Partnerships for technology in the Greater Richmond area

The comments posted by a few administrators made me realize that existing partnerships to promote technology integration in the Greater Richmond area and in Virginia are not known to many.
Starting with Greater Richmond area, the technology coordinators (that is what we were called in the mid eighties) of six school divisions - Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, Richmond, and Chesterfield, and a representative from the public television (WCVE) formed a group called Richmond Area Computer Leaders (RACL). We offered Forums and one annual conference. We used to call this conference "TechFest". The conference began with 50 participants and increased to 250 in early 90's. We were holding the conference at the Math & Science Center where I was the technology specialist. RACL expanded to include other school divisions and so the name is changed now to Greater Richmond Educational Technology Council (GRETC).
When the number of participants exceeded 300 in the annual conference, WCVE sponsored the conference every year and the new name for the conference is EdTech. Every GRETC leader works hard for the success of the conference. Usually EdTech is conducted in the first week of February (Wednesday and Thursday). The partnership between various school divisions is clearly evident; the teachers and administrators share their technology learning experiences with fellow teachers. Please attend EdTech 2008. Contact wbthomas@ideastations.org for information and look at their web site.

Through EETT funding, we have now formed Central Virginia Consortium for Transforming Teaching and Learning with Technology (CVC or CVTC) with 15 school divisions and DCE, Visit www.cvctech.org to learn about CVC's projects or email mano@ittip.us

P for partnership

I had partnership in my original list of P-qualities. The power of partnership cannot be under-estimated. From my days at the Math and science center I have personally experienced the power of partnership. Math and Science Center in Richmond, VA was formed in the sixties with federal funds. As a result of Sputnik, federal grants were awarded to launch math and science programs. School divisions in the Greater Richmond area such Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, Goochland, and Powhatan joined hands and started the Center. After the funding period is over, school divisions still operate the Center with their operating budget. The Center also receives grants from businesses and foundations. In addition to math and science programs, the Center continues to provide technology training for teachers. That is the power of partnership! mathsciencecenter.info
I can cite several examples of the power of partnership. The Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium is another example of collaboration. See how the school divisions of SVRTC have H.323 connectivity. http://www.svrtc.org; http://www.ittip.us.
Just like the institutions, when individuals partner together, we can transform teaching and learning. Example, the media specialists and teachers partnering with each other in a research project. The administrators and teachers joining together in a Photostory project where children tell their stories on a social cause. Students and teachers partner together to learning a new tool.
Ed Tech Leaders (ITRTs) in the schools should partner with teachers. The teachers should see the techmentor or techleader as a partner in changing instructional practice. Techmentors should not be perceived as persons who push the teachers but rather co-laboring with teachers.

Qualities of an educational technology leader or techcoach

A few months ago, I thought of my mom who was a passionate teacher. She has taught me not only to be excellent in every thing I do, but also to be passionate about what I do. I teach my children that they should be passionate in completing their tasks in their jobs and in schools. It occurred to me at that time, any one who is purpose driven in their life or in their jobs should be passionate, persevering, persisting, positive and so on.

Once I came up with the list of my P qualities of a techmentor, I sent a request to the TechMentors of Central Virginia Consortium (Transforming Teaching and Learning with Technology Tools) asking them to name some P qualities that they should possess to be effective leaders in working with the teachers in classrooms.

Here is a list of qualities with more than 5 tallies:
Passionate
Patient
Persevering
Persisting
Positive
Powerful (empowered with knowledge and expertise)
Persuasive
Perspicacious
Partnering for collaboration.
Techleaders and teachers need to collaborate together in changing instructional practices to make a difference in all students.
Give me your feedback on this posting. Or you can cite an example how a particular quality of your helped you succeed in what you do.