I started teaching in 1973 as a Special Education teacher in PENNCREST School District.  I spent the next 24 years in the same district with grades 3-8 Learning Support students.  As soon as computers (Apple IIe) became available I started trying to get access for myself and my kids.  I learned by playing and reading and talking to those who knew things that I didn’t.  I learned from the kids.  Since I was interested in computers, I was the person that others in the building expected to know what to do when things weren’t working-so I became that person.  I had my kids creating HyperStudio projects to show comprehension of literature that they read, and using the internet-connected computer in our classroom to learn about things they cared about. In 1996 and 1997 the district hired a substitute for 60 days each year so that I could travel to the 3 elementary schools and assist teachers in using technology with students.

Then, on the last day of school in 1997 I was called to the Superintendent’s office and offered a job a Technologist for the district.  I never really determined what the district meant by that term, but I created the job for myself-doing staff development, assisting with curricular use of technology tools, and repairing computers-I even had to learn something about Windows since half the district used them.

I just retired from the position of Director of Instructional Technology for PENNCREST which I held for the last 5+ years.  I was part of a fantastic team which, I am happy to say, included my daughter-how great is that?  Through the efforts of the team we were able to provide tools for our students and staff and the support to encourage the use of these tools.

I hold an Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate from Penn State University and was a 2009 recipient of the Ero W Davidson Award from PAECT (PA Assoc for Educational Communications and Technology) and the Extra Mile Award from NPAECT (NW PA AECT).  I served as President of NPAECT in 2007-08.

Now that I have retired, I plan to use the time I have to be a 4everLearner and to share my passion for learning and technology tools with educators and community members.