Objective
Enthusiastic and passionate lifelong learner aspiring to collaborate with a goal oriented, energetic, technically innovative educational organizations (and people!) committed to 21st-century achievement.
What I am working on right now – 2017-18 School Year
- GOAL 1 – Continue to work on last year’s goals
- Leadership presence
- Understanding of today’s learning environments – with extra emphasis on K-5
- GOAL 2 – Support district’s strategic work around deeper/personalized Learning
Highlights from the 2016-17 School Year
- GOAL 1: IMPROVING MY LEADERSHIP PRESENCE
- 100% visits/observations across classrooms
Evidence – Link (for my use only) - Interviews – 20
Evidence – - Effective Staff Development Days – Full group, JITT, and 1:1 Coaching, Twitter chats
Evidence – Design Thinking, PD DAY - Shadow 5 MN Leaders
Evidence – - Create 360 Evaluation Tool
Evidence – The transparent tech director
- 100% visits/observations across classrooms
- GOAL 2 – DEEPEN MY UNDERSTANDING OF TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
- Deeper Personalized Learning –
Evidence – Our Journey into Personalized Learning – Powerful Learning Conference (co-presented with Becky Demmer, Andy Laning) - Complete Innovative Instructional Leadership Cohort (Round 1)
Evidence – Design Thinking, RWL, - Complete Building Rigorous and Robust P3 Learning Environments training
Evidence – - Complete Cognitive Coaching Training
Evidence – - Observe/Implement Learner-Centered Flexible spaces/seating
Evidence – Visit to #ONE91
- Deeper Personalized Learning –
- GOAL 3 – Determine future of 1:1 devices at Byron Public Schools.
- Evaluate the current state of technology and 21st-century instruction practice
Evidence – Completed Spring 2016) - Tech Committee Work, Surveys, Timelines, Board Presentation
- Evaluate the current state of technology and 21st-century instruction practice
Professional Experience
- 1:1 Adoption (since 2012)
2012: 7-12 iPads
2015 6-12 iPads
2017 3-8 iPads 9-12 Chromebooks - Collaboratively planned, coordinated the rollout of ePortfolios K-12 (2016)
- Designed and facilitated the Innovative Instructional Leadership Certificate with Winona State University. The first cohort (2015-17)
- Facilitated development of American Literature course through Minnesota Partnership of Collaborative Curriculum (June – Sept 2014)
- Co-Chaired EdcampSEMN – Edcamp for the SE MN. (Aug 2014)
- Planned/Supported implementation of Project Based Learning pilot in 2014
- Collaboratively coordinated internal edcamp unconference January 20, 2014
- Planned, coordinated, implement Digital Learning Coach (teacher technology leadership) model of PD. 100% of Byron teachers PreK-12 teachers have an individualized learning plan to improve their effective use of technology (All call to Byron teachers for open position)
- Planned and implemented 1:1 7th grade iPad pilot (Sept 2012)
- Collaboratively organize and present at district’s yearly Innovation Fair. (Since March 2012)
- Configure, maintain, evaluate district helpdesk ticket system. (since Dec 2011)
- Provided support, resources, and training in the development of the high school English department’s e-Portfolio for every high school student. (2011)
- Planned, manage, and implemented district’s data warehouse (Ties iCue) (2011)
- Created, designed and published Creating Student e-Portfolios with Google Sites using Moodle compact design techniques (Spring 2011)
- Formally implemented and trained Byron teachers (summer 2011)
- 2011 School board presentations – co presented with district/teacher leaders (Hybrid Pilot) (e-Portfolios)(PLD’s) (Innovation @ BPS)
- Co-chaired district’s Innovation sub-committee (2011)
- Successfully budgeted, planned, organized, and implemented district’s 4th teacher laptop refresh since 2000. (120 laptops) (2011)
- Provided support, resources, and training in the development of the high school math department’s e-curriculum. (2010)
- Planned, managed, migrated the district to Google Apps for Education. Developed online support materials for Byron Apps as well as providing face to face training. (Feb 2010) Student Domain (September 2010)
- Developed, implemented, and continue to train teachers districts 6 week online learning certification program. (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
- Planned, managed, migrated, and trained stakeholders to utilize district’s new student information system – Infinite Campus (including 50% of our high school and middle school households). (2009)
- Planned, implemented 3 year high tech classroom plan. (Smartboards, ceiling mounted projectors, voice amplification, speakers in every classroom) (2008-2011)
- Designed, budgeted, executed, monitored, and completed technology plan for new facility – Byron High School. Highlights include state of the art classrooms that are scalable for future technologies, rock solid infrastructure, and district wide fiber network. (2006)
- Developed and organize the Bears Professional Growth Academy – an internal summer institute that provides high quality training to Byron Staff. Approximately 60% of our teachers voluntarily attend and 50% of total staff for over 900 hours of training time.
- Brainstorm, support, work with district teachers and leaders in all aspects of instructional technology training and integration.
- Administer districts computerized assessment systems. (NWEA, MCA, CLEP)
- Administer, troubleshoot, and support districts file, print, application, communication servers.
- Support the administration of district’s filter, firewall, and network.
- Administer, troubleshoot, and support district’s video conference network, website, and emergency notification system.
- Responsible for maintaining districts 5 year technology plan, goals, and benchmarks.
- Developed 5 year technology replacement plan for district’s infrastructure and computers.
- Chair district technology committee, district online learning committee.
- Member of district staff development committee, district continuous improvement committee, district expanded management team, and data coach team.
- Actively advocate for educational technology needs for Minnesota teachers.
Memberships
- Minnesota Association of School Administrators – MASA
- SEMN-Tig (Southeast Minnesota Technology Integration Group)
- MNPCC
- Serve as the regional coordinator and advisory council chair for the Southeast Minnesota Network (SEMNET) – a telecommunication cluster comprised of 16 school districts in southeast Minnesota.
- Collaborate and serve on the statewide Minnesota Regional Telecommunications Coordinators committee.
- Member Southeast Minnesota Technology Coordinators group in southeast Minnesota (SEMTEC), of Minnesota Educational Media Organization (MEMO), MN Internet 2 User group, Rochester Area Math Science Partnership (RAMSP) technology infrastructure committee, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Consortium of School Networking. (COSN)
Employment History
Byron Public Schools – Byron, MN
- Director of Information and Learning Technology 2010 – present
- Information Systems Manager, 2000 to 2010
- Technology Assistant III/Auditorium Manager, 1999-2000
- Technology Assistant/Auditorium Manager, 1997-1999
- Technology Aide, 1996-1997
Winona State University – Winona, MN
- Adjunct Professor, Education Leadership, August 2015 – Present
Education
- University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI
M.S. Information and Communication Technology, 2010
Emphasis in Elearning (My Portfolio) (Grad Certificate) - Bellevue University – Bellevue, NE
B.S. Business Information Systems, 2005
(online) - Riverland Community College – Austin, MN
Associate’s Degree in Electronics, 1996
Certificate in Computer Networking, 1996
Certifications
- Leading Edge Certification – Socrates Cohort (September 19 – Nov 28 2013)
(my Portfolio)
References available upon request
Contact Information
Proudest professional moments to date:
2015 Minnesota Technology Leader of the Year Award
Awarded Monday, December 14, 2015.
Media Links – Rochester Post Bulletin – KIMT TV – KAAL TV – TIES
2011 – Winning the Intel School of Distinction Award
It was an amazing experience winning the 2011 Intel School of Distinction Award. Here is some video I captured of the moment we found out we won. I truly wish every educator could feel what I felt that day.
Presentations and Workshops
2018
- #FutureReady (Keynote)
Central MN Technology Summit
August 7, 2018 Albany, MN - Powerful Instructional design + EdTech = Awesome Learning (Keynote)
Best Prep Tech Integration Workshop
Monday, July 30, 2018 - Big WOW’s: Ideas to Action
MASA Region 1 – Superintendents
Ma7 12, 2018 – SSC
2017
- Student Agency in 1:1 – (Co-presented with Katie Morlock)
TIES Conference
December 12, 2017 - #FutureReady Framework
MASA Region 1 Superintendents
May 11, 2017 – SSC - Dare to Make A Difference
Byron Middle School Students
October 13, 2017 - Ding Dong, Sit and Get PD is Dead
M.A.D. PD (#MADPD) Make a Difference PD
Online PD conference
May 7, 2017 - Supporting and empowering deep learning
MASA Region 1 – Superintendents
March 22, 2017 – SSC
Evidence of learning (crowdsourced presentation)
2016
- Our Journey into Personalized Learning
Co-presented with Andy Laning, Becky Demmer
Powerful Learning Conference, New Prague
November 16, 2016 - Dive Deep Into Learning
Keynote Presentation, ITEM Conference
October 15, 2016 - Dive Deep Into Learning
Keynote Presentation, Lake ECCMEC Conference
August 10, 2016 - #InnovatorsMindset #ossemooc Book Study Panelist – Google Hangout on Air
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - Breaking Through the Barriers to Creativity in the Classroom – UnearthED Bam Radio discussion with@gustafsonbrad, @benjamingilpin, February 18, 2016
2015
- Pathways to personalized professional development – 2015 TIES Conference
Co Presented with Michelle Ament, Matt Hillman, and Rachel Gorton
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - Over Initiated: Making connections to simplify district initiatives, 2015 TIES Conference
Co Presented with Ryan Cox, Kristin Daniels, and Eric Simmons
Monday, December 14, 2015 - Keynote Presentation – Blended Learning Conference – New Prague
Digital Pedagogy: Enhance, Engage, Amplify Learning!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 - Mindset over Matter
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Blended Learning Conference – New Prague - Change Leadership
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Blended Learning Conference – New Prague - Over Initiated: Making Connections to Simplify District Initiatives – MASA Fall Conference
September 28, 2015
Co presented with Ryan Cox, Kristin Daniels, Eric Simmons - Keynote Presentation – Westonka Tech Academy
Mindset and Motivation: Get your GRIT on!
June 9, 2015 - The Roles and Relationship of Superintendents and Educational Technology Leaders: Building Schools to Prepare Our Students for the Unknown
MASE Conference – March 12, 2015
Served as a panelist
Byron: Jeff Elstad, Superintendent – Jen Hegna, Tech Director
Farmington: Jay Haugen, Superintendent – Andrew Baldwin, Technology Director
Little Falls: Stephen Jones, Superintendent – Mark Diel, Technology Director - Strategic Planning: The plan is complete, so now what?
Co presented at MSBA (Minnesota School Board Association) with Byron staff
January 15, 2015
2014
- Establishing your eClassroom
8 Week Online Course
October 20, 2014 – December 16, 2014 - Unleash Your Inner Rockstar
Presentation to Southeast MN MESPA (Minnesota Elementary Schools Principal Association)
December 12, 2014 - Sustaining PD in a 1:1 – Beyond Year 1
Co-Presented with Dave Eisenmann, Director of Instructional Technology & Media Services (Minnetonka Public Schools)
2014 Ties Conference, December 9, 2014 - From ideas to action: Making school transformation happen
2014 Ties Conference, December 8, 2014
(Featured Presenter) - What is our Boldest Vision?
Co-presentation with Northfield, Stewartville, Lewiston, Chatfield, Kingsland and Pine Island
August 5, 2014.
MDE 2014 Back-to-School Leadership Conference (MASA Region 1 Minnevate Event) - Divergent Teaching: Engaging the 2020 learner
4/25/2012 Presentation to teacher candidates at Winona State University. Co presenters – Matt Weyers and 5 of his 6th grade students - Establishing your eClassroom
8 Week Online Course
Jan 29, 2014 – March 20, 2014
2013
- Inspire Awesome: In every educator through personalized PD
#ties13. Co Presented – Katie Krueger, Matt Weyers - Moving beyond the Flipped Classroom –
#ties13, December 16, 2013 Co panel with Suzie Boss, Kristin Daniels, Andy Pethan, Randy Fielding - Inspire Awesome: In every educator through personalized PD!
#FlipCon13 – June 19, 2013 – presented with BPS digital coaches Andy Pethan, Josh Benards, Matt Weyers, Katie Krueger, Beth Strom - PD for Blended Learning – Webinar for iNacol Midwest Usergroup (archived webinar)
April 6, 2013 - Establishing your eClassroom
8 Week Online Course
Feb 25, 2013 – April 10, 2013
2012
- 2012 TIES Technology Conference – Flipped Panel: A Reaction to Salman Khan and the Evolution of Flipped Learning
December 2012
Presented with Mike Dronen (Stillwater Technology Director) and Mike Walker (Edina Technology Integrationalist) - MASA Region 1 Administrators Fall 2012 Session – PD strategies to Support 1:1: This time its personal
November 2, 2012 - Establishing your eClassroom
8 Week Online Course
October 26, 2012 – November 27, 2012 - 2012 Edutech Conference – Classroom Transformation with eees
October 8, 2012
Byron teacher leaders and I collaboratively presented on technologies (eCurriculum, eLearning, and ePortfolios) that are transforming student learning as well as teacher professional development. - iPad Parent/Student Meeting
August 21 & 28, 2012
7th grade 1:1 iPad informational meeting presented with Byron Middle School principal, Rachel Larson - Facilitating Online Learning with Moodle
7 Week Online Course
June 12, 2012 – July 26, 2012 - MDE Technology Meeting – Professional development for instruction requires a blended approach
March 30, 2012
Collaborated and presented with Edina Technology Integrationalist, Mike Walker, on PD models to support hybrid classrooms - Establishing your eClassroom
7 Week Online Course
Feb 22, 2012 – April 11, 2012 - 2012 MASBO Conference – Yes! Yours might Be Boring: Presentation Transformation
February 3, 2012 - 2012 MASBO Conference – All aboard: Tools and ideas making a big impact on school business
February 3, 2012
This was presentation delivered collaboratively with Edina Tech Director Steve Buettner and Byron Business Manager Jenn Walsh. (Developed completely using Google Presentation and Google Hangout) In this presentation, we shared samples and examples of free tools and transformative ideas that are not only being used in K12 classrooms, but have migrated into all areas of school business in both large and small MN districts. Participants learned how their districts could become more collaborative, efficient, and innovative while improving their communication and work practices.
2011
- 2011 TIES Conference – Going Ga Ga for ePortfolios
December 13, 2011
In the spring of 2011, the Byron High School English department decided to integrate electronic portfolios for every student using Google Apps for Education (a.k.a. Googlio). In this presentation, I collaborated with the English dept and we shared lessons learned, tips and ideas for integrating student Googlios as an effective schoolwide teaching and learning tool. It was a very empowering experience for these teachers! - 2011 Ties Conference – Extreme Google Makeover School Edition
December 12, 2011
I was fortunate to collaborate with Andi Bodeau and Matt Oswald on this breakout session in which shared our examples of how we use Google Apps in our schools. (we also had take-home samples) It was one of more popular sessions at the conference. (based on participation). We did not meet face to face until 2 hours before the presentation.and we used Google Hangout/Google Docs to collaborate on the design the presentation. - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Creating Student ePortfolios with Google Sites
6 Week Course, Summer 2012
This course was developed by myself and published on Moodleshare. I facilitated the course with several teachers from my district. This was to support an initiative in which the high school English department incorporated ePortfolios for every student. - Brainerd Public Schools – Intro to Gmail and Google Calendar
June 6, 2011
I was asked to assist in the roll out of Google Apps for Education at Brainerd Public Schools. This was an introductory face to face course to show Brainerd teachers how to use Gmail and Google Calendar. - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Facilitating Online Learning with Moodle
January 10 – February 16, 2011
Grad Credit available through Winona State University
This is the introductory training course for teachers to begin blending and/or transitioning their brick and mortar classrooms into the online environment by using Moodle. This course is designed to be face to face session (beginning and end) with 5 weeks of online instruction. It goes past learning how to use Moodle and incorporates best practice methods for assessing, collaborating, and facilitating online learning.
2010
- 2010 TIES Conference – Bidding Adieu to Textbooks
December 6, 2010
Co-presented with Byron Math Teachers: Rob Warneke, Troy Faulkner, Jen Green, and Jeremy Baumbach
In 2010, the Byron High School Math Department decided to discontinue using expensive textbooks and develop their own curriculum with a blend of open education resources and teacher-created content. This session will describe the successes and challenges of their journey as well as share a wealth of technology resources. - 2010 TIES Conference – To Friend or Not to Friend: A Guide for Teachers Using Social and Educational Networking Sites
December 6, 2010
Co-presented with Doug Johnson
Should you friend your students on your Facebook page? Will keeping a blog cost you your job? What expectations should you have of your students who discuss issues on your class Ning? Learn some practical guidelines for using both social and educational networking tools that will both improve your teaching and prevent possible problems with your administration. - Byron District Technology Committee – Making the Case for Facebook
October 14, 2010
This presentation was designed to showcase the learning and communication opportunities by using Facebook. Currently our district blocks Facebook from students and teachers. - Memo Fall Conference – To Friend or Not to Friend: A Guide for Teachers Using Social and Educational Networking Sites
October 1, 2010
Co-presented with Doug Johnson
Should you friend your students on your Facebook page? Will keeping a blog cost you your job? What expectations should you have of your students who discuss issues on your class Ning? Learn some practical guidelines for using both social and educational networking tools that will both improve your teaching and prevent possible problems with your administration. - Albert Lea Summer Staff Development Academy – Digital Storytelling with Photostory
July 28 & August 27, 2010
This workshop will provide the investigation, creation, and evaluation of ways of integrating digital storytelling into the classroom setting. You will learn how to use one of many tools that are available to do this and more importantly, you will determine when and why to use this tool. Participants in this workshop will learn how to use Photo Story 3 (free program) and discuss a variety of ways the program can be used to support learning and teaching in the classroom. - Albert Lea Summer Staff Development Academy – Intro to Moodle
July 28 & August 27, 2010
Moodle is a learning management system that allows teachers to move curriculum and courses online. This introductory look will give you hands on experience of the activities and instructional applications that are available in Moodle. You can create activities to add interaction to your classroom, or develop your own self grading quizzes and tests. We will also discuss future plans for transforming your classroom into a 21st-century online learning environment. - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Google Apps for Education
August 10, 2010
This presentation will provide specific hands on applications for a collection of Google Apps tools like Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Sites. We will discuss how you can implement in your classroom, office, and school to promote collaboration and productivity with students and staff. - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Beyond PowerPoint
August 12, 2010
Have you ever been “PowerPointed to death?” Do your kids cringe every time they are required to do a PowerPoint assignment? Do you have to wake your audience after your presentations? If you are tired of boring PowerPoints, then this workshop is for you! First we will take a look at the traditional Powerpoint presentation and Zenify it with new design principles. Then we will look at new ways for you to share your presentations and even have participants interact with them! - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Facilitating Online Learning with Moodle
July 12-August 9 2010
Grad Credit available through Winona State University
This is the introductory training course for teachers to begin blending and/or transitioning their brick and mortar classrooms into the online environment by using Moodle. This course is designed to be face to face session (beginning and end) with 5 weeks of online instruction. It goes past learning how to use Moodle and incorporates best practice methods for assessing, collaborating, and facilitating online learning. - SW/WC Service Cooperative 2010 Technology Conference – Going Google
March 11, 2010
In January 2010, Byron Public Schools transitioned all employees to Google Apps for Education and was able to promote innovation while saving the district time and money. Participants will learn why the district made the decision, specific cost savings (current and future), and future plans of rolling out Google Apps to students. Finally, resources will shared to support “next steps” for interested districts to implement Google Apps for Education in their schools.
2009
- Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Facilitating Online Learning with Moodle
July 2009
Grad Credit available through Winona State University
This is the introductory training course for teachers to begin blending and/or transitioning their brick and mortar classrooms into the online environment by using Moodle. This course is designed to be face to face session (beginning and end) with 5 weeks of online instruction. It goes past learning how to use Moodle and incorporates best practice methods for assessing, collaborating, and facilitating online learning. - Byron Bears Professional Growth Academy – Creating your virtual voice through podcasting
August 5, 2009
Hands-on!! Podcasting can be used in powerful ways to motivate students to develop their traditional as well as digital literacy skills. It can be done safely, is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to learn. This session explores examples of successful podcasts and demonstrates how teachers and administrators can start their own classroom/school podcast or produce their own radio show!
Publications/Articles
2017
Technology as the Accelerator in Learning
Minnesota School Board Association. May 2017
2012
Cabinet to Cloud: Click Here to See my Learning (with Jen Green, Stacy Warneke, Justin Jourdan) Minnesota School Board Association. May 2012
2011
The Perfect Mathematical Storm (with Troy Faulkner, Jen Green, Rob Warneke, and Jeremy Baumbach) Minnesota School Board Association. May 2011
2010
The Benefits and Risks of Social Networking for Educators. Bam Network podcast interview. September 2010.
Guidelines for Educators Using Social and Educational Networking Sites (with Doug Johnson) Library Media Connection, March/April 2010
Highlights from the 2015-16 school year
- Implementing and evaluating 7-12 iPad 1:1 (Completed Spring 2016)
- Continue to implement district technology plan
- Researching/developing/implementing an ePortfolio system for pk-12 district implementation (done!)
- Plan/create Makerspace learning environments in our K-12 media centers
- Technology planning for new PK-2 building – Byron Primary School (DONE)
- Create a personalized models of pd that align to strategic plan and district initiatives (BearsPD.com – Started Nov 2015!)
- Continue to design and facilitate the Innovative Institutional Leadership Certificate (through Winona State University)
- Updating district web page (Phase 1 complete – July 16) (DONE!)
Highlights from the 2014-15 School Year
- Create and receive Board approval for Technology Planning for the 2016-18 School Year (tech plan approved June 2015)
- District Infrastructure upgrades
- Storage Area Network (complete)
- District Wireless Upgrade – (complete)
- Plan/create Makerspace learning environments in our K-12 media centers
- Technology planning for new PK-2 building
- Collaboratively Create/Implement Learn. Share. Innovate. Inspire Learning Continuum with district digital learning coaches
- #ByronEdChat Begin October 2014 (plan)(archive of first live edchat)
- Monitor, support, and expand project based learning in Byron Classrooms
- Facilitate/support the development of American Literature course through the Minnesota Partnership of Collaborative Curriculum. (Completed Sept 2014)
- Facilitating – Establishing your e-Classroom 8 week online course (October – December)
Current stats of staff that have been trained: 14% Elementary School, 30% Middle School, 49% High School - Ideas in the works – Partner with a higher ed institute to develop a graduate certificate for teachers to support our vision of education
- DONE! Created, designed, and facilitate Innovative Instructional Leadership Grad Certificate Program through Winona State University
Highlights from the 2013-14 school year
- Facilitated/supported English Language Arts 11 course through the Minnesota Partnership of Collaborative Curriculum
- Co-Chaired – Edcamp SE Minnesota on August 12, 2014 at Lourdes High School. (Collaborative effort between Kenneth Griswold (Albert Lea), Tomi Swanson (Kasson), Tyler Zunker (Winona), Karl Peter Hammer (Zumbro Ed), Zack Krueger (Owatonna), Maranda Emig (Kingsland), Sara Field (Rochester Catholic)
- Plan/Support a Project Based Learning Pilot in Grade 5
- Organized/Hosted an in district Edcamp – was FANTASTIC!!!!
- Co-Created SE-MN TIG – A regional network of technology integrationalists
Highlights from the 2012-13 school year
- Implementing & evaluating 7th grade 1:1 iPad pilot
- Implementing & evaluating digital learning coach and flipped PD models.
- Technology Planning for Community Ed/Kindergarten transition
Highlights from the 2011-12 school year
- Mobile Device Pilots
- District Helpdesk system
- Hybrid Learning
- Technology Planning for the 2013-15 school year
- Promoting Innovation within the District