PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator

Although I was not chosen as the Lead Digital Innovator for New York State, I am proud that I was accepted as a Local Digital Innovator. This allows me to connect with some of the best teachers and mentors in the country virtually. It also allows me to demonstrate my passion and commitment to the integration of technology in education.

In the last two years, I have accumulated a variety of badges that I am proud to display!

Every School Deserves Technology Integration

This year I was grateful to hold the position of a building technology mentor and have been able to work with many teachers helping them to utilize the technology we have available to us. I have, however, recognized the need for a stronger support system for teachers to integrate technology.

There is a trend in research emerging that supports the need for a Technology Integration Specialist in school districts. Technology Integration Specialists act as coaches. “The specialists suggest new ways of teaching, demonstrate new equipment, bring in new resources and create new policies. They use their credibility as a classroom teacher and their knowledge of teaching strategies to help design lessons and plan projects with the teachers. These specialists also use their position to make technology visible.”1  

If I was given the time and the flexibility to reach beyond just one building in the district I can share my knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion with teachers and administrators. I would not only have the ability to conduct in house trainings at times that are conducive and are the least disruptive to learning, but I can cater to individual needs and act as a liaison to build collaborative relationships district wide. “Teachers need the guidance of a coach, someone who is not also burdened by the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching a class.”2

Although my Master’s in Library and Information Science degree included educational technology, I also acquired a Master’s in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology in 2011. As a member of the International Society for Technology in Education, among other smaller local groups, I have a very strong Personal Learning Network and continually engage in professional development. I would love the opportunity to share what I have learned and the challenge to implement it in the district.

Below is a job description I found in Kankakee Valley Schools in Indiana for a Technology Integration Specialist. I feel the role it describes would be an asset in any district.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Technology, this position of Technology Integration Specialist promotes the use of technologies to support student achievement in the classroom. The Technology Integration Specialist provides leadership, staff development, and instructional support to instructional and administrative staff. In addition, the Technology Integration Specialist serves as a liaison between school and district technology initiatives and school based implementation and support for administrators and teachers. He/she also assists in the development and implementation of curriculum and technology integration reports. The Technology Integration Specialist provides instructional staff with the essential support needed to complete technology–based instructional management and productivity functions. The Technology Integration Specialist collaborates with appropriate instructional and technical staff to support, manage, optimize the use of instructional software, and network resources to support quality teaching and learning. This skilled professional works independently and collaboratively with colleagues.3



1. Hofer, Mark, Barbara Chamberlin, and Tammy Scot. "Fulfilling the Need for a Technology Integration Specialist." T.H.E. Journal 32.3 (2004): 34-39.ProQuest. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
2.  Hertz, Mary Beth. "Mentoring and Coaching for Effective Tech Integration."Edutopia (2011): n. pag. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.

3."Technology Integration Specialist Job Description." (n.d.): n. pag. Kankakee Valley School Corporation. Kankakee Valley School Corporation Office. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.