Three CCSD educators selected to be part of the Utah Technology Cohort
The 2022-23 Utah Technology Cohort
Educators Andrew Clark and Heather Torres were selected to be part of the 2022-23 Utah Technology Cohort. Clark is the district’s Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, and Torres is a teacher at Ridgeline High School. In addition, Julie Kaster, a Sky View High School teacher, will be part of the 2023-24 cohort.
According to the Utah Tech Leaders Network website, the cohort is “designed to grow the skills of EdTech coaches and leaders who support instructional practices inclusive of personalized and competency-based learning (PCBL) in their schools or districts.” Selected educators are invited to be part of the cohort for a year. “This cohort is important because it brings together leaders from throughout the state of Utah to collaborate, build a community, and help support future-driven initiatives in schools and districts,” Clark said.
Educators across the state apply for a position in the cohort. “It was important for me to apply to this cohort because I believe technology has the power to change the world for the better,” Kaster explained. “I also feel it is important to never stop growing and learning. When we learn, we expand our understanding and grow as educators. Being a part of this cohort will allow me to do that.”
Participating educators will receive strategies and knowledge related to best practices in leadership, coaching, and supporting educators, students, and administrators in their schools. Since technology is an essential part of schools and the way children learn, this cohort will allow teachers to become experts and leaders in the district, helping others improve their practice and use of technology within their classrooms.
“Technology is important in education because it is so ingrained in our everyday lives. School is meant to prepare students for the wider world, and if we don't teach them how to problem solve using the amazing tools they have at their disposal, then we are not doing our job,” Torres expressed. “By teaching students to use technology, we are helping them be productive citizens of our world. They may have grown up using technology, but that doesn't mean they know how to really use it!”