Our members are weaving the threads of education every day with people of all ages across the country. They are involved in improving lives and the overall well-being of our communities. With over 4000 members strong, NCCE would like to introduce you to a few peers. Every month we will take a snapshot of active NCCE members and find out what they are doing to make a difference in technology education.
In it Together: NCCE Members Making a Difference
Learn more about the leadership and members who contribute to Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE).
NAME and TITLE: Maria Turner, Coordinator, Architecture and Integration, Information Technology
SCHOOL DISTRICT: Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida
NCCE MEMBER SINCE: April, 2014
What is one new initiative you are working on in your district?
Project Innovate is our district’s foray into 1:1 classrooms. Currently in the pilot stage at 26 of our 200+ sites, this initiative strives to bring innovative teaching and learning strategies to our teachers and students. I had the distinct pleasure of working with the teachers this summer as they participated in Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) training and 21st Century Learning Design. All of the teachers who participated in the training were able to take the Microsoft Certified Educator exam, adding to their credentialed expertise. As the initiative has progressed, I have been able to work in classrooms as Office 365 and OneNote have become staples in the daily life of a 1:1 classroom. I’m very excited to see the transformation taking place as we continue on this journey.
What is one strategy you use to have a more productive workday?
Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I’m a “list” person. These lists have now become tasks that are added to my calendar, color coded of course. At a glance, I can see what needs to be done, and also get a sense of accomplishment as I “clear” my task list. This little bit of motivation if very helpful during “trying” weeks.
Name one thing your “Mama always told you”?
Treat people the way you want to be treated. I really do try to empathize with others and treat them with the highest level of respect.
When you “unplug” – what do you like to do?
I love to lose myself in a good book or a great football game.
Where was your last training for NCCE? Tell us about it?
I just finished presenting at NYSCATE in Rochester, New York. This was the first conference I had an opportunity to present at last year for NCCE. It was wonderful to have the chance to return to this conference and reconnect with educators I met last November. Instead of presenting in breakout sessions, I had the chance to present in the classroom area of the Microsoft booth. This was a new experience for me that took me out of my comfort zone, but was an extremely positive experience. Having the chance to share transformational possibilities with teachers and educational leaders and then continue the conversations for how these possibilities could apply in their classrooms and districts was energizing.
In addition to presenting, I was also able to reconnect with several Microsoft Educator Experts that I met during ISTE this summer, as well as meet several new Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts during NYSCATE. I had the pleasure to mentor one of these new Experts as she did her first presentation at a conference. I knew I loved sharing and presenting, but being a proud audience member as a mentee is presenting was just as thrilling.