“Students are surrounded by technology in their world and in everything they do; when they enter into the educational environment, that should not change,” she said. “With technology infused into curricula, students are actively learning their lessons through new, innovative methods. It makes learning relevant and meaningful for them and strengthens their ability to analyze information and produce the work that demonstrates what they have learned.”
The award is presented by TCEA each year to a superintendent the organization feels best recognizes the importance of technology in the teaching and learning process and actively promotes the use of technology throughout the district. TCEA was founded with a focus on integrating technology into pre-kindergarten through high school classrooms.
Wellman was presented Tuesday with a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship for the graduating senior of her choice. Michael Gilbert, superintendent of the White Oak school district west of Longview, and Thomas Randle, superintendent of the Lamar Consolidated school district in Fort Bend County, were named as finalists for the Superintendent of the Year award. They will each received a plaque and a $500 scholarship for a student.
Skills of teamwork, collaboration, analysis and problem solving are as necessary in the job market as strong academic knowledge, Wellman said. Already, Eanes students are showing benefits from the district’s focus on technology.
“Whether it is a visually impaired elementary student who can use an app to learn and see the alphabet, or a high school dance student recording her routine so she can watch and perfect her movements, our students are not only learning in innovative ways, but producing creative results as well,” Wellman said. “Students are sharing their progress in their lessons more because the technology lends itself to collaboration.”
--Austin American Statesman http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/wellman-named-superintendent-of-the-yearwellman-to/nWR77/