News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove Luther J. Schilling William E. Young William J. Butler
Hadley Middle Homer Jr. High
Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager
cbrautigam@homerschools.org | 708-226-7628
For Immediate Release:
Nov. 11, 2016
Homer 33C teachers to share insights on innovative tech tools
Invited to present at educational conferences
Two Homer School District 33C teachers have been invited to share how they’re using technology to prepare future ready students at two statewide conferences.
Tasha Ohotzke, a 3rd grade teacher at Schilling School, will discuss EdTech Equity: Free EdTech Tools for the classroom while Shannon Schroeder, an 8th grade language arts teacher at Homer Junior High School, will lead a discussion on Freaky Fast Feedback and some of the technology based tools she uses to focus on formative, effective, quick feedback to help inform instruction and provide opportunities for differentiation.
“I love helping teachers learn how to leverage technology in the classroom to inform instruction and improve student engagement,” said Schroeder, a Certified Google Trainer who has presented at a number of conferences throughout the years, including the EdTechTeam Illinois Summit featuring Google for Education.
This time, she will be presenting at the Illinois Computing Educators (ICE) conference on March 2 in St. Charles. It is the second time she has presented at an ICE conference.
Ohotzke, a tech guru who enjoys sharing insights with teachers, will be presenting at the Illinois Education and Technology Conference on Nov. 17 and 18 in Springfield.
“This conference is an excellent opportunity to share digital tools and resources with innovative educators and to expand my personal learning network,” she said. “Many incredible presentations are scheduled for this conference, so I am anxious to learn new ways to integrate technology in my classroom and share these ideas with my colleagues as well.”
Among Ohotke’s favorite tech tools are Seesaw (a student-driven digital learning portfolio that allows parents to keep up-to-date with their child’s progress), EDpuzzle (an interactive video lessons for students), Front Row (an adaptive math and ELA program) and Quizizz, Quizlet and Kahoot (fun interactive quiz games that not only challenge students but provide teachers with detailed data on student progress).
In addition to providing an overview of the tech tools she uses in the classroom, Ohotzke will be leading a discussion on Differentiation in the 21st Century. The session will focus on ways teachers can use technology to differentiate their instruction and make learning connections to classrooms around the world.
“It will focus on various tech tools and programs to differentiate classroom instruction and collaborate with other classes on a global level with an emphasis on The Global Read Aloud, Seesaw, and Mystery Skypes/Google Hangouts,” said Ohotzke.
Homer 33C encourages its teachers and staff members to stay current with trends in education and share what works in their classrooms with colleagues on a regular basis.
“Providing opportunities for our teachers to share their skills and expertise with colleagues internally and at conferences is supported and highly valued by the district,” said Kathleen Robinson, assistant superintendent for instruction.
“It builds capacity in both the presenter and participants but also supports networks within the teaching profession,” she continued. “I am proud of the professional effort demonstrated by both teachers.”
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