HERSHEY, Pa. (EYT) — Three Redbank Valley teachers had the prestigious opportunity to present a seminar at this week’s Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference in Hershey.
(Pictured above: Mike Fricko, Joe Harmon and Kristen Landers)
Mike Fricko, a freshman English and broadcast journalism teacher for students in grades 9-12; Joe Harmon, a social studies teacher for grades 8 and 10; and Kristen Landers, an elementary computer teacher, presented “Taking Back Your Professional Development — Tech It Up” to a standing-room only audience.
The PETE-C is a statewide event that provides quality programs focused on technology in the educational field. It is the biggest in the state and one of the biggest in the country.
Each year, hundreds of exhibitors showcase their latest technology products and services to the vast audience of teachers, administrators, technology directors, school board members, and more.
“Take Back Your PD — Tech It Up” proved to be a big hit with the RV trio.
“Several thanked us afterward for the presentation,” Harmon said.
Harmon explained that the conference gives educators the chance to share and learn from everyone else.
“It gives teachers the opportunity to inspire and motivate other teachers across the state,” Harmon said. “It gives us a day to plan, implement and take control.”
“It takes an administrator to let us do that, so we are happy to have the chance,” Harmon said.
Redbank Valley School District Superintendent Mike Drzewicki explained the importance of educators attending and participating in the conference.
“We are happy to send them and proud of what they are doing. They are always brining back a wealth of new information to share with their fellow teachers and students,” Drzewicki said.
“It’s why our tech programs are so successful, and the experience they get is invaluable.”
Harmon also did a presentation, “Best Practices in Teaching” with Global Teacher Prize finalist Mike Soskil, an educator in the Wallenpaupack School District and one on his own “Cool Texts To Engage Students.”
Harmon was a 2015 Pa. Teacher of the Year finalist and a 2016 Gilder Lehman Institute of American History Pa. Teacher of the Year.
Four additional RV teachers attended the conference, including Jamie Bowersox, Blane Gold, Debra Dinger, and Lila Rummell.
