Carol+Huard,+Instructional+Technology+Specialist

__Introduction with Career and Leadership Goals__

When I began Lamar University’s Academic Partnership program, I had just left the classroom after twenty years and had accepted a new challenge as an Instructional Technology Facilitator for Leander ISD. I was eager to take the courses offered, as I knew they would benefit me immediately in my new role. These courses have allowed me to stay one step ahead as I embarked on a giant learning curve.

I was fortunate to already be working in my goal career position when I started the program. I hope to enjoy the position of Instructional Technology Specialist for a very long time. As I gain more experience in this position, I have begun to set new goals. I would like to take a leadership role within the department. I also have to be honest with myself and admit my reason for starting a Master’s program so late in my career. I believe having a Master’s will open doors for me when I decide to leave the public school system. While retirement holds no interest for me, semi-retirement and consulting on the side do. I can see myself working for a company that specializes in educational technology, flying to different cities across the country to present and be the trainer for new and exciting tools for school districts and their teachers.

I have always been considered a leader—ok, bossy may be a better word. I have always driven myself to be at the head of the pack, not settling for mediocre. I thrive on recognition for a job well done, which makes me work harder to continuously improve. I was eager to share my passion for integrating technology into the curriculum with the teachers of my district. Nothing excites me more than the excitement teachers show when they get hooked on technology. The ultimate success story is when my teachers become technology leaders themselves as a result of my efforts. That is my hope for all of my teachers. I want to continue to develop programs that help teachers embrace the authentic use of technology in their classrooms. I can not be at all three of my campuses at the same time, so I hope to start Technology Teams, a small group of teachers that can help their teams with their technology needs while I am away. I also want to further my district’s efforts at integrating technology into all curricular areas. One particular focus of mine will be in the area of Social Studies. We are just beginning the process of developing a guaranteed and viable curriculum for this subject, so the time is ripe for integrating technology from the beginning, rather than adding it on at the end. Participating in this Master’s program has not only prepared me for the use of technology but also has strengthened my knowledge of the curriculum design process. I am eager to put my new skills to use.