 October 2021
Welcome to the Digital Learning Plan (DLP) monthly newsletter
This newsletter will explore the Wyoming DLP, its goals, and suggested strategies to ensure equitable access to opportunities and success in postsecondary, career, and civic life.
Digital Learning Plan Implementation
Personalized Professional Learning
This month's newsletter is focused around the DLP Future Ready Framework gear Personalized Professional Learning. The goals of this gear are:
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- Shared Ownership and Responsibility for Professional Growth.
- 21st Century Skills.
- Diverse Opportunities for Professional Learning Through Technology.
- Broad-Based, Participative Evaluation.
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The Wyoming Department Education (WDE) honors amazing educators from across the Wyoming education system. Congratulations to our four award winners. You made an incredible difference in the lives of students and teachers.
Student Voices Award - Darian Samuelson
Darian Samuelson has been a science teacher in Upton for Weston County School District #1 since 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in genetics, anatomy, and& physiology. She also serves as the track coach. Samuelson is married to fellow educator Joseph Samuelson and they have three beautiful children; Trey David born in 2016, Asa Devin born in 2018, and Jojo Azalene born in 2020. Samuelson is fond of saying “Upton is the best town on Earth!”
Digital Learning Education Leader Award - Janae Miller
Janae Miller is the career learning coordinator at Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA) where she has been since 2015. She holds a master’s degree aster’s in Education and is certified in both secondary education and administration. Before her current role, Miller previously taught a variety of career and technical education courses at WYVA. Additionally, with work experience as a large-scale retail manager, as a healthcare patient relations program coordinator, and as a post-secondary education program coordinator, Miller makes solid career connections for all students and staff at WYVA. Miller lives in Lance Creek with her three children and husband on their cattle ranch.
Digital Learning District Leader Award - Ryan Gonzalez
Ryan Gonzalez is the technology director for Platte County School District #1. Gonzalez has been a technology leader in his district for over 15 years and is responsible for the daily operations, installations, and maintenance of all educational technology as well as the district network and cyber security protocols. He has been an innovator in Platte #1 through his work with students. Gonzalez has brought several programs to Platte 1, including a Virtual Reality program, a Computer Science enrichment program, and an eSports program. He said he feels most at home when he is in the classroom helping teachers and students implement technology and computer science in real-world applications. Gonzalez is a life-long learner and likes to spend any downtime learning about emerging technologies and ways to incorporate these innovations into the classroom to help educators and students. In addition to this, Gonzalez also positively impacts students by coaching golf and volunteering to host and supervise student activities.
Digital Learning State Leader Award - David Stokowski
Stokowski is currently a team lead and principal learning consultant for instructure, and is the dedicated Canvas adoption consultant for the WDE. He has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, an master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences, and is currently working toward his Ph.D in Education Leadership Policy, focusing on systemic inequities faced by rural community colleges. Stokowski has spent nearly 20 years in all facets of education, as both an educator (seventh grade math, and community college physical sciences), and as technical support staff, working with teachers, leaders, and everyone in-between.
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Clever Panda Program - Free online course designed to help Canvas users take their knowledge to the next level and earn the title of Clever Panda.*
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eLearning Collaborative - New professional development series. Series focuses on two strands; improving online content and courses, and supporting students at a distance.
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ISTE Certification Training - WDE-sponsored International Society for Technology in Education Certification for Educators training for 100 Wyoming teachers.*
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Open Educational Resources - Free, open enrollment online course about open education resources; class is available to all Wyoming educators. Check out Open Range Wyoming for open education resources created and vetted by a professional group of Wyoming teachers. In partnership with UWYO and aligned with OER, the WDE would like to highlight the outstanding Learning Actively Mentoring Program (LAMP). LAMP Roadshow.
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Quality Matters - WDE-sponsored workshops or virtual courses on developing and delivering quality online content available to all Wyoming educators at no cost.*
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Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate - Series of seven workshops focused on effective online teaching practices sponsored by the WDE available to all Wyoming educators at no cost.*
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Wyoming Digital Learning Guidelines Course - Free, open enrollment online course about using education technology in the classroom available to all Wyoming educators.*
*Eligible or available for PTSB approved virtual education credit.
Stay Tuned
For more information on the Wyoming Digital Learning Plan or the Future Ready Framework, contact Robin Grandpre at 307-777-5315 or robin.grandpre1@wyo.gov.
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