UCET 2007 Technology Educator of the Year

Sam Thompson
4th Grade Teacher
Trailside Elementary School, Park City

Sam does not teach technology.  He uses technology to teach. A variety of technological tools form the base for Sam to differentiate his lessons to meet the needs of his students.  At any given time students might be seen using handheld devices to practice spelling words or keyboarding, Nintendo DS machines to increase math fact fluency and remotes to take content area quizzes.  Students work in 'project teams' and produce electronic presentations to share new learning.  Student engagement is high.   Kids are actively involved in the learning process.  Academic and behavioral expectations are at their peak.

Students know what they are to do and readily analyze data to track their progress.   Their end-of-year Electronic Portfolios will be a legacy to all they've accomplished this year.  Sam's students are learning and learning well. Of course, technology makes this seamless.  What they don't understand is that all the fun they are having is really good for them!

Sam's enthusiasm for teaching with technology is contagious.  It is a vital force in our school community as he shares with his colleagues. Veteran teachers of 20+ years readily adopt new technologies under Sam's tutelage.  He has an uncanny skill of understanding when and how to share his expertise with others so that they not only understand, but also are able to apply their newfound knowledge in their own classrooms.  Sam is a master trainer and mentor.  It is some of these skills that have earned him the honor of being the Featured Educator the UEN website.    Students today view technology as a way to communicate. Sam shares this view.  His teacher web page is updated regularly and has become an excellent way for him to communicate with the parents of his students.  They know what's going on in the class because Sam, and the students, communicate this information on their web page.  Homework, assignments, and featured links are just a few of the ways Sam encourages cooperation between the home and school.  

Sam takes his love for technology into his 'outside of school' life as well.  Periodically, he can be found at his part-time job at the APPLE store.  It is here that his 'habit' is truly fed.  He soaks up all the new gear and gadgets like a sponge and is a master at figuring out how to make them all work in his classroom for his kids!      Being on the cutting-edge of what is happening has helped all of us think a bit differently about how we teach kids at Trailside.

Sam is creative, intelligent, and articulate.  But most of all, he is fearless in his desire to engage his students in all aspects of their learning.  Reading fluency with an iPod or Karaoke?????  Sam and his class are doing it and results are incredible.  Just one more way to make learning fun! Sam is an eternal adolescent.

UCET 2007 Technology Leader of the Year

Jim Langston
Educational Technology Director, Tooele

Jim has a deep knowledge of technology and its importance to education. He has a deep sense of duty, loyalty, and responsibility to the teachers, students, and administration of the Tooele School District. . Jim is knowledgeable in technology and is effective in keeping programs running within the School District.  He knows the latest in programs and software and is always encouraging teachers to use what is available.

Jim is a caring, professional who goes out of his way to assist teachers any way that he can.  He is highly knowledgeable and has a can-do attitude related to the many and varied requests that he receives about technology.  Jim is readily available to schools even if it means he has to re-juggle commitments to make it work. Jim is greatly appreciated for what he does for Tooele Schools. Jim is a great person, an excellent educator, and an active advocate for technology.

Jim Langston is patient and helpful. He responds to requests for help (even if it is not his job) immediately and patiently explains what he is doing.  He never acts superior, though he certainly could if he wanted to! Jim Langston is brilliant.  We have never known him to not know the answer to a question.  If he can't fix something, he figures it out and comes back.

Jim is on several Committees both in Tooele District and at the state level.  One of Jim's faults is that he doesn't know how to say, “no.”  He wants to ensure the success of students and teachers in the district. Jim Langston works very hard. We know that he puts in extra hours far beyond his contract.

UCET 2007 Technology Advocate of the Year

Richard M. Siddoway
Utah Electronic High School Administrator

Richard has been a professional educator for over 40 years. He is an excellent science teacher, an expert on copyright issues and library media, and has the most amazing memory for names and stories. He's got a dry wit and always has time to visit.

Most recently, Richard is the Principal of the Electronic High School. With Richard's leadership, the Electronic High School was created in 1994 as a response to a challenge from Utah’s Governor Leavitt. It is the largest and oldest statewide virtual high school in the nation.

http://ehs.uen.org/

Besides Richard’s education service, he has served three terms in the Utah House of Representatives where he championed public education. He is the author of seven books, including the New York Times best seller, The Christmas Wish.