I have been associated with the Instructional Technology Department since its inception in 1997. We were originally referred to as Technology Support and Training Specialists, today we are know as Instructional Support and Training Specialists.

I joined Wichita Public Schools as a science teacher at North High School in 1989. I taught physical and earth science courses over the next eight years. I served as the president of the Kansas Earth Science Teachers Association in 1995 | 6 and 1996 I was recognized as the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher for the mid | continent region. My students work with water quality investigations in the Little Arkansas River was also recognized by several local, state, and national level awards.

My experience in technology was initiated with a RPG programming class when I was in college. I clearly remember the joy of typing punch cards during that class and submitting the stacks of cards for trial runs. I have continued to take additional technology classes at area schools since that time. The classes and experience have resulted in the following technology certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in Windows NT4 and 2000
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Cisco Certified Network Associate
• Wideband Certified Network Engineer
• Palm Education Training Coordinator
• Certified in 7 | 12 Computer Science
• Marco Polo Trainer

I have taught technology related courses in networking and education use at Wichita State University, Kansas Newman University, Friends University, and Cowley County Community College. My current technology related interests are handheld computer use in classroom, developing technology leadership in schools, wireless networking, technology planning on the district level, future technology, impact of technology, and project based learning.

I am a member of the following professional organizations: International Society for Technology in Education, Mid | America Association for Computers in Education, Kansas Technology Coordinators Network, and Learning Associates Network. I was recently appointed to the board for KTCN.

My wife, Karen, teaches seventh grade science at Curtis Middle School. Our son Andy, lives in Portland, Oregon and is attending school. Our daughter Emily, is a sophomore at Wichita State University. We enjoy traveling, camping, and hiking.

I can be contacted at jclark@usd259.net.