2015
Innovative Educators
These northeast Ohio educators were nominated as exemplary or innovative integrationists of technology in teaching and learning. They
were selected by the WVIZ/PBS ideastream Education Steering Committee to present an outstanding example of their work at the April 14, 2015
Advisory Council Meeting.
The purpose is to allow innovative educators from across the region the opportunity to share best practices in technology integration.
Each Innovative Educator will present:
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A demonstration
An overview of exemplary methodologies
An innovative integration of technology into teaching and learning and/or
Technology used to create student products
Each 15 minute presentation will be followed by a 5 minute questions and answer period.
Stacy Acker, Technology Teacher (Grades 5-8), Columbia Local Schools Acker collaborates with teachers to use technology to improve student
learning. Her classroom is inquiry based and the students work collaboratively on projects. Every project is based on ISTE standards as well
content standards in science, math, language or social studies. Students have created 3D images of buildings they would like to see built in their
community. They have also used standards to create online games for other students to practice. She teaches advanced technology classes.
These classes create broadcasts every two weeks, which includes interviews of community leaders, teachers, and students. The broadcast informs
the community of school happenings such as awards and recognitions, upcoming events, field trips, community technology classes, student
projects, sporting events, and local news. Additionally, Acker also conducts professional learning to train teachers in instructional technologies that
can be used to motivate students.
Amy Roediger, Chemistry Teacher, Mentor Public Schools Roediger’s ability to effectively integrate technology into her instruction does not have
its roots in her knowledge of websites, apps, or devices. Her success in transforming her classroom stems from much more traditional places. The
first of these is intellect and strong content knowledge. She is a true scientist with expert knowledge in the field of chemistry. Her colleagues and
chemistry students know this and respect her for it. Secondly, she rates highly in both the art and science of teaching. When one observes her
teach even for short period of time, one will recognize that she has created, through deliberate practice, a classroom culture focused on learning.
She knows how to work with students and builds the relationships and trust that are pre-requisites for student success. Finally, she refuses to stop
growing and continually learns and tries new techniques. This is who she is as a person and professional. Because of these three things, she has
embraced technology in ways that lead to increased student performance only.
Speaking more specifically, her resume is quite impressive: •
Certified Google Trainer • Nearpod Author and member of Nearpod PioNear (their team of PD specialists)
• Blogger at
aleverandaplacetostand.blogspot.com • Finalist for the Ohio PAEMST in science. • ODE Network Regional Leader in Science and in Technology
(two different groups) • National Board Certified Teacher in AYA Science • Instructor at Lake Erie College (workshops on using technology in the
classroom) • Presenter at OETC, ChemEd (international chemistry conference), and NSTA.
STEM Elementary Teaching/Coaching Team from Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Parma City School District. The team consists of: Jeannette
Dumot, STEM Coordinator: Cindy Guilivo, Kindergarten: Kristina Colant, Kindergarten; Jennifer O'Shaughnessy, Kindergarten; Debbie Youngmann,
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Kindergarten; Molly Jeffrey, 1 ; Debbie Woodworth, 1 ; Valerie Pennington, 1 ; Tiffany Gibson, 2 ; Dale Pawul, 2 ; Allison Kokely, 2 ; Melissa
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Moore, 3 ; Brenda Nikic, 3 ; Tiffany Hallis, 3 ; Erika Mondt, 4 ; Jennifer Detmar, 4 ; and Debbie Borowske, 4 . Presenting at the Advisory
Council meeting on behalf of the team will be Melissa Moore, Grade 3 STEM Teacher; and Brenda Nikic, Grade 3 STEM Teacher. The Pleasant
Valley Elementary School STEM program was created, developed and defined by the founding STEM teachers. They approached the
Superintendent and asked to pilot the program. After the successful pilot, the program was launched two years ago. This is year two of STEM and
the results are extraordinary. Technology is an integral piece. The STEM classrooms are self-contained and led by a Coach (teacher.) Students
participate in PBL through interacting with Design Briefs to solve a problem. The Design Briefs are written by the Coaches, and the completion of
the brief could not be accomplished without technology. Learners use technology to research then show their learning. The learners present their
findings at the Capstone, the culminating presentation. So far this year, the Learners have used apps to create games for the audience. They have
made videos which serve as PSAs and created information that is readable with a QR code. At the end of each Capstone, the audience takes an
electronic survey to provide feedback to the learners.
Note: Biographical descriptions provided as part of the nomination process.