Paulus Named Howard County 2009 Outstanding Technology Leader in Education

Two years ago, the digital generation gap was alive and well here at Elkridge Landing Middle School. Most of our students were light years ahead of our staff in their ability to use a variety of computer hardware and applications available in our school. While most of our teachers had mastered the basics of point-and-click, they were not effectively leveraging the potential of technology to enhance student learning.

Wow, what a difference two years can make! Especially, when you have a talented and dedicated person working exclusively on providing a comprehensive, school-based professional development plan that includes the training of staff on how to use various computer applications and hardware, sharing the latest trends in the tech world and co-teaching with teachers as they implement lessons that infuse technology to increase student motivation.

Therefore, I am very happy to announce that Ms. Geordie Paulus, the ELMS Technology Support Teacher, was recently named Howard County’s 2009 Outstanding Technology Leader in Education. Ms. Paulus has been a pioneer here in Howard County and at our school by being the first Technology Support Teacher at the middle level. In this recently created pilot-position, she has been responsible for creating and facilitating professional development activities to increase the use of technology by our teachers and students; collaborating with our school leaders to create a comprehensive technology plan that maximizes the use of the hardware and software provided by the county; and modeling the integration of technology into all aspects of our school’s culture to increase student engagement and staff productivity. Without question, she is most deserving of this honor. Way to go Geordie!