Seeing students get excited about learning, witnessing the ah-ha moments in a classroom and observing the wonder in a student’s eyes as they realize the world around them is truly just short of miraculous, motivates me as an educator. Utilizing technology in a classroom allows us to enhance those moments and engage students in today’s digital age.

Technology certainly was not always a significant part of my teaching protocol. I have been teaching since 1984 in the Wichita Public Schools. I did not grow up with tech-tools and the first computer that was put in my classroom at Earhart Elementary was a Pentium 286. I was opposed to the thing being put in my classroom! I watched my students and observed how motivated they were by this simple technology tool. My first technology teachers became those 5th grade students. The roles were reversed and I was captivated!

I share my love of technology with my family. My husband, an engineer, certainly enjoys all types of computer applications and tools.  My daughter is addicted to her iPod and laptop. My son finds time for Playstation, Xbox and computer games when he is not playing soccer or basketball. Guitar Hero is the latest gaming craze in our home.

I am pleased to be a part of the Instructional Technology Department. I held a variety of positions within our district before joining the ITD staff. I also held the positions of Library media specialist, Counselor, Site Technology Specialist, and Assessment Coordinator. Additional roles I enjoyed included: SmartBoard/Airliner Master Teacher, Intel Teach to the Future Instructor, SchoolNet Certified Trainer, Measurement of Academic Progress (MAPS) facilitator, Adjunct Professor for Ottawa University, and Presenter for MidAmerican Computers in Education (MACE).  If I can collaborate with teachers and staff across this district, empower them to grow in how they present information and facilitate learning in a way which encourages lifelong learners then I will meet my professional goal. 

I can be contacted at vdavis1@usd259.net.