Heather O'Brien
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
Culpeper County Public Schools
Educational Leadership
As a former secondary band teacher and middle school assistant principal, I recognize the importance and necessity of infusing technology in teaching and learning. As an instructional technology resource teacher, I collaborate with teachers, curriculum staff, and administrators to foster innovation. In an effort to exemplify best practice, I model the infusion of technology into instruction with high energy. Serving on the county’s technology task force committee has afforded me the opportunity to guide change. This committee strives to enhance student learning while giving voice to the division’s vision as it relates to technological innovation. Additionally, with the support of my school’s leadership, I have successfully initiated a school-wide STEM program.
Vision for VSTE
As a teacher in a rural district, I see the ever-pressing need to advocate for greater accessibility for our students. As the recent corona virus pandemic has shown, there is great inequality between urban, suburban, and rural access to broadband services. To meet the demands of the future and provide for the promise embodied in the state’s Profile of a Graduate, VSTE needs to be an advocate for struggling communities throughout the Commonwealth. Fostering relationships with internet service providers and providing lobbying efforts at the General Assembly, VSTE can provide the catalyst to forge opportunities for all of our learners, regardless of their disposition.
Biographical Sketch
For 22 years, I have served in many capacities in the field of education. From band director, to middle school ITRT, to Assistant Principal, and then to elementary ITRT. I have viewed the incorporation of instructional technology from many angles. As a life-long learner, I strive to find new ways to adapt and evolve so that I can better serve my students, teachers, and district. Seeing the need to develop expertise in specific areas, I attended the Promethean Train the Trainer’s Academy in Atlanta, became a Google Certified Level 2 Educator, and most recently was designated as a Seesaw Ambassador. I earned my Bachelor of Music in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision.
