District Kicks Off Final Phase of Expanded TLA Program

Above: Joplin teacher Jill Ludwig holds up a new Technology Leadership Academy tshirt. Ludwig is one of over 200 participants in this year's TLA program who will learn ways to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum and will receive a variety of modern technology resources for their classrooms.

The district kicked off the third and final expanded phase of Technology Leadership Academy (TLA) this week. TLA, the Joplin School District’s annual instructional technology program, is a one-year professional development program that helps to expand and refine Joplin educators’ technology skills and teaches them ways to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum. TLA program participants receive technology resources for use in the classroom such as a laptop, a SMART Board interactive white board, and an LCD projector system.

“We are excited to officially begin this final phase of our district’s expanded TLA program,” says Chief Information Officer Angela Neria. “By 2009, every Joplin teacher will have gained modern technology tools for their classrooms and – more importantly – in-depth instructional technology training that they can use on a daily basis. It is our goal to see student achievement continue to rise by effectively merging instruction and technology in Joplin classrooms.”

Traditionally, the TLA program accepts just 30 teachers per year. However, in April of 2006, the Joplin Board of Education voted to significantly expand the program’s funding for a three-year period, allowing one third of teachers to participate in TLA annually. Approximately 600 teachers will have completed the program by 2009.

TLA is a part of Instructional Technology Educating Kids (iTEK), the umbrella program for all of the Joplin School District’s technology-related professional development programs. Teachers who complete TLA training are eligible to apply for more advanced technology training programs available under iTEK.

(posted 05/07/08)