VSTE News

Janet Copenhaver
Retired Educator
Henry County Public Schools

Educational Leadership

I was Librarian and then Director of Technology for Henry County Public Schools for 27 years. During my tenure we implemented the first and largest textbook iPad initiative in the Commonwealth. We also implemented the first New Tech School in the state, enhancing project based learning and giving learners an opportunity to chose a traditional, advanced, or New Tech high school experience. We also began to change our media centers from traditional tables and rows of books to new learning spaces and collaborative environments. We hosted many sessions for other school divisions to visit and collaborated with them with best practices to update their technology in their divisions.

Vision for VSTE

My vision for VSTE is to continue to be part of an organization that will continue to support educational technology around our state by providing many professional and collaborative conferences and opportunities. I continue to see VSTE improving communication and relationships with other tech companies and organizations across the nation. In three years, I see that VSTE will continue to expand the yearly technology conference with a wide range of cutting-edge technology experiences. As technology improves and more and more devices are introduced into the learning environment, I want VSTE to continue to research and offer learning opportunities for all school divisions by continuing to support a relationship with our Virginia Department of Education.

Biographical Sketch

Retired and living in Collinsville with husband James. I have BS in Library Science, and MS Educational Leadership from Radford University. Currently serves on Patrick Henry Community College Board as Vice Chair and continue to consult with companies and local colleges to provide training in technology.

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Diane Harazin
Supervisor of Instructional Technology
Prince William Public Schools

Educational Leadership

As the current Supervisor of Instructional Technology for Prince William County Schools, I collaborate with instructional technology coaches, curriculum staff, teachers, and administrators to foster innovation and further technology integration in our schools. In my current position, and in my previous positions in Fairfax County Public Schools, I have led projects that promote student empowerment and engagement and instructional models and strategies that enhance student learning. For the past three years, I have collaborated with a team of instructional technology coaches to host EdCamp PWCS. As a member of the VSTE Board of Directors, I have been a part of the advocacy team that helped lawmakers understand current issues facing our schools. My involvement with VSTE has also inspired me to encourage others in my district to be active members in VSTE. Prince William County staff have increased participation in several VSTE events and activities.

Vision for VSTE

VSTE can lead the way for education in three areas: professional learning through collaboration, keeping Virginia on the forefront of innovative instructional technology in teaching and learning, and advocacy for increased support for the use of technology in education across the state. Over the next three years, I envision that VSTE will develop partnerships with a variety of organizations who support our efforts in to ensure equity of access to high speed internet, quality resources, and innovative tools that enhance learning. I believe the partnership that VSTE has with the Virginia Department of Education should be stronger so that VSTE members have a voice in policy and innovative initiatives. Virginia is a large state and we do not often hear about what districts are doing or how they are solving problems. The VSTE organization can be a unifying agent that brings Virginia school districts together to collaborate and learn from each other.

Biographical Sketch

This is my 32nd year in education in the state of Virginia. I have been a classroom teacher, an instructional technology resource teacher, an instructional technology curriculum specialist and I am currently the Supervisor of Instructional Technology in Prince William County Schools. As a life-long learner, I continue to find new ways to improve my practice. I am a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator trainer and have recently become a CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL). I hold a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a specialist’s degree in School Administration.

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Tim Tillman
Director of Technology and Learning
Colonial Heights Public Schools

Educational Leadership

I have been a EdTech leader for Colonial Heights for five years. In that time, we have been able to drastically change the adoption of EdTech in our small district. We are now 1:1 in secondary schools and will be 1:1 in primary schools next year. It's an exciting to be involved in EdTech as we being to integrate new technologies of AI, AR, VR, maker spaces, and more!

Vision for VSTE

VSTE is a powerful organization in the state, providing many resources for IT leaders, teachers, and EdTech companies. I would like to see VSTE more involved in statewide efforts to affect change - such as in Cybersecurity or Data Privacy. The ability of VSTE to bring together diverse voices from many different aspects of education is amazing. I would like to see VSTE continue these relationships and build them.

Biographical Sketch

I have been in IT for 23 years, with half of that time in K-12. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Admin, both a Master's degree in Information Systems Management and a Master's degree in Business Admin, and I am currently a doctoral student in Educational Leadership at VCU.

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Timothy F. Taylor
Instructional Technology Supervisor
Shenandoah County Public Schools

Educational Leadership

I currently serve on the VSTE Board and as the Chairperson for the Education Committee. In 2018, I served as the Chairperson for the VSTE Adhoc Committee that updated the TSIPs (Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel). I have served as President of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium and continue to be active in this organization. I currently have the pleasure to work with and oversee the Instructional Technology Resource Coaches in my school division. They are true rock stars!

Vision for VSTE

My vision of VSTE in these next three years would emphasize the continued work and effectiveness of our core areas of Advocacy, Education, and Outreach. It is important that VSTE has a strong voice for its membership in all of these areas. We need to be a leader when it comes to advocating for our children on instructional technology issues. We need to be an organization that when educators think of learning how to effectively implement instructional technology, VSTE should be towards the top of the list. Finally, we must continue to reach out to not only our members, but all educators in the Commonwealth to emphasize the importance of instructional technology and how it can positively impact student learning. It is all about the kids.

Biographical Sketch

I am currently in my 39th year of education in Shenandoah County Public Schools. I have served as an elementary and middle school teacher. I have coached at the secondary level and I have served in the district office for the past 22 years. I am an adjunct professor teaching instructional technology courses for James Madison and Eastern Mennonite Universities. I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters.

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Bea Leiderman
Upper School Technology Specialist
The Steward School, Richmond, Virginia

Educational Leadership

For the past twelve years, I have worked with teachers in Goochland County at multiple stages of technology adoption, from labs, to computer carts, to a K-12 1:1 deployment. My expertise is in helping teachers lead their students through technology-rich projects. I provide support for teachers that increases their level of comfort with technology and provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in their own voice.

Vision for VSTE

My vision is to work with VSTE leaders and members to make the organization more diverse and inclusive, not just in its membership, but also in its PD offerings and advocacy goals.

Biographical Sketch

I started my career in education as a Spanish teacher, and have been an instructional technology coach for the past twelve years. I am an avid nature photographer, focusing mostly on insects and fungi. I have published six books created using my own photographs, and I use this hobby to explore how learning happens when aided by technology and a community of peers and experts.

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