Newsworthy
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Awards & Honors |
Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Recognition
June 2024
Poway Unified School District has achieved recognition as a Common Sense School District, highlighting our dedication to instilling safe and responsible technology practices in students. This milestone follows the successful implementation of Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons across PUSD schools.
Classroom of the Future: Honorable Mention Innovate Award
May 2023
The Technology and Innovation department was presented with the Honorable Mention Innovate Award at the 20th Annual Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) Innovation in Education Awards ceremony. The award recognized the innovative support for PUSD teachers and students in the Voyager (grades TK-5) and ElevatED (grades 6-12) Programs. The Innovate Award showcases the creative innovations of the programs that facilitate enhanced teaching and learning. This award specifically focuses on the “uniqueness of the program actions that promote teacher innovation, increase student engagement, and drive performance.” This definition aligns closely with the goals of the Voyager and ElevatED programs.
Ken Wall, Top Tech Award Winner
Ken Wall, Director of IT, was honored with a Top Tech Award on Thursday, September 22 at Snapdragon Stadium. Top Tech Awards celebrate San Diego’s technology innovators who bolster the business, academic, governmental, and non-profit communities within our region. Honorees are considered local outstanding executives as nominated by their peers and clients. This video highlighting some of Ken’s accomplishments was played in the stadium during the announcement.
California Pivotal Practice Award Winner
April 2022
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Poway Unified School District as one of the District winners for the 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award. This new program for 2022 is in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program to celebrate schools and districts that implemented an innovative practice during the 2020–2021 school year and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PUSD identified our pivotal practice as “Equity and Access for All: Creating Culture and Conditions to Empower World Class-Learners,” where we strategically focused on the following key areas: distribution of technology equipment; standardized practices around educational technology: innovative professional learning; and outreach to families. PUSD was honored to receive the recognition.
Edu Jedi Innovator Award
February 2022
PUSD was officially recognized for the Edu Jedi Innovator Award 2021 by the Learning Counsel at the 9th Annual Edu Jedi Leadership Society virtual event. The District received this award for leadership and learning achievements during 2021. The work was showcased during the Learning Counsel’s virtual event where Dr. Phelps, Dr. Burks and Ed Tech Director, Lana Nguyen presented on “How PUSD Pushed Innovation Despite a Pandemic” this past September. The Learning Counsel recognized Poway Unified for our ongoing Ed Tech initiatives, distinguished schools, and the “Try Everything” music video, which highlights our personalized interests in supporting real world applications for all students. The Learning Counsel stated, “This kind of leadership is what other Districts should be doing.” A follow up press release is planned.
Pomerado Classroom of the Future Award
October 2020
Through the support of the Technology and Innovation team, the Pomerado Launch Lab has received an Honorable Mention for their work in impacting students with their lab. The Innovation in Education Awards highlights champions of educational innovation in the com- munity, as well as exceptional students pursuing careers in STEM education throughout San Diego. On October 28, the Launch Lab was recognized at the virtual awards event that brings together educators and business leaders to honor classrooms and individuals making a difference in education.
APSM (Association of Poway School Managers) Service Award Recipient
June 2020
The Educational Technology Team was honored for their dedication to teaching and learning with technology. Over the past three years, the Educational Technology Team has launched multiple innovative initiatives, including the Voyager Program, Tech Cafes, and the Education Technology Webpage. The team offers learning opportunities Districtwide and has transformed educational technology. In March 2020, the team was abruptly tasked with switching gears to provide distance learning, coaching, and assistance. They quickly created a Virtual Teaching Website, video tutorials, professional development sessions, and quick guides. Coaches hosted online office hours to offer individualized support to teachers who needed one-to-one assistance. The team adapted seamlessly to their new role as distance learning coaches and has proved invaluable to teaching and learning both virtually and face to face. Watch the APSM virtual celebration highlighting service award recipients at the link.
Dr. Jennifer Burks, California Technology Administrator of the Year
April 2020
Jennifer Burks, Ed.D, Associate Superintendent of Technology and Innovation, was named Technology Administrator of the Year by The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for Region 18 (San Diego and Imperial Counties).
Upon her arrival to Poway Unified in 2017, Dr. Burks created the District's new educational technology department from scratch. As the first-ever Associate Superintendent of Technology and Innovation for Poway Unified, she oversees both the Information and Education branches of technology. Her vision for creating future ready classroom learning environments has come to life in pioneer initiatives like the Voyager Program, Digital Citizenship Program, i-Ready, and the first Launch Lab at Pomerado Elementary School. “The fact that she accomplished so much in such a short period of time speaks to her incredible work ethic and commitment to professional growth,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said. “Jennifer’s dedication to creating inclusive, innovative learning environments for all students is just one of the many reasons why she is deserving of this award.” Dr. Burks, in addition to the other 2020 recipients, was featured in EdCal Magazine and honored at the Leadership Summit Statewide Awards Ceremony in San Diego.
Upon her arrival to Poway Unified in 2017, Dr. Burks created the District's new educational technology department from scratch. As the first-ever Associate Superintendent of Technology and Innovation for Poway Unified, she oversees both the Information and Education branches of technology. Her vision for creating future ready classroom learning environments has come to life in pioneer initiatives like the Voyager Program, Digital Citizenship Program, i-Ready, and the first Launch Lab at Pomerado Elementary School. “The fact that she accomplished so much in such a short period of time speaks to her incredible work ethic and commitment to professional growth,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said. “Jennifer’s dedication to creating inclusive, innovative learning environments for all students is just one of the many reasons why she is deserving of this award.” Dr. Burks, in addition to the other 2020 recipients, was featured in EdCal Magazine and honored at the Leadership Summit Statewide Awards Ceremony in San Diego.
District of Distinction
February 2020
FETC Award Video
District Administration (DA) Magazine featured Poway Unified School District as a “2020 District of Distinction” in its February 2020 issue. DA honors ten school districts each year in this nationwide program.
PUSD was selected in the category of educational technology for its Districtwide Voyager Program. Launched in the 2017-2018 school year, the Program combines rigorous in-class professional development training for teachers, with revolutionary techniques for students to learn and engage with technology.
“We developed a system of support for teachers to learn how to integrate and use the latest technology in the classroom. Ed tech allows our students to connect with the world and engage with ideas that help them ask more organic questions,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said.
The Voyager Program focuses on blended learning practices in the classroom to increase engagement and interest. Teachers who participate in Voyager learn best Ed Tech practices from District technology and innovation coaches, and begin to integrate these concepts into their lessons. This way, students can decide how and what they learn.
“We eliminated the top-down model where District leaders tell teachers what to do, so educators are encouraged to share ideas that they’re excited about,” Superintendent Phelps said. “Teachers feel more supported this way, and when you feel supported, you’re more inclined to try an untested, innovative approach.” Read more about PUSD’s Voyager Program at the link.
At the 2021 Future of Educational Technology Conference, Poway Unified was recognized as the District of Distinction winner in the Professional Development category for its excellence in innovation in K-12 education.
PUSD was selected in the category of educational technology for its Districtwide Voyager Program. Launched in the 2017-2018 school year, the Program combines rigorous in-class professional development training for teachers, with revolutionary techniques for students to learn and engage with technology.
“We developed a system of support for teachers to learn how to integrate and use the latest technology in the classroom. Ed tech allows our students to connect with the world and engage with ideas that help them ask more organic questions,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said.
The Voyager Program focuses on blended learning practices in the classroom to increase engagement and interest. Teachers who participate in Voyager learn best Ed Tech practices from District technology and innovation coaches, and begin to integrate these concepts into their lessons. This way, students can decide how and what they learn.
“We eliminated the top-down model where District leaders tell teachers what to do, so educators are encouraged to share ideas that they’re excited about,” Superintendent Phelps said. “Teachers feel more supported this way, and when you feel supported, you’re more inclined to try an untested, innovative approach.” Read more about PUSD’s Voyager Program at the link.
At the 2021 Future of Educational Technology Conference, Poway Unified was recognized as the District of Distinction winner in the Professional Development category for its excellence in innovation in K-12 education.
Accepted Into National Network of Innovative School Districts
August 2019
The Poway Unified School District was accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national coalition of forward-thinking K-12 school districts organized by Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization with the mission to accelerate innovation in education and improve the opportunity to learn for all through technology and research. PUSD was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its leadership, evidence of results, innovative vision for learning, and commitment to equity and excellence.
“As Superintendent of Poway Unified School District, I am committed to ensuring that we are creating culture and conditions to support world-class learners. Partnering with the League of Innovative Schools will allow us to innovate through people-driven networks to promote positive changes in education and ensure that all children have access to an equitable and high-quality learning experience,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said. “As a member, Poway Unified will bring research-based, cutting-edge initiatives, which drive innovative and unique learning opportunities for students to ultimately maximize each student’s potential for greatness. I believe in learning forward through a cycle of continuous improvement, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn from and with a network of forward-thinking leaders in education.”
“As Superintendent of Poway Unified School District, I am committed to ensuring that we are creating culture and conditions to support world-class learners. Partnering with the League of Innovative Schools will allow us to innovate through people-driven networks to promote positive changes in education and ensure that all children have access to an equitable and high-quality learning experience,” Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps said. “As a member, Poway Unified will bring research-based, cutting-edge initiatives, which drive innovative and unique learning opportunities for students to ultimately maximize each student’s potential for greatness. I believe in learning forward through a cycle of continuous improvement, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn from and with a network of forward-thinking leaders in education.”
Presentations & Publications |
SDCOE Learning and Innovation Summit Presentation Fall 2024
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Technology and Innovation Coach Lolita Rico and Director of Technology and Innovation Amy Fousek, presented two sessions: PUSD's Digital Citizenship Initiative which helps strengthen students' safe and responsible use of technology and Project Padres which focuses on career ready and design thinking learning at the SDCOE Learning and Innovation Summit. The SDCOE Learning and Innovation Summit features learning sessions for educators interested in integrating or enhancing their educational technology offerings for students of all ages. From design thinking to artificial intelligence and biomechanics, this event is designed to expand opportunities for youth in the San Diego region to be future leaders and innovators.
ASU+GSV AIR Show Conference 2024
On Saturday, April 13, 2024 Technology and Innovation Coach Dorothy Carlson and Director of Technology and Innovation Amy Fousek, presented a session focused on “Responsible Use and Practical Application of AI in Education” at the ASU+GSV AIR Show conference. The ASU+GSV AIR show is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) specific conference that is a partnership with the ASU+GSV Summit. The session focused on privacy and security considerations when implementing AI and how AI can be used to enhance learning.
Technology and Innovation Department’s Innovative Professional Learning Model Featured
March 2023
The Technology and Innovation department’s innovative professional learning model was featured in the March/April ACSA Leadership Magazine. Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Burks’ article highlighted how the District shifted from a one-size-fits-all model of professional learning to a new, hybrid format to provide voice and choice for educators. In this model, teachers feel more empowered, which transforms the learning experiences, resulting in a greater impact on student learning. You can read the article “A Culture of Innovation” directly at this link.
San Diego Computer Using Educators (CUE) Powered Learning Fair 2022
November 2022
Technology and Innovation coaches Amy Fousek and Lolita Rico presented at the San Diego CUE (Computer Using Educators) ‘Powered Learning Fair’ held at Design39Campus. The “Bulletin Boards 2.0: Interactive Walls” session focused on transforming static wall space into interactive student-centered learning opportunities. The team also introduced Vertical Learning, an interactive protocol, to the audience and was followed up by different ways to engage students with QR codes, Scratch and Learn, Paper Flip Charts and 3D Displays, and Paper Circuitry.
League of Innovative Schools 2022
October 2022
At the League of Innovative Schools “Fall Convening,” Dr. Marian Kim Phelps, Dr. Jennifer Burks, and Ken Wall presented a session on Building a Culture for Technology Leadership. The session focused on the process of merging the Educational Technology and Informational Technology departments to enhance innovation as both a department and as a District. The session also shared new and forward thinking ways to provide professional learning to staff such as on-demand content, innovative TLCs, and self-paced learning.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) 2022
August 2022
The Technology and Innovation team successfully presented four sessions at the 2022 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference in New Orleans during the last week of June. The team had the opportunity to speak on the following topics: collaborative protocols for equitable learning, reimagining professional learning models, best practices of virtual learning, and designing and implementing professional learning that is needs-based to build teacher capacity. Multiple participants enthusiastically thanked the team in-person and/or tweeted their appreciation for the information presented at the various sessions. ISTE had a plethora of sessions that included: implementation of augmented reality/virtual reality, digital literacy, computational thinking, etc. The Technology and Innovation team plans on sharing new topics, vendor resources, and additional information with the rest of the department.
Computer Using Educators (CUE) Conference 2022
March 2022
Innovation Coaches Amy Fousek, Brenda Gillies, and Lauren Swissman presented two sessions at the CUE Conference on March 19 in Palm Springs. This annual event is an opportunity for coaches to learn from peers and experts on topics ranging from STEAM, diversity, equity and inclusion, thoughtful EdTech classroom integration and more. The first session, “Bulletin Boards 2.0,” focused on interactive learning walls and highlighted many of PUSD’s exemplary projects surrounding this topic. Participants engaged in an interactive wall protocol known as Vertical Learning. The second session, “What Did You Say?,” shared research based strategies and tools to improve student listening comprehension through technology.
California IT in Education (CITE) Conference 2021
November 2021
Director of Information Technology, Ken Wall, attended and presented at the CITE (California IT in Education) Conference. The CITE organization provides resource programs and professional learning opportunities for technology professionals working in California K-12 environments. Mr. Wall also co-presented with ClassLink to share PUSD’s experience with creating a culture around a single sign-on portal (MyPLAN in our case). Ken shared that parent feedback during distance learning was focused on accessing digital curriculum. He discussed PUSD’s use of analytics in the ClassLink platform to determine which school sites were successfully using Canvas and which needed additional assistance. Additionally, Ken was also selected as a mentor in the Certified CTO program which is a professional development certification put on by CITE.
InstructureCon 2021
October 2021
Technology and Innovation Coaches Brenda Gillies & Lauren Swissman represented PUSD at InstructureCon, Canvas’s annual conference for administrators and educators. The Tech and Innovation Coaches session was titled, “Canvas with a K-5 Lens: Organizing Canvas for Elementary Self-Paced Learning.” The presentation shared ways in which Canvas’s best features can be used to enhance learning for elementary school students. This includes modules for providing voice and choice for students, organizing activities for accessible learning, and developing playlists or choice boards.
Computer Using Educators (CUE) Conference 2021
October 2021
Innovation Coaches Lauren Swissman and Amy Fousek gave two presentations at the CUE (Computer Using Educators) 2021 conference. The first session they presented was titled “Capable Kinders” which focused on strategies for scaffolding and managing tech to help young learners flourish. It also included examples of how educators can leverage technology to increase student engagement and personalization. The second session, titled “Collaboration Protocols for Equity,” focused on strategies for implementing collaboration protocols that provoke critical thinking, promote student agency, and ensure that all distinct voices in classrooms are honored. Participants in this session were shown protocols through lesson examples, ready-to-go resources, and free apps that foster a classroom environment that honors equity.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference 2020
November 2020
The Technology and Innovation department was selected to present three sessions at the annual ISTE conference in Anaheim, California. Due to Covid-19, the international conference was changed to a virtual format. Dr. Jennifer Burks, Ken Wall, and Lana Nguyen co-presented on “Coalescing Educational Technology and IT Departments to Maximize Innovation in K-12,” and “It's Time to Develop a Districtwide Technology Strategic Plan.” Their first session focused on how PUSD developed a collaborative and cohesive department by uniting IT and Ed Tech. In the second session, the team shared the process of how Technology and Innovation gathered input from all stakeholders to develop the current Technology Strategic Plan. Innovation Coaches Mike Gizzo and Amy Fousek presented on “Innovating Professional Development in a Digital Age.” This session focused on how our District has transformed professional development by giving teachers voice and choice in their professional learning opportunities.
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Learning & Innovation Summit 2020
Innovation coaches Amy Fousek and Lauren Swissman presented on “Capable Kinders: Scaffolding Tech for Young Learners,” at the The County Office of Education’s second annual Learning & Innovation Summit on February 8, 2020. During the session, participants learned strategies for introducing, managing, and scaffolding technology for young learners to flourish. One attendee stated that the “session was incredibly helpful in providing specific tools and ways to use technology in the classroom for young learners.”
Grants |
Innovative Teaching and Learning Grant
October 2019
The Technology and Innovation Department was thrilled to be awarded a $50,000 grant by the OtterCares Foundation to support the expansion of innovative teaching and learning in middle school. Representatives from Technology and Innovation, Pomerado Elementary School, and Career Technical Education attended the OtterCares 10th Anniversary Celebration at the OtterBox/LifeProof office in San Diego on October 17, 2019. During the celebration, OtterCares surprised the team with the grant award. These funds will be used to focus on innovative learning spaces, professional development, and technology to support innovative teaching and learning.
Pomerado Elementary Receives OtterCares Inspiration Grant
August 2019
Pomerado Elementary School was awarded a second grant from the OtterCares Foundation. OtterCares continues to work with Poway Unified as a partner school district focusing around innovation, entrepreneurship, and service-learning. This Inspiration Grant for $10,000 will help Pomerado expand the work surrounding their Launch Lab and integrate design thinking and entrepreneurship curriculum at their site.