the Future VSTE Professional Services Coordinator?

The Professional Services Committee is on the lookout for a Professional Services Coordinator. This committee aims to meet the professional development needs of school divisions and individuals across the state.

What Does the Professional Services Coordinator Do?

The Professional Services Coordinator (PSC) will wear many hats to ensure the smooth running of our professional services. This person will be responsible for chairing the Professional Services Committee, managing a consultant database, coordinating bookings and logistics, marketing our services, and collaborating with the Board, VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator, and VSTE Digital Resource Manager. It's a dynamic role that keeps you on your toes!

Creating Policies, Procedures, and a Stellar Website

As the coordinator, one of the main tasks is to work with the committee to create policies, procedures, and a website. You'll work closely with the committee to build a database of consultants and make sure it's always up to date. This means you'll be in charge of communicating with our network regularly.

Client Engagement

The Professional Services Coordinator will be the primary point of contact for clients from their initial inquiry to the seamless booking and logistics of our consultants. Attention to detail and dedication to exceptional service will ensure that every client receives top-notch assistance. Additionally, this person will play a vital role in evaluating the services rendered and providing valuable feedback to the VSTE Board.

Showcasing VSTE Professional Services

To attract school divisions throughout the state, the Professional Services Coordinator will take charge of creating captivating marketing graphics, blog posts, and other promotional materials. It's important to maintain a consistent schedule of content creation to keep our audience engaged.
Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The PSC will work closely with the VSTE Board of Directors, the VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator (VCCC), and the VSTE Digital Resource Manager (DRM). This collaboration entails reporting updates to the Board of Directors, recruiting consultants and providing renewal credits for coaches alongside the VCCC, and collaborating with the DRM for marketing material publication and website edits.

Do you have what it takes?

To be eligible for this exciting position, you should have an Associate's Degree or comparable experience. Marketing experience through social media is necessary, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of working with consultants and a passion for helping learners at all levels are also required. Familiarity with VSTE's work, mission, and vision is a plus. Experience in education partnerships within a non-profit setting, proven project management skills, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders are highly desirable. Demonstrating honesty, humility, transparency, and respect will be highly valued.
The annual salary for this part-time position is $3,500. The position will likely require an average of 2 hours of work per week with the possibility of additional hours & pay compensated at a comparable rate for special projects as approved by the Board of Directors. This position also offers flexible hours and the option to work remotely.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Now!

So, if you're ready to take on this exciting role and make a difference in the world of education, apply now! We can't wait to meet you. Applications are due by 3-1-24.

Application Form

Integrating Computer Science with Literacy: An Adventure Like No Other

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Written by Cara Hynden (chynden@ycsd.york.va.us, @cehynden82)

Throughout my 19-year teaching career, I have held various roles such as classroom teacher, ESL specialist, and ITRT. All of my experience has been in the elementary setting. In my recent transition to the role of Instructional Innovation Coach in York County School Division, not only did I move to the middle school setting, I recognized the need to expand my knowledge in computer science and robotics, an endeavor that has become a central focus.

Students coding a robot with Chromebooks.As the first formal observation of the year approached, I decided to tackle this challenge head on by collaborating with our school librarian to co-teach a lesson for an 8th-grade Advanced English class. We both needed to have an observation completed by our principal, who graciously allowed us to be observed together for the same lesson. After a long discussion, we decided to do a lesson that incorporated robotics and writing.

Yes, you read it correctly—robotics and writing.

What initially seemed like a somewhat crazy idea gradually transformed into a lesson plan that integrated literacy skills with coding in a way that was engaging and effective in allowing students to showcase their literacy knowledge through the coding of a sphere-shaped robot. Following numerous meetings, drafts, revisions, and moments of doubt, we successfully created a computer science and literacy lesson that combined Sphero Bolts with winter-themed creative writing. Sphero Bolts were introduced to 8th-grade students with prior experience in Scratch programming. The lesson successfully merged coding skills with winter-themed short stories, resulting in an engaging and creative learning experience.

Despite initial anxieties, the lesson exceeded expectations. Students enthusiastically wrote winter-themed short stories, collaborated with partners to code their Sphero Bolts, and showcased their creations at the conclusion of their collaborative work time. The library echoed with laughter and expressions of excitement as Spheros brought the stories to life. Their creativity and willingness to make mistakes and adjust was impressive. Laughter and shouts of “You know what we should do??” rang out through the library as students furiously programmed their Sphero Bolts to become the main characters of stories that included snowmen, Santa, reindeer, and Buddy the Elf.

Students coding a robot with Chromebooks.

The true highlight was coming back together so the students could demonstrate not only their programs, but also the collaboration and variety of literacy skills to include story elements, adjectives and winter vocabulary. One student would narrate the story while the other ran the program. More laughter and a chorus of “That’s so bussin’!!” sounded as Spheros zipped, spun, played music, and lit up. Students of varying ability levels were so engaged and excited that we had several students pass by the library, stick their heads in and ask when they might be able to work with the Sphero Bolts.

This tale carries a dual lesson: firstly, that robotics and computer science can integrate into any curriculum, inspiring engagement and creative thinking. Secondly, embracing challenges creates discomfort. And discomfort encourages us to grow. I encourage you to step into the unknown; you may discover not only your ability, but your students’ ability, to rise to the challenge.

⬇️ Video of the Adventure in Action ⬇️