I began teaching computers at St. Joseph Parish School in the fall of 2002. Prior to beginning the school year, I had the opportunity to propose, design, order, and implement a brand new computer lab for the school. Thanks to the generosity and vision of our school administration and the parish Stewardship Committee, I was able to outfit our lab with current technology.

I developed a technology plan for our school that was approved by the State of Michigan Department of Education. The next step was to implement this technology plan through the development of a formal computer curriculum and technology support department. I began working with teachers to identify ways in which technology could assist the delivery and learning of their lesson plans. This has involved developing web quests, joining collaborative projects, creating internet scavenger hunts, and identifying technology based supplemental material and reinforcement activities. It is through these lessons I will demonstrate meeting the required proficiencies for the MCOATT award.

The largest challenge, and yet the most enjoyable of all, is in helping students reach the benchmarked state standards for technical competency. Each year I select an area of focus for our middle school students. In 2002 it was MS PowerPoint. This year I have chosen MS Excel. Projects focusing on these applications are staggered throughout the year with other lessons and activities to ensure that the maximum amount of age appropriate benchmarks are met.

I work with the younger students on a variety of skills and applications. I am confident that their participation in a formalized technical curriculum at an early age will result in an ability to optimally use the computer as a learning and productivity tool throughout their schooling.