Pat Reineke, an old timer teacher is applying for a new ...



Spring before the famous BIP fiasco:

Pat Reineke, an old-timer teacher, is applying for a new position in a new school, Poplar Hill. She is a recent graduate of the instructional technology/media graduate program at Appalachian. She struggled with some of the technical classes that were offered in her cohort, but was creative in integrating technology. She is being interviewed for the newly created Instructional Technology position by a group which includes: the principal Gladys Reeves, Ruth Todd, a veteran teacher, Kelly Tanner, the recently appointed District Technologist. Kristen Schaefer, a vocal parent is also in the interview for the interest of the “Parents as Partners”. Parents as Partners were instrumental in providing funds for this position.

“Pat, please tell us something about yourself, and what brought you to apply at Poplar Hill”, asked the principal.

”Well, to begin with, I have been teaching in a classroom for 14 years. My experience is in math and science. I had a turning point around 4 years ago when I bought my first computer to complete my Continuing Ed credit. That same year my students started the GLOBE project.”

Gladys nodded acknowledgement, because principals had been informed about this project at their district meeting.

Pat continues, “Now that I completed my master’s degree, I feel I have the ground work needed to assist your school and fill the obligations that you posted in the job vacancy description.”

Gladys replies, “I’m glad you said that, which leads to my first question. How do you feel about the Accelerated Math (AM) Program?”

Pat thinks, “This doesn’t sound like a technology question to me”. She responds, “I feel AM has its benefits and works for some students. It is a good drill and practice supplement.” Pat feels she has satisfactorily answered the question asked.

The PTA President, Kristen Shaefer, interrupts and says, “Would you be able to do the PTA newsletter for us?” Pat thinks to herself, “Oh boy!! Another good use of a technologist!!” Pat replies out loud, “Of course, I know Word, Publisher, and FrontPage. I suggest a web page might be a better tool for communication with our parents and students, since I heard 95% of the student population has home Internet access. I envision a lot of ways to involve students, parents, and volunteers in maintaining the newsletter and web page.

Kristen nods her head in approval of the answer.

The old-timer teacher, Ruth Todd, says, “As the instructional technologist, Pat, how would you assist classroom teachers in integrating technology?” Pat thinks, “Wow, at last, finally, a question relating to technology!!” She says out loud, “This is exactly what I feel I am trained to do best.” Pat continues to share some of the experiences she acquired while in graduate classes.

Kelly Tanner, the district technologist, presents a power point presentation of the district goals and plans, including the BIP project. After the presentation, she asks Pat, “How do you see yourself becoming a part of this project?”

Pat responds, “I can support classroom teachers as they participate and develop ideas in the project. I can serve as liaison between our school and the district.”

Gladys is thinking, “Great!! I can get her to lead and coordinate the BIP presentation next year.” Then says, “Pat, do you have any questions for us?”

Pat responds, “How do you see my time being divided, between classroom teaching responsibilities, technology support and maintenance for the school, and district obligations?”

Gladys responds, “Like all specialists you will see every student in the school weekly for quality instruction, which calculates your schedule to be 6 forty-five minute classes a day. We have the advantage of offering small class sizes, no class in our school has over 35 students.”

Kelly adds, “The district expects you to attend semi-monthly meetings held at 7 am to brief you on the newest technology the system has already decided to implement and update you on the problems that were identified previously.”

Ruth Todd chimes in, “In our school improvement plan, we have designated this position to facilitate all nine staff development technology workshops for our staff.”

The PTA president smiles sweetly, “I’m sure this is right up you alley, we have a special grant for parents to participate weekly in hands on technology, from 6-10 pm. We have parent volunteers to be presenters, we would just need you to provide a little technical assistance or guidance.”

Gladys looks at her watch and abruptly ends the interview by saying, “I have a meeting in five minutes downtown. I’ll be making a decision about this position in the next day or so.”

Pat thanked everyone for their time and thought to herself as she walked out the door, “These people don’t have a real grasp on what this job entitles. They will need 3 of me to get this job done. I’ve spent 3 years studying for this job and I have to give it a try, impossible or not.”

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