Carolyn Thomson, our chief organizer of TIA from 2010
through 2013, has fond memories of our regional training event at Denton ISD.
Carolyn got her start as a teacher Keller ISD, where she
taught for twelve years. Then in 1996 she joined Hodge Elementary, under
principal Vicki Sargent, as campus instructional technology specialist. From
there she went on to WS Ryan Elementary, while finishing her Master’s in
Computer Education & Cognitive Systems. Finally, she joined the
Instructional Technology Department as Webmaster and District Trainer in 2006.
There she joined Leslie Taylor in rolling out training classes to teachers,
staff, and administrators in various software classes.
Soon, the one-on-one training became cumbersome, and Carolyn
and Leslie began to look for a more efficient way to train DISD employees in
all the varied software programs they would have to master while doing their
many different jobs. Particularly, they wanted to help teachers deal with using
technology to become better at teaching in a digital age.
TIA arose as that bigger vision for training. The Technology
Integration Academy, as the abbreviation first went, became a larger-scale,
multi-day event for teachers and admins. Carolyn became the chief organizer of
the event. TIA became the place where our professional and para staff could
learn and grow as a community.
TIA 2010 was the beginning. Funding was secured from the
Denton Public School Foundation, and from local business and Denton ISD
adopters, such as Pizza Inn, El Guapo’s and Prairie House. August 3, 4, and 5th
were the days chosen: two days were allotted for teachers and staff, with a
third day for principals and administrators. The Advanced Technology Complex on
Long Road was chosen for the event. Keynote speakers were featured each day. Meals
were provided for all, and door prizes were handed out at the end of each day.
TIA 2010 was a big success, but Carolyn & Leslie were
now setting their sights on making TIA 2011 a bigger, better, more regional
event.
