As quickly as technology evolves, schools are charged with the responsibility of facilitating this transition to digital and personalized learning for their students. Many school districts entrust instructional technologists, coaches, media coordinators, and lead teachers with the responsibility to guide and support teachers as they continue to improve instruction. To better meet the needs of these change agents, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is pleased to announce a new cohort of the Digital Leaders Coaches Network (DLCN).
Funding to facilitate DLCN is possible through a partnership with The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The DLCN was developed with initial funding from Project Tomorrow, NSF, and North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) to assist schools and districts in the process of digital learning transitions, and to cultivate local capacity by providing support to those in coaching roles, as coaches are essential to leading and supporting student-centered digital learning and teaching.
“In giving these coaches an opportunity to learn and network with other educators who are in similar roles, we are helping to build a support structure that will ultimately have a positive impact on student learning experiences,” said Nancy Mangum, The Friday Institute Associate Director of Digital Learning Programs.
In its fourth year, the DLCN brings together a group of passionate and committed education leaders including instructional coaches, media coordinators, and instructional technologists and lead teachers from across North Carolina. As a cohort, this network of innovative educators will receive ongoing, job-embedded professional learning opportunities to build their capacity in digital and personalized learning. Participants will also acquire strategies and knowledge related to best practices in coaching, adult learning, leadership, and supporting stakeholders in their schools and districts.
This blended learning experience, built on the North Carolina Media Coordinator, Instructional Technology Facilitator & Coaching Evaluation Instruments, will help participants grow as educators, coaches, and leaders while assisting them in building strong professional learning networks. The core components of Leadership and Culture, Instructional Improvement, Effective Coaching and Advocacy, and Being a Connected Educator are weaved throughout all components of the DLCN program experience.
"I am thrilled to be a part of this awesome professional development team and continue my lifelong learning and effectiveness for those I serve daily,” said Collette.
For more information on this project, visit the project website at http://go.ncsu.edu/dlcn