Olga LaPlante

After being a trainer/mentor for the last two years, I have come to realize that most people still perceive my job as that of a “computer person”. While this is not the worst definition, it’s just not accurate.I am a coach, a trainer, a mentor, and yes, I do train in technology integration ALONG WITH better teaching strategies and techniques. It’s not to say that being a seasoned teacher you have no use for me. The new generation IS different - digital natives some refer to it - and the new tools are rapidly changing, as well as expectations of businesses and your supervisors. I also happen to have this as my job description - staying on top of things, and connecting people to experts.I would also like to add, that I am not a supervisor - far from it. I am a helper, who among other things will try to help you develop leadership skills. Supervisors may expect compliance; in my world, I expect decision-making, and initiative, and enthusiasm, and I will listen to your complaints and misfortunes along with successes and praise and thanks, because that’s life, and that’s why I am a coach.BUT I will not tell you what to do (unless it’s simple troubleshooting - then I will), and I will refrain from evaluating you and your products, and your students, but we’ll discuss anything you feel like.Okay, have I made myself clearer, or is it now even more confusing??? :)Post your comments, with your questions!

The more I think about the more convinced I am that school should be year round.

Just look at all the positive changes that would bring:

- no 2-3 week refresher at the beginning of each school year - lessons will be continuous, uniterrupted

- no travel-related price hikes connected to school schedule

- no getting behind a grade - just a list of courses you must complete before you move on to another course, not another grade

- less bullying (freshmen won’t be freshmen any more, mixed groups instead)

- no beginning of the year anxiety, big plans, and big disappointments

What do you think? Am I crazy?

Oh, and no additional daycare costs (summer camps) or unattended teens in the summer. I find this very attractive. Those two months off in the summer are hugely overrated.

I have just been set up with an account at blogs.portlandschools.org. This is wicked exciting - having an official site where I can talk about important events and just anything related to education.

But I am also excited because this also means that many teachers will have a chance to own a blog at portlandschools.org. It’s very important that teachers reach out through as many ways as possible, and keep up with the current technology - if that’s conceivable! And the students will appreciate it, I am sure. Or take it for granted, since that’s what they [older students] use it every day.

Anyway, hooray to the new school year, and new exciting opportunities!