Empowering Educators through Technology Coaching: One District’s Journey
3:40 pm - 4:30 pm CT
Room: B4
In today’s fast-paced digital world, integrating technology effectively in educational settings is crucial. An instructional technology coach plays a vital role in supporting educators, students, and administrators in using technology to enhance learning outcomes. In this session, learn how Freeport School District 145 has leveraged the LTC Instructional Technology Coach program to enhance digital literacy, improve teaching practices, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. By sharing our experience, we hope to inspire other school districts to consider coaching as a professional development model and advance their digital learning environments
Presenter
Dr. Julia Cloat spent a combined total of 22 years working in Kaneland CUSD #302 and Huntley CSD #158, where she served in roles including Literacy Specialist, Assistant Principal, RtI/MTSS Coordinator, and Curriculum Director before accepting her position as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Freeport SD 145 in 2020. Dr. Cloat holds a Doctor of Education degree from Northern Illinois University (2014). She also holds a Master of Teaching degree from Aurora University (2001) and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern IL University (1991). Dr. Cloat currently teaches as an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Cloat lives in Sycamore, Illinois with her husband, Max, and two children, Olivia and Alexander. In addition to teaching/learning and her family, Julia is passionate about the outdoors. She can be found hiking and camping year-round.
Nicole oversees the LTC’s Instructional Technology Coaching Program, supervising a statewide team of instructional technology coaches and supporting participating districts’ program implementation.