Blog 1 Educator Preparation and Development

Classrooms are changing. Education is changing. With the advancements in technology, it has become imperative that educators are given the tools to apply the technology needed for 21st century learners. Studies have shown that technology in the classroom increases understanding, creates a more engaged class, and even boosts teacher morale. There are a variety of opportunities available for educators and administrators to achieve the tools needed for educational technology. One of the opportunities for professional development can be found at the regional service center. The Education Service Center offers a variety of professional development needed for educators to continue to promote technology in the classroom. Most of the region service centers have free professional developments if your district is associated with their ESC. We are one of those districts. Tuloso Midway staff attends 3-4 professional developments per year at our ESC. The goal is to create an interactive and engaging learning environment for students. The state has mandated Project Share which mandates Web 2.0 tools and applications for trainings throughout the state.
The progress support is located in the Long Range Plan and will eventually lead to the progress in technological advancements for the future. The goal is to make sure educators know the importance of educational technology and the many possibilities of it's use. I requires all educators: graduate from an education preparation program that models technology in instructional practices; develop new learning environments that use technology as a flexible tool where learning is collaborative; ensures full integration of appropriate technology throughout curriculum and instruction.
My recommendation for the Educator Preparation and Development would include a mandated portfolio that every educator must submit to their administrators that shows at least 1 technological assignment every six weeks. This will encourage teachers to not only learn the technological tools but model them in the classroom through assignments. This will enable the teachers to be exposed to the tools and master the applications. This portfolio will enable administrators to provide documentation of the technological practices taking place on their campus daily.