• Skip to main content

VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

  • About
    • About VSTE
    • Committees
      • Advocacy
      • Awards
      • Education
      • Elections
      • Equity & Diversity
      • Finance
      • Outreach
    • Get Involved
    • Leadership
    • VSTE Corporate Council
  • Blog
  • Events
    • VSTE Calendar
    • Annual Conference
    • Annual Conference Archives
    • The Leading Ed Forum 2025
    • Power of Coaching 2025
    • Corporate and Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Prof. Services
  • VCC
  • #VSTE25
  • Membership
    • Subscribe/Join
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Search

VSTE News

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.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Tweet

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

VSTE Announces Next Executive Director

April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann

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.

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Tweet

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

VSTE is hiring! Could you be the next Executive Director?

February 26, 2025 by Patrick Hausammann

Executive Director

Virginia Society for Technology in Education:

 

Summary of Position:

The Executive Director oversees the organization's strategic vision and leads business decisions to drive advancement and growth. The duties of the executive director include collaborating with the board of directors, board committees, and the general membership while implementing strategic plans for the organization’s development, and managing relationships with stakeholders. The Executive Director builds the organization’s leadership team by recruiting for key roles and directing key designees to carry out the organization’s mission and vision. The Executive Director’s role is to assess the efficiency of the organization’s practices and design strategic improvements to organizational procedures. An effective executive director guides the culture and direct communication to reinforce the mission and motivate the team. The Executive Director also holds a key role in enforcing bylaws, clarifying other governing documents, and adhering to legal compliance.

Primary duties include but are not limited to:

Vision and Strategy 20%

  • Oversee the board of directors' development of the organization's strategic plan;
  • Developing and executing board-approved activities, programs, and initiatives;

Funding and Visibility 30%

  • Creating and maintaining working relationships with strategic partners, corporate sponsors, organizational membership, community supporters, and other stakeholders;
  • Representing the organization at meetings and events with national, regional, state, and local agencies and affiliates;

Management and Operational Effectiveness 30%

  • Overseeing organization finances, the creation and implementation of budgets and fiscal plans, including entering into contracts, agreements, and memos of understanding;
  • Supervising staff with ongoing career development and capacity building as a goal;
  • Managing contracts with third-party vendors e.g. accountants, service providers,
  • Attend weekly business meetings with the finance director
  • Attend regularly scheduled planning meetings with the conference chair

Board Relations 20%

  • Creating and maintaining working relationships with the board of directors and committee members: including weekly touchpoints with the Board, and meeting with the executive team between each board meeting;
  • Supporting the function of a board of directors in governing the organizational mission, vision, and values;
  • Recruiting and Onboarding new board members;

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Google Domain Administrator
  • Zoom Webinar Administrator
  • SCHED Administrator
  • Constant Contact Administrator
  • Naylor AMS Administrator

Experience and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred;
  • Experience working with education partners in a non-profit setting;
  • Experience in leading teams and managing budgets;
  • Passion for helping educators at all levels and a desire to serve others in society;
  • Proficiency in understanding and evaluating performance standards;
  • Proven ability to develop and execute project management strategies;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Display knowledge of corporate and regulatory best practices;
  • Exemplify organization and leadership skills;
  • Exhibit strategic thinking and analytical skills;
  • Show creativity and have a visionary spirit;
  • Demonstrate honesty, humility, transparency and respect;

Compensation:

  • The salary range is between $50k and $70k based on experience and educational background. Salary is also based on a 25-40 hour work week (time increases around events). Flexible work schedules, travel allowances, and a benefits stipend are offered, in place of medical benefits and non-reimbursable work expenses. Holidays and vacations are provided and typically follow state and federal holidays.

 

For inquiries about the position or to express interest in receiving updates on the application process, please email the VSTE Search Task Force at VSTE_Search@vste.org


Submit Your Application 


 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Tweet

Filed Under: VSTE News Tagged With: ED, Employment, Executive Director, Hiring, Jobs

Learning and Growing Alongside the VSTE Community

February 1, 2025 by Rod Carnill

Dear VSTE Community,

As many of you know, my connection with VSTE spans over two decades, beginning with my first VSTE conference in 2001. What started as a valuable learning experience led to my election to the Board of Directors in 2015, and ultimately, my appointment as Executive Director in July 2022. It's been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration with my VSTE colleagues.

Following my “retirement” from Frederick County Public Schools in 2020, I briefly returned to work with VSTE and other organizations to support teachers at the onset of COVID-19 closures navigating the complexities of virtual, hybrid, and ultimately, a new normal in education. This experience, while rewarding, was a prelude to my second "retirement," which was then followed by my current role at VSTE.

These past two and a half years as Executive Director have been a period of significant progress and exciting developments for VSTE. With the support of the Board of Directors, we have refined our strategic direction, culminating in the development and release of the VSTE Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. I am particularly proud of the growth of the VSTE Certified Coaching Program, a collaboration with Forward Edge, which has seen over 300 coaches complete the program. We have also strengthened our partnerships, including the Power of Coaching Conference with VASCD/VATLL, an upcoming collaboration with GRAETC for EdTechRVA, and continued support for SVETC in the Shenandoah Valley.

However, at the top of the list is the VSTE Annual Conference. The Annual Conference Team has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with while Anchored in Innovation we have worked towards Illuminating the Future. Other notable achievements include VSTE's contributions to the ActiVAtED Learning Podcast, our popular Demo Slam Webinar Series, and our collaboration with Virtual Virginia on the Blended Learning Virtual Conference now evolving into the VITAL Conference, which is supported by our newly formed VSTE Professional Services Team.

As my third year with VSTE draws to a close, I am announcing my intention to retire as Executive Director and will not renew my contract. My last day as Executive Director will be June 30th. Over the next five months, I will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to a new leader and to continue preparations for our 40th Annual Conference in December.

I am deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie I have experienced within the VSTE community. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months to share VSTE stories and revisit many VSTE memories.

Be well, make good happen, and keep in touch

Sincerely,

Rod Carnill, Executive Director

For inquiries about the position or to express interest in receiving updates on the application process, please email the VSTE Search Task Force at VSTE_Search@vste.org.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Tweet

Filed Under: Blog, Board of Directors, VSTE News Tagged With: ED, Executive Director, Leadership

Power of Coaching 2025

December 13, 2024 by Rod Carnill

 Register - February 4-5, Williamsburg,VA
POC_Promo_Graphic

Click HERE for the room block rate at The Williamsburg Lodge!

VASCD and VSTE are teaming up to bring Virginia educators the coaching conference to unpack the power of coaching!

In this two-day conference, participants will gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively serve in the role of instructional coach. As more and more schools bring coaches as part of their staff and as the role of ITRT shifts from resource teacher to coach, this is a much-needed conference for building capacity and for developing strong networks of coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors across the Commonwealth.

Join us for an amazing chance to learn, teach, lead, and connect!

  • Instruction: Teaching and learning are the core business of schools, and the coach’s chief role is to improve and support instruction in the classroom. Sessions in the INSTRUCTION strand provide coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors with practical applications to support the role of improving instruction.
  • Relationships: The relationship between the coach and school leaders is a critical one for improving student learning outcomes. Sessions in the RELATIONSHIPS strand focus on strengthening the partnership between coach and school leader, data literacy, strategic planning, and roles and responsibilities of coaches and administrative teams.
  • Leadership: Working with teachers and leaders is another key function of instructional coaches, and this is a different skillset when compared to working with students. Sessions in the LEADERSHIP strand will build participants’ capacity for differentiated support when working with individuals, teams, and/or large groups with a heavy emphasis on research-based development, effective professional learning strategies, and adult learning theory.

Day 1:

  • General Session Keynote (Jody Carrington)
  • One concurrent choice session
  • Lunch and Networking
  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Panel Discussion)

Day 2:

  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Kim Richardson)

COST: $325

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Tweet

Filed Under: VSTE News

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 64
  • Go to Next Page »
  • About
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Prof. Services
  • VCC
  • #VSTE25
  • Membership
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Search

Support

Copyright © 2025 Virginia Society for Technology in Education · Log in