Learning is a form of self-care for Becky Young who is a Learning Specialist and the lead Instructional Technology Coach at Aux Sable Middle School.
So, it should not be surprising that Young completed a more than year-long program to become a Certified Educator with the International Society for Technology in Education or ISTE.
Young is one of fewer than 2,000 ISTE Certified Educators in the world.
“I love learning about how I can improve being an educator,” she said. “I love learning about instructional technology. I love being able to help other teachers with it as well because I get to support so many more students.”
The ISTE certification program is a rigorous 14-week program that includes classes and a portfolio review.
Attaining certification means the recipient has mastered and implemented the ISTE standards for students, educators, education leaders, and coaches into their educational practice.
The standards focus on an education framework that guides educators in using technology to create better learning experiences for students.
Young helps teachers through professional development, support in the classrooms, and working one-on-one with teachers.
She uses data to guide decisions for curriculum, student support and teaching methods, Young said.
Young’s dedication and support of best instructional practices for students in a blended learning environment was why Laura Shervino, district Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, advanced Young to the ISTE credential program.
“Her creation and presentation skills are the very best and she is passionate about sharing her wealth of knowledge with her peers and colleagues,” Shervino said.
Technology in the classroom is not about replacing older methods of teaching, Young said.
“The whole point of technology is it’s a tool that should be elevating our learning experience,” she said.
“It should be enhancing the abilities of both teachers and students.”