What up...Tuesday? That's right. I'm branching out a little early this week. We have been back on the elementary school circuit lately and I've heard some interesting comments and some comments that were borderline offensive. Winner for this week...right, I know it's only Tuesday...and the winner is: "So if the school district is trying to cut money, how come there are three of you?"

Believe it. That was said directly to all three of our faces with no twitching of the speaker involved. Frankly, I was appalled that someone would have the gall to be so rude in public in regards to someone else's position in the district. On a whole other plane, there are three of us and that still isn't enough. Previous to this statement, the very same individual quizzed us on a variety of tech topics and software. We clearly held value at that point.

So let's go back to the original statement...with a district cutting budgets why would there be three academic integration coaches. Here is my theory on why we need at least three...
What is an academic integration coach? That is a fancy term for technology integrator. We take the paper tasks and make them extraordinary without the paper. "I can make that 100% better." Jason said this about two weeks ago in the office without even looking at the task at hand. What he failed to mention is that he can do it without using any kind of paper at all and the ultimate benefit...his students will be doing it too and better than any way that we could have instructed them to do so with paper involved. He has yet to do anything under 100% better...it really is a bit repulsive but inspiring. So reason #1 for why the district benefits from three academic integration coaches...we are cutting budgetary needs by providing alternative instruction methods. Going paperless...it can be done. And for the ultra tech resistent...we offer a going less paper alternative.

Reason #2...we are the resident experts on anything technology related. You need training in Word/Excel which is new to the district this year? Coaches can do that training. You need assistance with the new testing program purchased by the district this year? Coaches can provide that technology assistance. You need a cable for your board? It's a rumor that Jason knows how to do this...coaches have that covered too. If we don't know how to do it, we sure know who to contact that does. You want to show 3rd graders with an attention span of approximately 9 minutes how to use power point because the Easy Tech program is a one page lesson on power point...sure, we can do that and do it with the curriculum you are teaching that week. Nonlinear power point...bring it! The age of our students this year ranges from 7 to 60 roughly. How many professionals deal with that range of clientelle in a week? It is our job to meet the technological needs of anyone in our district...first grader to high schooler, teacher to administrator to adminstrative assistants and classroom aides. We do it all and we can make them feel comfortable doing it as well.

Technology is a dynamic entity. It constantly evolves and becomes smaller, faster and better. It is visual and stimulating and can provide immediate feedback on information created or consumed. So why does the district need three coaches? In our office, we all have our own niche. I am the primer. I educate and break down the nerd so that teachers and students can use it successfully. Scott is all about getting the tech into the hands of the district. Give a kid the opportunity and equipment and learn from them. Jason is the idea. He is who drives the vision of true 21st century learning and skills. All three of us, together, make the vision happen. The district needs the coaches to be 21st century interpreters for a staff that is desperately trying to keep up with the standards and rigor of the real world.

So, what will I say next time I hear someone say...how come there are three of you? I'm going to say we act as one so that you can be the one to introduce your students to a new way of thinking outside of the classroom and off the paper.