Heather B. Askea
Instructional Technology Coordinator
The University of Virginia's College at Wise Center for Teaching Excellence
Educational Leadership
My path to educational leadership started in 2005 when I became one of Wise County's first ITRTs. That role allowed me not only to learn from some of the best teachers and tech leaders in our state, but also allowed me to find my place within the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. I was appointed to the VSTE Board of Directors in 2006 and served two additional terms on the board. During my time on the board, I served as Secretary and Vice Chair, and worked on Advocacy initiatives. I was named an ISTE Advocacy Policy Trendsetter in 2010. After that time, I have helped launch the Center for Teaching Excellence online programming and began facilitating the Region VII Tech Directors and ITRT meetings. I continue to work closely with VSTE, the Southwest Public Education Consortium/Foundation and other organizations on a variety of regional events. I also am the lead organizer for the annual TechSplash event held in Abingdon, VA.
Vision for VSTE
VSTE was a place where I found my “people” in 2005 when I attended my first conference. From that time until today, VSTE has always been about connection to me and the rich collaborative environments that are fostered at the conference, regional events, and online initiatives. My vision for the next three years is to continue to grow and shape VSTE’s outreach and support into rural Virginia. This would include efforts to increase membership from Region VII and increase access to information and support on the latest tech trends and happenings throughout the Commonwealth. I believe that my passion for edtech is contagious and I would like to continue to work closely with the VSTE membership and board to advocate for the effective use of educational technology in all parts of Virginia.
Biographical Sketch
For the last 18 years, I have served in many capacities in the field of education from classroom teacher, ITRT, and mathematics instructional coach, to adjunct instructor and Instructional Technology Coordinator at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise Center for Teaching Excellence. I earned my B.A and teaching endorsements in PK-8 at UVAWISE, a M. Ed in Administration and Supervision at UVA, and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Boise State University. I am truly passionate about creating engaging and innovative learning opportunities for students and educators as well as advocating for the field of education. I have spent my entire life living and working in Wise County and love the pace of country life. I live in Norton, Virginia with my husband Ray and two adorable fur babies, Henry and Luna.