InnEdCO 2024 - 2025
Board of Directors
Application
Innovate.
Invite.
Inspire.
My first year of teaching was the most stressful, but probably the most fun. Not to say I don't have fun anymore, but when I didn't have the funds to Pinterest-my-classroom, I became the pilot of my classroom's journey. I was returning from a student teaching position in New Zealand and still had a bad case of the travel bug. Boom, my classroom theme! I created new "boarding passes" when we had assigned seats, classroom jobs reflecting positions in aviation and airports (including air marshals!), and, with the help of my students, transformed my classroom culture with just a few travel-themed, fun and innovative ideas. The best part, though, was when one of my students approached me after Spring Break to share how she flew for her first time and "wasn't scared one bit" because of the practice she had in class. That's when I learned, first-hand, the power and importance of innovation, in education.
My passion for education, technology, and innovation continues as I am proud of my current roles that include:
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Instructional Technology Coordinator and Coach,
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member of the Information Systems Advisory Team, and
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AI Taskforce for Cherry Creek School District (CCSD)
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InnEdCO Ambassador,
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International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Community Leader,
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and aspiring contributor to the InnEdCO Board of Directors.
Why do I want to be a part of the InnEdCO board?
As an ambitious and goal-driven leader with a unique blend of experience in education, technology, and professional development, I am deeply passionate about leveraging my skills to contribute to the mission and vision of InnEdCO. My career has been dedicated to enhancing educational practices through innovative technology solutions, and I am eager to bring this passion to the InnEdCO Board of Directors.
As an InnEdCO Ambassador, I have already begun contributing to the organization’s goals by assessing and reflecting on current edtech best practices in Colorado. My efforts to build strong working relationships with educators and create resources to support their needs demonstrate my dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive edtech community. Joining the InnEdCO Board of Directors would allow me to further amplify my impact by contributing to strategic discussions and decisions that shape the future of education in Colorado.
If chosen to join the InnEdCO Board of Directors, I have three primary goals that I am passionate about pursuing:
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Strategize Approaches to Elevate InnEdCO’s Audience: I aim to develop strategies that position InnEdCO alongside other prominent specialty organizations in Colorado, such as the Journalism Education Association (JEA), Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA), and Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA). By enhancing our outreach and engagement efforts, we can attract a broader audience and establish InnEdCO as a leading voice in the edtech community.
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Coordinate and Offer More Opportunities for EdTech Professionals to Connect and Collaborate: I am committed to creating more opportunities for edtech professionals to network, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative projects. By organizing events, workshops, and online forums, we can foster a vibrant community where educators feel supported and inspired to integrate technology into their teaching.
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Listen to Current Goals and Support the Rollouts and Initiatives of Other Board Members: Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of successful organizations. I am dedicated to listening to the goals and initiatives of my fellow board members and providing the necessary support to ensure their successful implementation. By working together, we can achieve our collective vision of advancing educational technology in Colorado.
In conclusion, my passion for educational technology, combined with my extensive experience and proactive approach, positions me well to contribute to the InnEdCO Board of Directors. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique perspective and skills to the table, and I am confident that together, we can continue to advance innovative educational practices and empower educators across Colorado.
What does innovation in education mean to me?
Innovation in education transforms traditional learning into dynamic, engaging experiences. AI, Nearpod, VR, and gamification are a few of my go-to favorites when teachers ask me how to innovate a lesson or experience.
In elementary school, we turned our research unit into a party--dressing up and interacting as our figure.
In middle school, I created a digital portfolio publishing my growth and best work.
In high school, I collaborated with peers to create artifacts (digital and physical) that represented an era.
In college, I integrated
As a 4th grade teacher, I transformed my classroom into an airport.
As a social studies teacher, I brought my class to Machu Picchu (through VR goggles and Nearpod).
As a Robotics & Gaming teacher, students used MakeyMakey and Scratch to create a unit review.
These experiences highlighted the power of innovation in making learning engaging, thought-provoking, relative, inviting, and transforming the classroom experience for everyone. These experiences not only made me love school as a student, but so much that I wanted to recreate some of these experiences as a teacher so more students could embrace school through innovative approaches and perspectives.
Now, as an edtech leader, I create innovative solutions to support teachers in transforming their classrooms. Taking risks and considering new perspectives have helped leaders, teachers, and students become more effective, especially with AI and evolving technologies.
To me, innovation in education means integrating technology and creative methods to make learning impactful. It involves fostering a culture where the audience is engaged and supported emotionally and intellectually. Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about fostering curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement. It’s about ensuring every student feels valued and engaged. I am committed to driving this vision, making a lasting impact on students and educators alike.