Mission and Vision

Mission

Support educators to build on their effectiveness to create a learning environment where all students succeed. 

Vision

All students deserve to be in classrooms where effective educators strive to prepare them to succeed in an increasingly digital world. All learners deserve opportunities to develop proficiency in the skills necessary to succeed in a global society: critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity (Blair, 2012).  Technology, when intentionally integrated into the learning environment, offers students:

• Multi-modal content to meet their individual needs

• Transformative, active learning experiences that allow for autonomy

• A variety of digital experiences in order to develop digital literacy 

• Real-time data in order to make informed decisions

Learning theories range from teacher-directed to student-centered experiences and call upon technology integration for a variety of purposes. Technology can be used to strengthen knowledge-based understandings through practice, as well as develop 21st-century skills through creative student-centered projects (Roblyer and Hughes, 2023).  It should be the goal of all educators to harness technology to empower all students, whether they are solving problems, creating, or collaborating with others. It is essential that all students are provided autonomous opportunities with technology.  

Educators can build on their effectiveness by committing to lifelong learning.  By engaging in professional learning, educators can connect with others to evolve their practices and improve student results.  School leaders should lead the charge in providing conducive environments where teachers have the time and space to learn together. Roblyer and Hughes (2023) describe professional learning as allowing teachers to be “agents involved in their own learning" (p. 65). By promoting active professional learning, school administrators instill the mindset that teachers can use their interests and passions to drive their learning in order to find solutions to their individual problems of practice.  Digital tools support this learning by providing an efficient method for teachers to embrace the ISTE Standards for Educators.  Digitally-minded educators who purposefully integrate technology into their learning environments embrace the seven ISTE for Educator standards: Learner, Leader, Citizen, Collaborator, Facilitator, and Analyst (ISTE, 2016). By investing time in learning how to use digital tools and how to best integrate effective learning strategies, teachers can make the best use of their valuable time, while promoting student learning.  Roblyer and Hughes (2023) pointed out the need to support teachers in becoming "technologically savvy and child-centered" (p. 9).

School districts also share the responsibility of providing effective digital learning environments.  Access to a variety of stable tools such as interactive whiteboards, internet-connected devices, and innovative learning tools (i.e., robotics, immersive tools, etc.) provide opportunities for engaging learning to take place. Additionally, schools should support digital classroom practices by providing personnel resources such as responsive IT professionals and digital learning mentors (Roblyer and Hughes, 2023).  Without the proper tools and support, many classroom teachers are unlikely to step out of their comfort zone in order to design innovative, 21st-century learning experiences.

The digital landscape has changed dramatically through the years.  The digital devices, learning programs, and even digital strategies adopted in classrooms are constantly evolving.  As George Couros(2015) stated, “Technology will never replace great teachers, but in the hands of great teachers, it is transformational.”  As a society, we owe it to our teachers to support them in creating an environment where they are honored as learners so that they can create transformational experiences for their students.  

References: 

Blair, N. (2011, December 19). Technology integration for the new 21st-century learner. National Association of Elementary School Principals. https://www.naesp.org/resource/technology-integration-for-the-new-21st-century-learner/

Couros, G. (2015). The Innovator’s mindset: Empower Learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. 

ISTE standards: Educators. ISTE. (n.d.). https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-teachers 

Roblyer, M.D., & Hughes, J.E. (2023). Integrating educational technology into teaching (9th ed.).  Pearson.