Tech-savvy Slidell teacher one of '€˜20 to Watch'€™

A Carolyn Park Middle School teacher has been named a leader in education technology by the National School Board Association’s Technology Leadership Network.

Kristen Hernandez, a sixth-grade math and science teacher, is the only Louisiana instructor to make the organization’s list of “20 to Watch” after a nationwide search. The school’s assistant principal, Patrick Mackin, nominated Hernandez for successfully integrating technology into every aspect of classroom life.

“I’m so thrilled to make it onto this list,” said Hernandez, who has also received statewide recognition for her expertise by the Louisiana Association of Computer-Using Educators. “Last year’s winners were all these doctors and other bigwigs, so I really didn’t think I had much of a chance.”

Hernandez was in the middle of class when she received the e-mail notification that she’d been named to the list. One of her students was so excited he bolted from the classroom to announce the news to other teachers.

Her students have a full range of technology at their disposal, from electronic portfolios and laptop computers to classroom response systems and GPS devices. Hernandez has been instrumental in showcasing the students’ prowess through several school events, such as Technology Night, in which the students demonstrated the technologies they use to nearly 500 members of the community.

“We sometimes have a hard time getting parents to participate,” she said. “This time the kids ran the entire show, and the response was tremendous.”

Not only parents but also grandparents attended the event as well. Hernandez said the students created a blog about the experience, and many commented on how important they felt to help older generations learn something new.

Other events included a math and science “tailgate party,” held in January to coincide with the Bowl Championship Series. More recently, the students were involved in a classroom election, with elements from the periodic table serving as the “candidates.” The youngsters were divided into groups, with each one given a different campaign responsibility in promoting their element. The final project will a podcast touting their “candidate’s” virtues.

After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, Hernandez taught for two years in Livingston Parish before coming to Slidell three years ago. This past summer she received a master’s degree in Education Technology, and she feels the experience has helped shape her as a leader with both students and other teachers.

She will travel to Seattle at the end of October to take part in NSBA’s annual technology and learning conference and will be featured in future education technology publications. There is no monetary award for being named to the list, but that’s all right with Hernandez.

“There’s recognition, and maybe a plaque, but that’s not the reason I do this,” she said. “I’m helping these kids become global leaders, and that is my passion.”