VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

2018 Elections

Nicci Dowd

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Woman Smiling

Nicci Dowd
Special Education Teacher
Prince William County Public Schools

Educational Leadership Experience

I have served on school and county committees related advancing educational experiences for students with diverse learning needs. Most recently, I developed and currently serve as the chair for my school’s I’M Determined Committee. With this committee, I work alongside its members by connecting with key stakeholders while providing self-determination opportunities for students with disabilities. I also serve as an presenter for the Autism Society of Northern Virginia. A few years ago, I actively participated in the Virginia Department of Education Applied Studies Diploma pilot project. As a participant, I provided valuable information to VDOE in developing the Applied Studies Curriculum, curriculum resources and professional development. I have also served as an Advisory Board Member for the State of the Art Conference for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. In this capacity, I reviewed proposals and made recommendations for conference presenters.

Vision for VSTE

VSTE plays a key role in helping educators effectively infuse technology into their lessons. It is important for our students to be challenged, but students should also be engaged and invested in their education. I also believe it is important for educators to provide opportunities for students to engage in 21st century learning. I would like to see VSTE provide professional development opportunities for teachers (across the state) to learn more about innovative ways to integrate technology into the classroom. It is one thing to give a student an iPad. However, that iPad can mean so much more when a student is taught how to make real-world connections to the lessons in ways that makes sense to them. I believe technology is an avenue that can and should be used to make learning relevant and I believe VSTE provides that avenue.

Biographical Sketch

I have a Master’s degree in Special education, an Educational Specialist degree in K-12 School Leadership and I am currently working on my doctorate (expected date of graduation, 2019). My research focuses on school to work transition opportunities for marginalized groups (those with disabilities and minorities) and their families. I enjoy spending time with my family, Marvel movies and reruns of Frasier and Star Trek. I am also a huge fan of Star Wars.

Lynmara Colón

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Lynmara Colón
Principal
Prince William County Public Schools

Educational Leadership Experience

I have been in school leadership for the past 7 years. I am known for being intentional about creating magical moments for stakeholders, getting them excited to be in school every day. Under my leadership, students have gained access to 1:1 devices, coding classes, and STEM curriculum. I have been recognized as a NSBA 20 to watch for her innovative practices and creative approach to professional learning.

Vision for VSTE

I am eager to be a influence to schools leaders, sharing the importance of ongoing and robust professional learning, listen to teachers' feedback, and embracing failure when it comes to technology. I would also like to focus on being an advocate for students with special needs and the importance of providing them with equal access to technology.

Biographical Sketch

I am passionate about transforming education through digital learning and providing access to technology to all students. I also believe that every school should run like Disney, providing students with magical experiences every day. With a focus on customer service and engaging practices, I have created a culture at my school where students are eager to come back every day.

 

Rod Carnill

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Smiling Man in Blue ShirtRod Carnill
Supervisor of Instructional Technology Coaches
Frederick County Public Schools

Educational Leadership Experience

Twenty seven years ago I began my career as a classroom teacher with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and spent time as a language arts and technology lead teacher. I then moved into the ITRT position in 2001 serving teachers and students at five schools then subsequently became an Instructional Technology Specialist in 2004 where I began designing and delivering the district technology training for all teachers.

As Coordinator for Instructional Technology, I helped guide FCPS into a full adoption of Google Apps for Education and am currently serving in my fifth year as the Supervisor of Instructional Technology Coaches for FCPS which has achieved a 1 to 1 Chromebook program K-12.

This year I am finishing my first three-year term on the VSTE Board of Directors acting as the Vice Chair of the Board and also as the Advocacy Committee Chair which has provided me the opportunity to advocate for edtech funding at the state house in Richmond, on the Hill in Washington D.C. and also represent VSTE as a presenter at recent ISTE and CoSN conferences. I also have the pleasure of teaching educational technology application courses for the past year as an adjunct professor with Shenandoah University.

Vision for VSTE

VSTE as an organization draws its power from its membership. When the membership is engaged with one another and grows to be collaborative in nature, the organization finds itself better positioned to inform best practices, highlight innovation and influence what is occurring in classrooms across the Commonwealth and beyond.

VSTE is building on its strong history of bringing together some of the best and brightest educators, administrators and technicians, while continuing to create opportunities to share ideas and resources at the local, state and national levels.

During my tenure on the Board, VSTE has strived to help educators overcome the challenges of keeping pace with the demands and changes faced in today’s digital learning environments. Using the regional events and regular webinars to feature the creative and innovative happenings in local classrooms will better position VSTE to bring those grassroots efforts to the stage of the annual conference and perhaps on the national stage as well. I believe it is more important than ever to create that growth mindset and sense of possibility for Virginia’s teachers and students.

Biographical Sketch

My parents and teachers helped instill in me a sense of giving back and paying forward each and every opportunity and blessing. I enjoy learning and equally enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and it is that learn/teach cycle which has helped me grow as a husband, as a father and as an educator. Those same principles overflow into other aspects of my life and work. My undergraduate work at Shenandoah University led me to a classroom, my masters' degree led me into technology leadership, the edtech leadership certificate program led ne to this Board. Serving on the VSTE Board of Directors has allowed me to contribute to the opportunities for other educators in the Shenandoah Valley, across the Commonwealth and in professional learning networks across the world wide web.