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September 2009
Dear Staff:
The first professional development on September 9, 2009 was dedicated to exploring the technology resources available in our schools and on our district website. As a presenter at one of the sessions, I was able to note the reactions of my audience and engage in discussions about instructional technology (IT) with the staff members. Several common themes became evident in the course of the morning sessions. First, the power of technology was acknowledged as a necessary aspect of 21st century education. Our district improvement plan and our theme, Every Child a Learner, are reflective of our commitment to deliver instruction that is aimed at reaching all learners through a variety of teaching methods and assessment tools including technological tools. Secondly, as one teacher put it, 'Technology in
school has come a long way and is a huge benefit to students'. It's true; IT has become more user friendly and has developed into an effective teaching and learning tool. The district has made a concerted effort to update the infrastructure, keep pace with the hardware and has secured licenses to support new programs for students and staff. I urge you to use TeacherTube, BrainPop, Study Island, MCAS Test Creator, the Everyday Math Resource Book, and other technological resources in your lesson planning.
In addition to keeping pace with the ever-changing digital world, as a 21st century educator you are asked to meet a variety of challenges. Educating the whole child includes an acknowledgment and commitment to the development of a studentís social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive wellbeing. Teaching also involves providing answers to the Compelling Why of education - why what we teach has value in the lives of our students. Helping students to prepare for a world in which their ability to collaborate with others, seek information from a variety of
sources, think deeply about the consequences of their actions, and be creative problem solvers when confronted with challenges is, in a word, awesome. I use that word in all the meanings that it conveys: powerful, daunting, and inspirational. The impact of succeeding as an educator is, as President Obama reminded our students on September 8, 2009, no less than the very future of this nation. No profession could be more powerful, daunting, or inspirational.
I remind you that I am here as a resource to you and as one who shares in the responsibility for holding both our students and ourselves to the highest possible standards. The future expects nothing less.
Warm regards,
Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent
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