A Strong Partnership
Olathe Public Schools has joined forces with the University of Kansas to increase student writing achievement through intense professional learning, data driven decision making, research-based strategies and supportive technology. Our story is not unlike many educators who are being asked to implement new professional learning initiatives, new online textbooks, new standards and new technology, all at once. The pages of this weebly tell an abbreviated story of a longer journey, but it highlights our successes and our recommendations for others who are attempting similar feats. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.
Our team is a small representation of the educators, administrators and KU staff and faculty who have helped us along the way. Sean Smith [email protected] is the Principle Investigator of this Office of Special Education and Policy (OSEP) funded initiative and is responsible for instigating and spear heading our project.
ATIA Annual Conference, February, 2016
Dr. Sean J. Smith is a teacher, teacher educator, researcher, national presenter, and the parent of four school-age children, two having exceptionalities. With a background in the research and implementation of Universally Design for Learning (UDL) technology-based innovations for struggling learners and those with disabilities, Sean has authored books, chapters, articles, and offered hundreds of national presentations. The Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on federally funded research and implementation projects, Sean is currently examining the impact of virtual reality and online learning on student development as well as ways to apply evidence-based technology innovations across the lives of those with exceptionalities, particularly in the area of literacy and technology. A former co-editor of the Journal of Special Education Technology and Teaching Exceptional Children, Sean works to identify ways to further the research-to-practice gap to ensure effective and efficient outcomes for ALL learners, especially via innovative technology-based solutions.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
KSDE Annual Conference, October, 2015
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Kasey Johnson, MSEd has been teaching music, language arts, social studies and English Language Learners for 13 years at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She is a published author and public speaker, currently earning her doctorate in ethical leadership. When she’s not in the classroom she’s leading worship at her church with her husband Matt and cheering on her three boys, Matthew, Tyler and James in all their academic and sporting endeavors.
Megan Roberts, MSEd is currently an ELL teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in the Olathe School District. Before her current position, she taught 6th grade English for seven years in the De Soto School. She also teaches continuing education classes for teachers at the University of St. Mary. She is married and has two small children, Lily and Theodore. Her passions include reading, using Google Drive, and getting a great nap. This spring, she will begin the SLIM program at Emporia State University.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
ISTE 2015 Annual Conference, July 1, 2015
@cbussteacher - Chris Buss
@heart4youth - Ashford Collins-Johnson
@DeeMatulka - Pam Matulka
Marilyn Crawford
@arowland1313 - Amber Rowland
@teachlikeaninja - Josh Stock
@mrstockrocks - Stock's Classroom
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Pam Matulka, MSEd has 17 years of educational experience as a middle school Special Education teacher and facilitator of professional staff development training in the Olathe District Schools. She has participated as a teaching mentor and authored course content for publication in the ParaEducator Learning Network. She is currently serving as an instructional coach for the Olathe Public School district where she supports teachers with the implementation of research-based strategies through technology-enhanced instruction. Her goal is to help all students achieve their learning potential.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
Olathe Summer Conference Presenters, May 27-29, 2015
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Pam Matulka, MSEd earned degrees in middle school education and special education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Kansas. Pam has 17 years of educational experience as a middle school Special Education teacher and facilitator of professional staff development training in the Olathe District Schools. She has participated as a teaching mentor for special education teachers and authored course content for publication in the ParaEducator Learning Network. She is currently serving as an instructional coach for the Olathe District Schools where she supports teachers with the implementation of research-based strategies through technology-enhanced instruction.
Our team is a small representation of the educators, administrators and KU staff and faculty who have helped us along the way. Sean Smith [email protected] is the Principle Investigator of this Office of Special Education and Policy (OSEP) funded initiative and is responsible for instigating and spear heading our project.
ATIA Annual Conference, February, 2016
Dr. Sean J. Smith is a teacher, teacher educator, researcher, national presenter, and the parent of four school-age children, two having exceptionalities. With a background in the research and implementation of Universally Design for Learning (UDL) technology-based innovations for struggling learners and those with disabilities, Sean has authored books, chapters, articles, and offered hundreds of national presentations. The Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on federally funded research and implementation projects, Sean is currently examining the impact of virtual reality and online learning on student development as well as ways to apply evidence-based technology innovations across the lives of those with exceptionalities, particularly in the area of literacy and technology. A former co-editor of the Journal of Special Education Technology and Teaching Exceptional Children, Sean works to identify ways to further the research-to-practice gap to ensure effective and efficient outcomes for ALL learners, especially via innovative technology-based solutions.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
KSDE Annual Conference, October, 2015
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Kasey Johnson, MSEd has been teaching music, language arts, social studies and English Language Learners for 13 years at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She is a published author and public speaker, currently earning her doctorate in ethical leadership. When she’s not in the classroom she’s leading worship at her church with her husband Matt and cheering on her three boys, Matthew, Tyler and James in all their academic and sporting endeavors.
Megan Roberts, MSEd is currently an ELL teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in the Olathe School District. Before her current position, she taught 6th grade English for seven years in the De Soto School. She also teaches continuing education classes for teachers at the University of St. Mary. She is married and has two small children, Lily and Theodore. Her passions include reading, using Google Drive, and getting a great nap. This spring, she will begin the SLIM program at Emporia State University.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
ISTE 2015 Annual Conference, July 1, 2015
@cbussteacher - Chris Buss
@heart4youth - Ashford Collins-Johnson
@DeeMatulka - Pam Matulka
Marilyn Crawford
@arowland1313 - Amber Rowland
@teachlikeaninja - Josh Stock
@mrstockrocks - Stock's Classroom
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Pam Matulka, MSEd has 17 years of educational experience as a middle school Special Education teacher and facilitator of professional staff development training in the Olathe District Schools. She has participated as a teaching mentor and authored course content for publication in the ParaEducator Learning Network. She is currently serving as an instructional coach for the Olathe Public School district where she supports teachers with the implementation of research-based strategies through technology-enhanced instruction. Her goal is to help all students achieve their learning potential.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
Olathe Summer Conference Presenters, May 27-29, 2015
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Pam Matulka, MSEd earned degrees in middle school education and special education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Kansas. Pam has 17 years of educational experience as a middle school Special Education teacher and facilitator of professional staff development training in the Olathe District Schools. She has participated as a teaching mentor for special education teachers and authored course content for publication in the ParaEducator Learning Network. She is currently serving as an instructional coach for the Olathe District Schools where she supports teachers with the implementation of research-based strategies through technology-enhanced instruction.
CEC Session Presenters, April 8-11, 2015
Susan Harvey, PhD is currently an Assistant Research Professor for the Center for Research on Learning and is also an adjunct lecturer for the Department of Health, Sport, & Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. She previously served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Internal Medicine, where she assisted in the implementation and delivery of interventions in the prevention and treatment of adolescent and adult obesity. She has also assisted in conducting several community- and school-based intervention research projects with diverse populations. She has had formal training in qualitative research methodology and analysis and has developed moderator's guides for use in interviews and focus groups for a variety of topics. Her research strengths include experience in collaborating community and school-based interventions; developing process and outcome evaluations; and using innovative qualitative research methods. Dr. Harvey's current research interests include health literacy and the built environment.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
Session Presenters, March 12 & 13, 2015
#MACE2015
@arowland1313 - Amber Rowland
@teachlikeaninja - Josh Stock
@mrstockrocks - Stock's Classroom
@heart4youth - Ashford Collins-Johnson
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.
@arowland1313 - Amber Rowland
@teachlikeaninja - Josh Stock
@mrstockrocks - Stock's Classroom
@heart4youth - Ashford Collins-Johnson
Chris Buss, MSEd has thirteen years of teaching experience in the fourth and sixth grades. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and World History and serving as Technology Coordinator at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Chris has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software and utilizing a classroom website. During his career, Chris has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, Professional Staff Development Team, and Student Improvement Teams. He is currently involved in action research on the use of technology to improve writing ability and holds the belief that technology is a necessity for all students to be successful in the 21st century.
Ashford Collins-Johnson, MSEd has three years of teaching experience in the sixth grade. He is currently teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Communication Media and serving as an ambitious teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. Ashford has a high level of expertise integrating technology in his classroom through the use of laptop computers, SMART software, and impacting student learning through an on-line classroom called “Edmodo.” During his career, Ashford has participated in many leadership roles. They include, but are not limited to: Cyclone Academy, Football Coach, Ella Baker Trainer for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and being nominated as a Horizon Teacher. He is currently involved in pursuing his master’s degree through Emporia in Education Administration with the thought in mind that someday the skills and knowledge being passed on to him now will allow him to make a difference in a community elsewhere.
Josh Stock, MSEd (Instructional Design and Technology) has seven years of middle school teaching experience in a wide range of Language Arts related areas including reading, writing, and journalism. He currently teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS. His primary expertise is in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom including podcasts and blogs and is currently exploring the use of a classroom maker space as a means of improving student engagement. Josh has served in various leadership roles including: Technology Research Team, Common Core Lesson Planning Team, Building Leadership Team, Technology Cadre, Reading Seminar Trainer and Language Arts Advisory Council. He is currently participating in action research on the use of technology to improve student writing and all around student awesomeness.
Amber Rowland, PhD is an Instructional Coach in the Olathe Kansas School District, as well as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas. She specializes in collaborative, practical and engaging adult professional learning with an emphasis on current instructional practices and the powerful integration of technology. She is particularly interested in the power of conversation in teacher learning and is constantly pursuing methods for tapping into the collaborative capacity of educators and students. She is currently a Co-Principle Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant where her team is analyzing the ways that social media can support teacher professional learning and the student practice of scientific argumentation. Her experiences range from Kindergarten to the college classroom where she has taught at multiple levels, both face-to-face and online. She has served as a technology integration specialist, project manager for the Technology Rich Classroom, Title IID initiative in Kansas, and an instructor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Rowland travels to local, state and national venues and conferences including ISTE, NSDC and SITE, working with teachers on digital-age instruction, Project Based Learning, distance education, and the general integration of technology. In 2008, Amber was recognized as one of the 20 emerging leaders in education technology by the National School Boards Association “20 to Watch” initiative.