2024 Election Results

Current Position/Title
Digital Learning Consultant

Current School / District / Employer
Heartland Area Education Agency

Please tell us about yourself:
I became interested in technology in education as a kid when my mom would bring home a lab computer from the high school she taught at over the summer and breaks for me to use. I went to Iowa State for both my undergraduate and master’s programs where I was involved with teaching pre-service educational technology courses. I’ve worked across the state with administrators and teachers to support technology initiatives in school districts. I joined the Heartland Digital Learning team Fall 2023 and continue to support schools in central Iowa with technology, computer science, learning management systems, internal leadership opportunities and more. I also began a statewide technology integrationist group (the EdTech Collaborative) for tech integration folks to network and learn together and the Iowa Canvas Admin User Group.

I love that my current professional role allows me to work with educators from multiple districts, help them refine their craft, and learn alongside of them.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
I would like to continue to serve on the ITEC board as an advocate for teachers, students, tech integrationists, leaders, within the educational technology space. I believe that all districts, schools, teachers, and students deserve the best education experience that we can offer that and know how ITEC works tirelessly to support all. ITEC’s mission is to engage, empower, and transform which aligns with the work that I do every day. I also believe that the Iowa AEA system can continue to be a powerful partner for ITEC and believe that I can help both organizations to not only support each other but also continue to improve the work of Iowa educators.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education?
In the years that I have been involved in ITEC, the organization has done great things as well as adapted to the shifts in our educational landscape. As ITEC as continues to work within it’s new mission, Engage. Equip. Transform., we continue to work to find new and creative ways to reach and support Iowa educators. I think that ITEC will continue to serve educators across the state with technology integration and the newest research, tools, and strategies to help them meet the needs of their students in our current and future educational landscapes. We have amazing educators across the state of Iowa and I hope that ITEC can continue to empower and promote their messages and ideas.

Current Position/Title
EdTech and Communications Director

Current School / District / Employer
Nevada Community School District

Please tell us about yourself:
I am an educator who has always had a passion for using and integrating technology in meaningful and powerful ways. I am currently the EdTech and Communications Director for the Nevada Community School District. I assist teacher and students with infusing technology into the curriculum while inspiring them to think and learn in new ways. I am also working on making courses accessible to all students. I am also an assistant teaching professor at Iowa State University, where I work with pre-service teachers on designing effective courses for online, blended, and hybrid learning environments. I am currently on the Board of Directors for ITEC and served on the Executive Board in previous years. Before my current role at Nevada, I was an elementary classroom teacher (11 years) and served as a technology coach (2 years) for the Oelwein Community School District and then an technology integration specialist at Nevada (10 years). I graduated from Wartburg College with a BA in Elementary Education and Teaching and earned my MEd in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from Iowa State University.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
I am running for the ITEC board again because I believe my experience and passion for advancing technology integration can help propel Iowa’s educators and students forward in powerful ways. As a current board member and former executive board member, I’ve seen the incredible impact of ITEC’s initiatives and know how essential innovative strategies are for educational technology.

With over two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, technology coach, and integration specialist, I bring a unique combination of practical insight and forward-thinking vision. ITEC’s mission aligns closely with my own goals, and I am eager to continue contributing to an organization that empowers Iowa’s educators with the tools and skills to inspire and support every learner. By rejoining the board, I hope to help move ITEC’s mission forward and ensure that Iowa’s educational technology landscape remains innovative and inclusive.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education?
Looking ahead, I see ITEC playing a pivotal role in the next five years as Iowa’s educational landscape evolves. As accessibility becomes increasingly critical, I envision ITEC leading the charge to make learning more inclusive and equitable, ensuring that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has access to meaningful digital resources and learning experiences. This includes providing educators with training on adaptive technologies and accessible design, which are essential to reaching all learners.

ITEC also has the potential to foster deeper teacher and student collaboration across the state, tapping into technology’s power to connect these stakeholders with diverse perspectives and skills. Through initiatives that promote collaborative learning and shared projects, ITEC can help Iowa’s schools engage in rich, real-world problem-solving experiences and become active participants in a globalized world.

Additionally, with the changing AEA structure, I see ITEC filling an emerging gap in the state by supporting Iowa’s educators with the resources and training they need to adapt to new demands. As AEAs shift, ITEC can provide consistent leadership in educational technology, bridging the gap to ensure that teachers and administrators statewide have access to ongoing professional development, resources, and networking opportunities.

Current Position/Title
Kindergarten Teacher

Current School / District / Employer 
Kreft Primary, LC CSD

Please tell us about yourself:
I have always tried new and innovative ideas in technology but until recently, they were stand alone events. When COIVD hit we pivoted to using SeeSaw as our main platform. My teaching partner and I never looked back. We learned how to seamlessly integrate the use of SeeSaw into all curricular areas. Two years ago our district was invited to be a featured district at ITEC (2022) to share what we were doing in the areas of EdTech. We presented about our integration of SeeSaw in the K classroom. This was my first time at ITEC and I took in as many sessions as I could. One presenter was talking about this coding thing and another said “think about those down times, near holidays and breaks, try something there.” So we did. We have not looked back. We now code to learn in all curricular areas in our K classroom. I have over 30 BeeBots that we use weekly if not daily in K. I provide help and support to other teachers in the building during my plan time, provide optional informational meetings on work days and recently wrote a proposal for coding that was approved and 13 (out of 25) of my coworkers are attending within the month. I am also involved in writing a CSPDIF grant as we speak.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
I want to be a voice for early childhood education in the EdTech field in Iowa, especially in western Iowa. I have seen the positive effects from CS education and integration in early childhood, including preK and K!

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education? 
I see ITEC becoming even more involved in supporting the use of technology in classrooms through out Iowa. With the ever changing landscape of technology, ITEC will need to provide education and support to ALL teachers in Iowa. Technology is not just a course students take anymore, it is in every class, everyday. ITEC is already providing these supports through yearly conferences, monthly newsletters and webinars but as the needs grow, I see ITEC rising to the occasion and providing more for their members.

Current Position/Title
21st Century Learning Specialist

Current School / District / Employer 
Iowa AEAs – AEA Learning Online

Please tell us about yourself:
I began my career as an educator at the Colegio Bilingue in San Ramon Costa Rica where I was immersed in a trial by fire experience of being a 3rd-9th grade teacher. I learned that I love teaching and went back to get my formal Iowa Educator License and MAT from the University of Iowa. I’ve been pursuing high-quality, technology unfused powerful learning experiences ever since as a middle school science teacher in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, then a Science and Technology Consultant for regional Iowa AEAs (GPAEA and GHAEA), and then on to my current role serving a digital opportunity board for the state to provide access and equity in opportunities for young people with AEA Learning Online. I love supporting fellow adult learners, curating and connecting resources that add value to the classroom, and being a thought partner in making awesome learning. At AEA Learning Online, I have the opportunity to create and design online learning experiences that support educators in creating high-quality project based learning environments.
In my current role I get to explore how technology could enhance instruction, foster collaboration, and develop 21st-century skills. I also infuse technology into developing strong teams, community, and enhanced culture to make work as joyful as possible despite some of our challenges. To these ends, I have been trained and now coach educators in creating Agile classrooms to support team dynamics and managing authentic learning experiences. I am your go to when it comes to Scrum and Projects!

I hang my hat on authentic learning experiences as a way to help students learn content and also to develop skills that transcend the classroom to positively impact student’s futures for the better. This love and passion for incorporating authentic learning experiences is really about connections that can make a difference for young people, communities, and organizations. And this mode of learning demands the use of technology and I hope that in whatever role I serve, I can continue to equip educators and students with the tools they need to be successful.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
In one word – it’s the people. This work we do in education and at ITEC is bringing people and ideas together to create joy in learning and to make magic for young people. We can’t do that alone. We need a community of #changeagents. My time on the board so far has given me a chance to see some of the magic makers behind the curtains who want to create, connect, and equip educators with a community full of resources, ideas, energy, and motivation to keep moving the bar for kids. I want to be part of that. I want to add value even if on the periphery to all the amazing educators who show up. And be a motivator to those that need it. I want to take care of people who take care of people. One of my biggest joys the past few years at ITEC has been greeting all the wonderful faces who attend our annual conference. I love bringing the energy. And I think we need that especially as the weight of our roles can feel heavy. When you bring the people together, you’re reminded that we’re all in this together and we can troubleshoot, problem solve, and get to the good stuff that brought us together in this profession – making a difference in young people’s lives. And also maybe .. a little of the nerding out over the amazing things technology can help us do for kids!

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education? 
It is my hope to continue to build on our community. I want our members to feel a great sense of belonging and ownership as a member of this community. I think with all the changes in our state regarding education it’s going to be imperative that ITEC stays a strong support for this community of #changeagents. As we have in the past and will continue to do in the future is to be the first line of support when it comes to the new and evolving technologies out there that may impact education. To provide the just in time support as well as let our members know what’s coming down the pike. I have a vision that ITEC will be one of the premier providers for technology in education support from professional learning opportunities, leadership development for members, more credential opportunities, and more networking and face-to-face opportunities using our network of members to help take ownership of local/regional events. Over the next five years, I see innovation and opportunities to connect in ways we have yet to connect. With AI in the mix, we could be on the brink of a tech renaissance and we all get to be a part of it. ITECs role is the rally point. And true to the name, it will be the connection point for educators. If reelected, I am ready to rally! Let’s go!