The National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Technology Leadership Network (TLN) has named James Lanier, Coordinator of Secondary Digital Learning with Johnston County Schools, as one of its “20 to Watch” honorees for 2015-2016. These education leaders from across the country are being recognized for their ability to inspire colleagues to explore and embrace innovative technology solutions and instructional strategies that contribute to high-quality learning experiences for all students.
“This year’s ’20 to Watch’ honorees highlight how formal and informal professional networks help them identify and share the innovative approaches that are truly making a difference,” said Thomas J. Gentzel, NSBA, Executive Director. “Showcasing the initiatives of these educators can help other district leaders identify where there might be opportunities for new approaches in their own communities to address the digital-use divide identified in the U.S. Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan. These teachers and administrators, with support from their school boards, share a vision for learning that will prepare students for future success.”
Colleagues describe James Lanier as having a “contagious excitement for learning,” which explains his success running the annual Student Technology Conference and leading the district’s 2T4E initiative (Transforming Teaching for Engagement). 2T4E delivers professional development to assist teachers in their transition to creating more engaged classrooms that effectively utilize digital tools.
This is the 10th year of NSBA’s “20 to Watch” program, created in 2006 to identify emerging leaders who would be helping to shape the national conversation about education technology for the next 20 years. “As we hoped when this recognition was established, many previous honorees are indeed moving into leadership positions and are redefining traditional notions about learning as a result of their experiences with technology,” said Ann Flynn, NSBA’s Director of Education Technology.
This year’s honorees will be recognized during the 2016 Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Conference on April 4 in Washington, D.C., and at the TLN-hosted luncheon during NSBA’s 2016 Annual Conference on April 8 in Boston.
Press release from NSBA
