Shout it Out!!

End of June. Perfect time to look back and reflect on the great leadership in my board (WRDSB) that led the way to another successful, growing, exciting technology year. 

First shout out goes right to the top. Mark Carbone is our Chief Information Officer. He has been leading, initiating, analyzing, enabling, promoting and most importantly, embodying technology for years with our board. How do I know this? He has been visible with his use of technology. Whether he's Skyping in to our meetings, tweeting from conferences, or 'Liking' posts, he is always present in social media. His most regular form of contact with employees of the board is through his blog, Mark's Musings. He has been writing this one for 6 years and it is a wonderful compilation of progress in our board. He shares, promotes, reflects and connects with his audience in a very professional yet so easy to read style. His most recent entry, 'We Dared to Dream' demonstrates his respect for his colleagues as he pays tribute to the retirement of one of our integral technology support teacher leaders. This type of modelling from the top down is inspiring. It sets an example and gives a sense of importance to anything we do in our classrooms. Most importantly though, it is effective. He wanted to share what is happening in our board and provide a place where every staff member can connect with him. A lot of money has gone into technology in our board and because of his leadership I know how, why, and what to use to make the most of it. Thanks Mark!
My second shout out goes to Silvana Hoxha, a principal in our board. This is someone that I have never formally met and maybe only seen in person once or twice. Yet I know that I would be lucky to work at a school where she is an administrator. Her online presence is incredible. One look at her Twitter feed and you instantly know that she is forward thinking, inspirational and always looking for ideas to support her staff. She also uses Instagram to share activities from her school and it is widely viewed by the parent community. Colleagues speak highly of her technology use and enthusiasm. Does it make a difference? Sure does. It is no coincidence that the schools she has been associated with are at an overall high level of technology use. I have been fortunate to have administrators who have been very supportive for my technology passions, but to have had a leader in my school who appreciates and pushes me to try more....well I guess that's one of the reasons I took an AQ course in the technology area. Leaders matter!