Training Notes

Just a quick note about who I am and what I do. I’ve been employed by Shelby County Schools for over 20 years. I’ve taught high school English and middle school science, as well as the odd subject here and there, including economics, reading, and computer skills in a computer lab for four years. I’ve been a Curriculum Technology Trainer, (formerly known as Curriculum Technology Specialist) for six years now and have been assigned to about a dozen different schools during that time.
In the past, those in my position have been intensely involved with software and hardware support, as well as some server support and troubleshooting local area network problems. This year, however, we’ve been asked to offer more support to assist the teachers with PowerSchool and PowerGrade.
Even though our role in implementing technology is changing, I find that we remain as busy as ever due to the fact that the equipment and software that the teachers use is constantly evolving and changing. The demand for technology expertise has not slackened in the least.

In addition to PowerGrade training, we hope to familiarize the teachers with weblogs (”blogs”), and podcasts, and to help them put blogs and podcasts to good educational use. So, once again, we are embarking into unfamiliar and rather exciting territory. I’ve found that this position is definitely not for anyone who is comfortable with the status quo. Shelby County Schools is constantly moving onward and upward, and that makes my job ever-changing and extremely gratifying.