MassCUE - 2006 Pathfinders

Each year MassCUE recognizes educators from across the state who have demonstrated leadership in their ability to find an effective pathway for planning and integrating the uses of technologies in education. Join us from 5-7 PM on Wednesday evening in the cortyard as we present a reception to honor this year's recipients. The Pathfinder reception includes hearty hors d'oeurves and cash bar, and the fee is $15.00. Please register for the reception in advance.

Mary Marotta, the Technology Department Chair and Instructional Technology Specialist for Nashoba Regional High School (NRHS), has provided leadership in the field of educational technology since 1982 when she was Education Project Leader for Digital Equipment Corporation. There she was a corporate training consultant in the area of office integration solutions for customers and employees, and she worked as a training consultant in the Office of the President. In 1998 she accepted a position as a high school Integration Technology Specialist at Clinton High School and later as the Director of Technology and Curriculum for the Clinton Public School System. In 1999 she joined the Nashoba Regional School District where she presently serves, and shortly afterward received her MEd in Instructional Technology from Lesley University.

While employed at Nashoba Regional High School , Mary planned and implemented a professional development structure to support all staff, from teachers to district administrators to the superintendent. As an integration teacher she works with teachers to plan, integrate, and deliver technology-enriched lessons in the classroom. An example of this is a poetry project for sophomores where she integrates photos, videos, and music using Microsoft Moviemaker, PhotoStory, and Podcasting to deliver the lesson and personalize instruction.

At NRHS Mary led an initiative to implement Microsoft SharePoint, a web-based solution that allows teams to create web sites for information sharing and document collaboration. Her learning team worked with other integration teachers and consultants to modify SharePoint templates in a unique way to meet the needs of the high school and other schools in the district. In addition, she was awarded a grant by Intel to implement the use of tablet technology and wireless projectors for the math department. By combining SharePoint functionality with an implementation of tablet PCs, teachers are creating classroom work that is posted directly to SharePoint and which may then be archived and accessed by the students at home or in school. At the high school Mary has developed digital drop boxes, RSS feeds, and podcasts that integrate with SharePoint. Additionally, Mary is an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University , Merrimack Education Center/Fitchburg State College, and MESPA/Northeastern teaching graduate classes in the area of technology integration.

Walter McKenzie, the Director of Technology for Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, has led the field of educational technology since 1985 when he taught K-6 and served as a technology trainer and professional development leader for Virginia Public Schools. In 1999 he moved to the private sector, but realizing he could make his strongest contribution in the field of education, he became Technology Coordinator for the Arlington, Virginia Public Schools in 2000. Three years later he returned to his roots in Massachusetts, first as the Director of Information Systems for the Salem Public Schools and now as Technology Director for the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough. In Salem he deployed web-based student information systems, rolled out district email, put in place an online help desk ticketing system, and acquired OSX servers to bring all networks up to a common standard. Since coming to Northborough-Southborough, Walter has focused his efforts on mobile computing in all schools, the standardization of district data, and empowering teachers and students as technology users.

Walter's contributions to Massachusetts are numerous. He modeled the use of communications technologies through his web site <http://surfaquarium.com> that emerged from his teaching experience in the classroom. He initiated and leads the Massachusetts Technology Directors' Special Interest Group (SIG) <http://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/MTD/> that has given voice to tech directors statewide and has served as a clearinghouse for ideas; and this past March he planned and organized the first annual, successful Technology Leadership Symposium <http://www.masscue.org/symposium/>. He expanded MassCUE'a web site to include job listings and a blog for idea sharing; and he also serves on MassCUE's board, holds the elected position of Vice-President, and volunteers as the editor of its periodical, "on Cue."

A world-renown leader in integrating multiple intelligence theory and instructional technology into education, Walter has published two books, Multiple Intelligences and Instructional Technology, 2nd edition (ISTE 2005) and Standards-Based Lessons for Tech-Savvy Students: A Multiple Intelligences Approach (Linworth 2004). His third book, Intelligence Quest: Beyond the Connected Classroom is currently in the process of being prepared for publication in May 2007. He has published educational technology articles in Learning & Leading with Technology, New Horizons for Learning, Library Media Connection, the VSTE Journal, and on Cue.

Beth Kennedy, the Technology Specialist for South Elementary School of Andover Public Schools, began her work in the field of educational technology in 1992 when she began supporting teachers in understanding the importance of technology in the learning process while at the same time teaching at South Elementary School as a full-time classroom teacher. She quickly became known as the staff member "who knew about computers," and she offered her colleagues ideas for using technology to enrich their curriculum. Before long she developed and taught ten-week, staff-development courses, and when the district created the role of Instructional Technology Specialist, Beth took her principal's advice and sought out and was appointed to that position.

While employed at South Elementary School, Beth has been the catalyst for placing technology into the hands of teachers and students. She has motivated teachers to move beyond their comfort zone and take risks in using technology as a teaching tool, and as a result, 100% of the teachers at South School use technology on a daily basis to support student achievement. She has developed a comprehensive technology curriculum that includes Word Processing, Publishing Tools, Multimedia Applications, Internet and Electronic Research, and Safety and Ethics. Through her leadership South School now has two mobile technology options and classroom sets of portable AlphaSmarts that students use to take notes, draft and edit their writing in all subject areas, conduct surveys around the building, and even write nature poems outdoors.

Particularly noteworthy was Beth's convening of a parent advisory group that worked with the district technology director to research specifications and pricing of laptops for a student-owned laptop program that included home use and support. She designed a model, and soon several parents stepped forward to become "Techie Parents" who took on the responsibility for assisting a designated group of laptop families in the form of telephone and email support, help with printing, Internet access, wireless networking, and even home visits for troubleshooting specific printing or connectivity problems. She is also a leader on the Technology Curriculum Council and has recently become an adjunct professor at Simmons College where she teaches graduate courses about integrating educational technology into the classroom.

Deborah Donohue, the Educational Technology Trainer for Worcester Public Schools, has been a leader in the field of educational technology since 1987 when she began teaching at Belmont Community School where she took her second-grade students to the computer lab. When one of her students won a writing award, and when she witnessed her classes' enthusiasm for learning math using the computer program MathBlaster, there was no stopping her. In 1991 she got a master's degree from Harvard's Graduate School of Education, and three years later Lesley University awarded Debbie a second master's degree in education technology. By 1996 when she began in her present position with Worcester Public Schools, she was working with teachers and administration in one-to-one technology, was teaching Computers in Education at Worcester State College's Continuing Education program, and was presenting at MassCUE's annual conference.

Debbie believes that all students and teachers should have computers at their disposal at all times, not shared, but for their personal use 24/7. With that belief in mind, she began the Handheld Technology Special Interest Group (SIG) that has now evolved into the One-to-One Technology SIG. Teachers, parents, and students have attended these meetings where two of the notable speakers included Kathy Schrock presenting "In the Palm of Their Hands," and Geri Beck (Westford Public Schools) presenting "Not Your Mother's Book Report." Debbie also created a library where teachers and SIG attendees could borrow books about one-to-one technology, and she persuaded the district to equip with handheld computers, two full classrooms where she advocated for, planned, and implemented a successful handheld project.

While employed with Worcester Public Schools, Debbie has written and received many grants, worked with principals on additional grants, and reached out to the community for funding. Her efforts have resulted in increased technology for her district including PCs, SmartBoards, laptops, digital photography and video equipment; and have been instrumental in setting up computer labs and providing teacher training to implement programs for the use of this technology. Principal Kathleen Dion said about Debbie, "Deborah's love for learning is contagious. She meets everyone at their level and gives them the confidence and excitement to take risks and advance to higher levels."

Each year MassCUE recognizes educators from across the state who have demonstrated leadership in their ability to find an effective pathway for planning and integrating the uses of technologies in education. Join us from 5-7 PM on Wednesday evening in the cortyard as we present a reception to honor this year's recipients. The Pathfinder reception includes hearty hors d'oeurves and cash bar, and the fee is $15.00. Please register for the reception in advance.
Mary Marotta, the Technology Department Chair and Instructional Technology Specialist for Nashoba Regional High School (NRHS), has provided leadership in the field of educational technology since 1982 when she was Education Project Leader for Digital Equipment Corporation. There she was a corporate training consultant in the area of office integration solutions for customers and employees, and she worked as a training consultant in the Office of the President. In 1998 she accepted a position as a high school Integration Technology Specialist at Clinton High School and later as the Director of Technology and Curriculum for the Clinton Public School System. In 1999 she joined the Nashoba Regional School District where she presently serves, and shortly afterward received her MEd in Instructional Technology from Lesley University. While employed at Nashoba Regional High School , Mary planned and implemented a professional development structure to support all staff, from teachers to district administrators to the superintendent. As an integration teacher she works with teachers to plan, integrate, and deliver technology-enriched lessons in the classroom. An example of this is a poetry project for sophomores where she integrates photos, videos, and music using Microsoft Moviemaker, PhotoStory, and Podcasting to deliver the lesson and personalize instruction. At NRHS Mary led an initiative to implement Microsoft SharePoint, a web-based solution that allows teams to create web sites for information sharing and document collaboration. Her learning team worked with other integration teachers and consultants to modify SharePoint templates in a unique way to meet the needs of the high school and other schools in the district. In addition, she was awarded a grant by Intel to implement the use of tablet technology and wireless projectors for the math department. By combining SharePoint functionality with an implementation of tablet PCs, teachers are creating classroom work that is posted directly to SharePoint and which may then be archived and accessed by the students at home or in school. At the high school Mary has developed digital drop boxes, RSS feeds, and podcasts that integrate with SharePoint. Additionally, Mary is an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University , Merrimack Education Center/Fitchburg State College, and MESPA/Northeastern teaching graduate classes in the area of technology integration.	Walter McKenzie, the Director of Technology for Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, has led the field of educational technology since 1985 when he taught K-6 and served as a technology trainer and professional development leader for Virginia Public Schools. In 1999 he moved to the private sector, but realizing he could make his strongest contribution in the field of education, he became Technology Coordinator for the Arlington, Virginia Public Schools in 2000. Three years later he returned to his roots in Massachusetts, first as the Director of Information Systems for the Salem Public Schools and now as Technology Director for the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough. In Salem he deployed web-based student information systems, rolled out district email, put in place an online help desk ticketing system, and acquired OSX servers to bring all networks up to a common standard. Since coming to Northborough-Southborough, Walter has focused his efforts on mobile computing in all schools, the standardization of district data, and empowering teachers and students as technology users. Walter's contributions to Massachusetts are numerous. He modeled the use of communications technologies through his web site <http://surfaquarium.com> that emerged from his teaching experience in the classroom. He initiated and leads the Massachusetts Technology Directors' Special Interest Group (SIG) <http://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/MTD/> that has given voice to tech directors statewide and has served as a clearinghouse for ideas; and this past March he planned and organized the first annual, successful Technology Leadership Symposium <http://www.masscue.org/symposium/>. He expanded MassCUE'a web site to include job listings and a blog for idea sharing; and he also serves on MassCUE's board, holds the elected position of Vice-President, and volunteers as the editor of its periodical, "on Cue." A world-renown leader in integrating multiple intelligence theory and instructional technology into education, Walter has published two books, Multiple Intelligences and Instructional Technology, 2nd edition (ISTE 2005) and Standards-Based Lessons for Tech-Savvy Students: A Multiple Intelligences Approach (Linworth 2004). His third book, Intelligence Quest: Beyond the Connected Classroom is currently in the process of being prepared for publication in May 2007. He has published educational technology articles in Learning & Leading with Technology, New Horizons for Learning, Library Media Connection, the VSTE Journal, and on Cue.
Beth Kennedy, the Technology Specialist for South Elementary School of Andover Public Schools, began her work in the field of educational technology in 1992 when she began supporting teachers in understanding the importance of technology in the learning process while at the same time teaching at South Elementary School as a full-time classroom teacher. She quickly became known as the staff member "who knew about computers," and she offered her colleagues ideas for using technology to enrich their curriculum. Before long she developed and taught ten-week, staff-development courses, and when the district created the role of Instructional Technology Specialist, Beth took her principal's advice and sought out and was appointed to that position. While employed at South Elementary School, Beth has been the catalyst for placing technology into the hands of teachers and students. She has motivated teachers to move beyond their comfort zone and take risks in using technology as a teaching tool, and as a result, 100% of the teachers at South School use technology on a daily basis to support student achievement. She has developed a comprehensive technology curriculum that includes Word Processing, Publishing Tools, Multimedia Applications, Internet and Electronic Research, and Safety and Ethics. Through her leadership South School now has two mobile technology options and classroom sets of portable AlphaSmarts that students use to take notes, draft and edit their writing in all subject areas, conduct surveys around the building, and even write nature poems outdoors. Particularly noteworthy was Beth's convening of a parent advisory group that worked with the district technology director to research specifications and pricing of laptops for a student-owned laptop program that included home use and support. She designed a model, and soon several parents stepped forward to become "Techie Parents" who took on the responsibility for assisting a designated group of laptop families in the form of telephone and email support, help with printing, Internet access, wireless networking, and even home visits for troubleshooting specific printing or connectivity problems. She is also a leader on the Technology Curriculum Council and has recently become an adjunct professor at Simmons College where she teaches graduate courses about integrating educational technology into the classroom.	Deborah Donohue, the Educational Technology Trainer for Worcester Public Schools, has been a leader in the field of educational technology since 1987 when she began teaching at Belmont Community School where she took her second-grade students to the computer lab. When one of her students won a writing award, and when she witnessed her classes' enthusiasm for learning math using the computer program MathBlaster, there was no stopping her. In 1991 she got a master's degree from Harvard's Graduate School of Education, and three years later Lesley University awarded Debbie a second master's degree in education technology. By 1996 when she began in her present position with Worcester Public Schools, she was working with teachers and administration in one-to-one technology, was teaching Computers in Education at Worcester State College's Continuing Education program, and was presenting at MassCUE's annual conference. Debbie believes that all students and teachers should have computers at their disposal at all times, not shared, but for their personal use 24/7. With that belief in mind, she began the Handheld Technology Special Interest Group (SIG) that has now evolved into the One-to-One Technology SIG. Teachers, parents, and students have attended these meetings where two of the notable speakers included Kathy Schrock presenting "In the Palm of Their Hands," and Geri Beck (Westford Public Schools) presenting "Not Your Mother's Book Report." Debbie also created a library where teachers and SIG attendees could borrow books about one-to-one technology, and she persuaded the district to equip with handheld computers, two full classrooms where she advocated for, planned, and implemented a successful handheld project. While employed with Worcester Public Schools, Debbie has written and received many grants, worked with principals on additional grants, and reached out to the community for funding. Her efforts have resulted in increased technology for her district including PCs, SmartBoards, laptops, digital photography and video equipment; and have been instrumental in setting up computer labs and providing teacher training to implement programs for the use of this technology. Principal Kathleen Dion said about Debbie, "Deborah's love for learning is contagious. She meets everyone at their level and gives them the confidence and excitement to take risks and advance to higher levels."