Teachers Heralded for Using Technology to Increase Achievement

Twenty-five Broward elementary, middle and high school teachers were recently recognized during a ceremony honoring their innovative use of technology in the classroom. The teachers were chosen from more than 75 entries submitted by Broward teachers in the fifth annual Virtual Technology Recognition Project. Student-narrated multi-media presentations highlighted the winning projects at the event held at the K.C. Wright Administration Center.

To qualify, teachers submitted technology-rich lesson plans, project-based plans or WebQuests (inquiry-based activities utilizing technology) that support both the Sunshine State Standards and National Educational Technology Standards. A committee comprised of District curriculum and technology integration specialists evaluated the entries.

In addition to certificates, the winners (see sidebar) were awarded video camcorders, printers or external speakers for use in their classrooms. Honorable mention winners received digital still cameras, Inspiration/Kidspiration supplemental materials and Atomic Learning shirts. Sponsors of the competition included the District’s Instructional Technology and Curriculum and Instruction/Student Support departments, Apple Computers, Epson America, Riverdeep Inc., Dell Computers, Inspiration Inc., Atomic Learning and Kinko’s.

To view the winning lessons and projects, visit (http://beep.browardschools.com). Teachers are encouraged to use the winning concepts as models for their own classrooms.

Pictured are: (Front row - L to R) Miladys Cepero-Perez, teacher, Griffin Elementary; Maria Bell, teacher, Attucks Middle; Elyse Brunt, teacher, New River Middle; Heather Ryder, teacher, Village Elementary; Laura Lee, teacher. Village Elementary; Randy Stephen, teacher, Nob Hill Elementary; Denise Roberts teacher, Westglades Middle; Joanna Hayes, teacher, Griffin Elementary; and Jill Burdo, teacher, Pompano Beach High School. (Back row - L to R) Dr. Robert D. Parks, School Board Member; Frank Vodolo, Executive Director of Educational Programs; Maureen S. Dinnen, School Board Member; Dr. Frank Till, Superintendent; Jeffery Williams, teacher, Pompano Beach High School; Donald Hicks, teacher, Hollywood Central Elementary; and Dr. Earlean Smiley, Deputy Superintendent.

2005 Virtual Technology Recognition Project Honorees
Winners Maria Bell Attucks Middle School Miladys Cepero-Perez and Joanna Hayes Griffin Elementary School Donald Hicks Hollywood Central Elementary School Elyse Brunt New River Middle School Randy Stephen Nob Hill Elementary School Jill Burdo and Jeff Williams Pompano Beach High School Laura Lee and Heather Ryder Village Elementary School Denise Roberts Westglades Middle School	Honorable Mention Dr. Margery Marcus and Margie Rohrbach Atlantic Technical Center Pauline Dempster and Su Shy Attucks Middle School Maureen Kabana Broward Estates Elementary School Cheryl Zuckerman Dillard High School Cindy Faerber, Mary Ellen Falvey and Audrey Funderbunk Indian Ridge Middle School Jan Beggs, Mary Anne McAdams and Anna Schneeman Miramar High School Sari Weltmann Nob Hill Elementary School Flo Cancilla Whiddon Rogers
Marci Lindemann Named State’s Outstanding Elementary School AP The Florida Department of Education recently named Marci Lindemann its Outstanding Elementary School Assistant Principal for 2005. Marci served as assistant principal at Riverglades Elementary School from July 2002 to July 2005 and since then has been functioning as an assistant principal on special assignment as the Coordinator of the Interim Assistant Principals’ Program. In this capacity, she develops, delivers, coordinates and monitors the professional development of the District’s newly appointed assistant principals. Marci received a plaque, a trophy, a $1,000 award and a $500 check for Riverglades Elementary School.