Four years ago, I nervously prepared for my debut as an Instructional Technology Facilitator in my county. I had spent thirteen years as a classroom teacher, and I was looking forward to the opportunity to teach teachers about using technology in the classroom.
Now, I find myself heading back to the classroom, eager to take all that I've learned in this position and use it to be more dynamic in my instruction, hopefully inspiring students once again with better resources, better workflow, and better feedback.
In a way, I feel like I've earned an advanced degree in the last four years. I have learned about online learning models, how to really use a Learning Management System, ways to focus and engage students digitally, and loads of pedagogical strategies within technology implementation.
Why not rotate Technology Facilitators?
In about year two of my ITF job, I was so excited about everything I was learning and was so inspired to apply what I've learned in my classroom, that I wished this position could be set up on a rotation. Teachers leave the classroom for a couple of years, work and learn and share and teach other teachers, and then return to the classroom, refreshed with new skills and strategies.
And the more I think about that, the more I think that it could work.
In addition to having a permanent ITF team, there could be a "rotating position" for teachers who would like to come out of the classroom for a one to two year sabbatical to learn about technology integration.
Of course, there would have to be a way to ensure a teaching position for the teacher once he or she completes the program. That is the tricky part, but I think that the benefits of this sort of program could be astronomical.
- Greater capacity of tech-savvy, highly effective teachers in the building
- Higher morale among staff who are refreshed after a long learning break
- Higher engagement among students who are using technology more authentically
And those are just a few of the perks.
Looking Forward
Either way, I am so excited to be heading back to the classroom with this new knowledge. As good as I was before this learning experience, I know that the new knowledge I have will help be be way more organized, efficient, and effective. I can't wait!
