An Open Letter to the GFPS Technology Department Staff:
Dear GFPS Technology Department,
As we prepare to welcome our teachers back next week and students the following week, I want to take a moment to underscore the important role you play in the success of teaching and learning, integrated with technology, in our district. Listed below are a few key reminders.
1. Students - Number One Priority
We all have a position in the district because of the more than 7,200 GFPS students. While technicians and curriculum technology partners serve in different capacities, our collective work as the GFPS Technology Department is ultimately about student learning, engagement, empowerment, and innovation. Whether direct or indirect, never forget that your work creates opportunities for students to be more engaged and potentially leave school more curious than when they started.
2. Our Vision
The GFPS Technology Vision clearly answers the question, “what do we aspire to become?” Always keep the overarching theme of the vision at the heart of your work: The Grand Forks Public Schools believe technology is an integral component of learning and is necessary to learn effectively, live productively and participate globally in an increasingly digital world. Technology resources transform learning by allowing learners to create, publish, collaborate and communicate with others in a global environment. Technology helps learners gather and analyze information, solve problems and develop higher-level thinking skills through authentic real-world experiences.
3. Teachers - Professional Learning
While classroom teachers have the biggest direct impact on student learning, teachers need support to bring technology-based and personalized learning experiences to their students. Due to the ever-changing landscape of technology in schools, providing professional learning opportunities for all educators and administrators will continue to be an instructional priority. Building capacity and providing pedagogical growth opportunities for educators to integrate technology with learning is extremely important. I am confident we will always be poised to assist.
4. Customer Service
Sometimes it’s easy for us in the technology department to think of all problems as technical in nature. In doing so, we forget that the technology is utilized for one simple reason: to impact teaching and learning. When technology breaks, it is no longer serving its purpose. When we realize we are really supporting teaching and learning and not machines, hopefully we respond differently, deliver even better service, and feel a greater sense of satisfaction with the work we do. You each have knowledge and skills others are reliant on, so always remember; "You are a genius and the world needs your contribution." (Angela Maiers)
In closing, know that I sincerely appreciate the amazing and challenging work you do every day. As a team, I am confident we will continue to have a positive impact on Grand Forks Public Schools.
All the best for an amazing school year!
Joel
