Technology in Rural Schools: Leading with Why

Presented by Jamie Foreman, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Albemarle County Public Schools, VA; Luke Meinert, Assistant Superintendent, Yukon-Koyukuk School District, AK; and Tim Smith, Supervisor of Instructional Practice and Technology Integration, Red Lion Area School District, PA
Hosted by Dr. Beth Holland, Digital Equity and Rural Project Director, CoSN

This edWebinar series is co-hosted by CoSN and edWeb.net

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The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is pleased to partner with edWeb.net on this new “Technology in Rural Districts” series.

In this first edWebinar of the 2019-2020 season, Deputy Chief Technology Officer Jamie Foreman, Assistant Superintendent Luke Meinert, and Supervisor of Instructional Practice and Technology Integration Tim Smith, share how they have addressed one of the biggest challenges associated with adopting new technologies in rural contexts: defining, explaining, and communicating The Why. Too often, conversations about technology begin with the “what” – devices and infrastructure – instead of first articulating the “why” or the greater purpose behind the initiative. A strong “why” for implementing technology guides everything from purchasing and future budgets to professional learning plans and staffing. Further, as these leaders explain, when everyone in the district understands the greater purpose behind the technology initiative, then it becomes easier to get community buy-in and support.

This recorded edWebinar will be of particular value to superintendents, assistant superintendents, district technology leaders, and school leaders in rural schools.

About the Presenters

Jamie Foreman is the Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Albemarle County Public Schools in Virginia. He is passionate about student-centered approaches to teaching and learning and believes technology can powerfully support all students’ access to learning, increase student agency and voice, and can support high-quality learning experiences that incorporate the 5 Cs. Jamie started his career as a language arts and science teacher at Fluvanna Middle School. He then transitioned to the role of Instructional Technology Resource teacher at the same school, which he continued until 2010. In 2010, he was hired by Albemarle County Public Schools as an instructional technology specialist. Jamie holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.T. in elementary education from the University of Virginia. He recently added a School Administration Endorsement through coursework at James Madison University.

Luke Meinert is the Director of Technology for the Yukon Koyukuk School District in Alaska. He holds master’s degrees in both educational technology and educational leadership. Luke is passionate about providing innovative services and solutions for our Alaskan students. He founded Esports Alaska in 2018 that had over 30 teams compete in its inaugural season. The National School Boards Association named him a “20 To Watch Educational Technology Leader”, and he was honored with ISTE’s Making IT Happen award.

Tim Smith is the Supervisor of Instructional Practice and Technology Integration at Red Lion Area School District in rural, south-central Pennsylvania. Tim’s passion is helping educators and administrators integrate modern practices and digital-age, instructional strategies into their classrooms and schools in meaningful ways. Tim, a veteran educator of over 20 years, has a background as a high school social studies teacher, is a CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader, and a Google Certified Trainer. He has previously taught at both the middle and high school levels and has served as an elementary and secondary administrator. Tim regularly presents and leads professional development at state and national events.

About the Host

Dr. Beth Holland is the Digital Equity and Rural Project Director for the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). Over the past 20 years, she has taught in K-12 classrooms, served as Director of Academic Technology in a PS-8 independent school, designed professional learning programs for schools around the world, and developed leadership programs to support systemic change. Additionally, she is a prolific writer, researcher, and speaker. Dr. Holland holds an Ed.D. in entrepreneurial leadership in education from Johns Hopkins University, an Ed.M. in technology, innovation, and education from Harvard University, as well as a B.S. in communications from Northwestern University.

Join the Tech for Rural Districts community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community, best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education.