VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

CoSN

Please Vote Now: Three Virginia Educators Nominated for NEXTGeneration Awards

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Each year, CoSN and edscoop recognize NEXTGeneration leaders who are making a difference in K-12 educational technology. To qualify for the program, candidates had to be employed by a K-12 school, district or education service agency; have worked five or fewer years as an education technology professional; and have demonstrated leadership in the schools and districts they serve.

Three Virginia educators have been nominated for this prestigious award. The final selections are made based on vote tallies. You do not have to be a member of CoSN to vote so please consider taking the time to review the candidates and vote.

http://edscoop.com/nextgeneration/2018/

#vstereads: Are You Ready to Be Transformed?

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Thoughts on Change from Lynmara Colon, Principal/Lead Learner, Mary Williams Elementary

Change can be hard.  Change can be painful.  Change can be scary.  But let’s be honest, change is necessary.  Can you imagine if our schools had remained the same as they were years ago? Picture our students sitting in rows working in isolation, answering low level questions without the opportunity for collaboration.  Sounds scary, right? While some schools have moved away from these practices, some continue to implement old practices that do not meet our students’ needs.

As leaders, we are constantly encouraging educators to meet students where they are, asking them to do whatever it takes to show growth and mastery.  We measure student growth by a multiple-choice test, forgetting that this is not the only area that needs our attention.  I truly believe that if students are engaged and taught in an environment crafted to meet their needs, they will be successful. Most jobs will require our students to do much more than taking a state assessment.  If we want to prepare them for the workforce, our schools must be intentional about creating spaces that foster innovation and creativity.

Eric Sheninger and Thomas Murray have done an outstanding job addressing 8 key factors that will allow schools to be transformed.  From creating a culture of Innovation to Collaboration and Engagement with the Community, their book “Learning Transformed” provides a roadmap for schools wanting to be Future Ready.

As leaders we must model risk taking and intentionality about removing the roadblocks getting in the way of our students’ access to schools that will prepare them for the future.  We must step out of our comfort zone and craft professional learning experiences that will align with the needs of our staff. Sharing our passion without action is not enough.  We be must intentional about transforming student learning.  Are you ready to be transformed? If so, join us in learning more about Eric Sheninger and Thomas Murray work as we discuss their new book.  Get ready to be transformed.  Our students are worth it.

All the Details:

Throughout the month of October, The VSTE CoSN Council will be sponsoring a book study of Learning Transformed: 8 Key to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools Today by Eric Sheninger and Tom Murray.  The book study will be led by Diane Harazin and Lynmara Colon, both from Prince William County.

Participants in the Fall 2017 book study are able to earn 10 recertification points by participating in the synchronous and asynchronous events including:

  1. At least one of two live webinars (October 5, 7:30 PM & October 25, 7:30 PM)
  2. #novaedchat (October 4, 8:00 - 9:00 PM)
  3. Post to at least three of four flipgrid topics related to the book study. (Topics will be posted each week throughout the month of October, usually on Wednesdays.)

We will post the reading schedule soon. Meanwhile, if you are interested, please complete the registration form.

Invite Others:

This book study is free and open to all! Feel free to share this blog post with your school team and PLN! Learning Transformed is full a well-researched, practical guide making a difference in the lives of our students. Join us and learn how you can be part of the solution.

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Spring 2017 CETL Study Groups Scheduled

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The VSTE CoSN Council has scheduled two sets of CETL® study groups in Northern Virginia. It will be led by Dr. Barbara Gruber from Loudoun County, a CETL certified educator.

Northern Virginia:
This study group will be held at the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151 and led by Barbara Gruber.

April 29, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
May 13, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
June 10, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
July 15, 2017, 10 AM  - 1 PM

Central Virginia:
Update: We have had to cancel this face to face study group. We are working to find an alternative, possibly online.

April 22, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
May 20, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
June 17, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM
July 8, 2017, 10 AM - 1 PM

If you wish to attend the Northern Virginia study group, you must register by April 14, 2017.

Register now. 

The exam will be administered on Friday, July 28, from 8 AM to 12 PM, in Colonial Heights, Virginia.

CETL Certification Snapshot: Kevin Perkins

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VSTE is the state chapter of CoSN. The VSTE CoSN Council provides professional development of interest to school divisios technology and instruction leaders.

CoSN sponsors the CETL Certification. Becoming a Certified Education Technology Leader demonstrates to your staff, superintendent, and other stakeholders that you have mastered the knowledge and skills needed to define the vision for and successfully build 21st century learning environments in your school district.

Kevin Perkins, Supervisor of Technology at Rockingham County Public Schools, is a recently certified leader. He believes the certification has made him a better leader:

One of the main reasons I pursued the CETL certification was for personal fulfillment and professional growth. When I was awarded the opportunity for a technology leadership position, I was lacking any formal license or certiperkinsfication. The CETL Certification identified the knowledge and skills that are required to be an effective technology leader with the COSN Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO.  Obtaining the CETL Certification gave me the ability to prove that I had the knowledge necessary to be a successful technology leader. . Having the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and peers while going through the process of preparing for the CETL exam has been invaluable.  For me, earning the CETL certification has been  rewarding both personally and professionally.

Learn more at CoSN.

 

CETL Certification Snapshot: Tim Tillman

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VSTE is the state chapter of CoSN. The VSTE CoSN Council provides professional development of interest to school divisios technology and instruction leaders.

CoSN sponsors the CETL Certification. Becoming a Certified Education Technology Leader demonstrates to your staff, superintendent, and other stakeholders that you have mastered the knowledge and skills needed to define the vision for and successfully build 21st century learning environments in your school district.

Tim Tillman, Director of Technology and Learning at Colonial Heights Public Schools, is a recently certified leader. He believes the certification has made him a better leader:

When I found out there was a certification that could prove I had the foundation of knowledge to succeed as a K-12 technology leader, I knew it was something I wanttillmaned. Although the CETL was relatively unknown to my district and surrounding region, I wanted something that I could use to support my authority and leadership.  Studying for the certification helped me realize the weaknesses in my experience and education. I was then able to take corrective action to be well rounded and exhibit the skills required.  I am grateful for this certification and worked hard to be a CETL.  It was worth it!

Learn more at CoSN.