JISD 21st Century
Teaching Award

JISD established this program to recognize teachers who integrate technology in their classroom in innovative ways. According to dictionary.com innovative is an adjective used to describe one that is ahead of the times; being or producing something like nothing done or experienced or created before. Some synonyms for innovative are forward-looking, avant-garde, cutting edge, ingenious, inventive, leading edge, new, original. Characteristics considered when selecting a 21st Century Teaching Award recipient:

• The teacher uses technology to “break the mold”-developing innovations that raise student understanding of content.



• The teacher embraces existing technology-thinking of new methods of teaching using technology available-(they think outside the box).



• The teacher overcomes a classroom situation which may be less than ideal or student population is of a nontraditional nature.



• The teacher has the ability to sustain audience (student) interest, while also considering the creative use of technology.



• The teaching methods used by the teacher are ground-breaking and risk-taking-work with students using technology for team building and group work.



• The teacher recognizes technology that clearly exemplifies outstanding instructional or informational use such as the use of emerging technologies with students.



• The teacher models the innovative use of technology for others in the profession.



• Willingly seeks continuing education related to technology and its use with students.



• For the purposes of this award, we are NOT interested in uses of technology that facilitate administrative tasks in the classroom (grading software, attendance, AR etc.) or that are considered “drill and practice” or rote learning.

To summarize the characteristics of the recipients of this award- They are educators who:

1. Apply available technology now



2. Move forward and don't look back



3. See students as real people with an unpredictable technology related future



4. Teach technology to peers through relationships, inspiring, encouraging, nurturing



5. Recognize that change is necessary, but understand that it is a process



6. Realize that student empowerment is a key element to successful technology integration



7. Expect and plan for success



8. Motivate through awareness and access to information about new and emerging technology



9. Display the characteristics of a lifelong learner

Eligibility:

• JISD full-time PK-12 classroom teacher



• Nominated by their administrator or Instructional Technologist