Lauren Woolley was honored at the Alabama Educational Technology Association’s annual fall conference as the third recipient of the organization’s Emerging Leader Award.

In her role as the district’s Educational Technology Program Area Specialist, Woolley designs and helps implement technology professional development for the district. This includes researching the best and most effective practices for integrating technology into the classroom.

“We could not be prouder of Lauren for her work and for being recognized by her peers across the state,” said Susan Poling, Shelby County Schools Technology Coordinator. “Her commitment to teachers and students is amazing. She is always developing professional development ideas that help us move forward with technology, but she never forgets how demanding teaching can be.”

“She, along with our system Educational Technology Resource Teachers, find technologies that teachers can use that enhance their ability to teach particular subjects and that increase student interest in their courses,” Poling added.

AETA’s Emerging Leadership Award is designed to honor and recognize emerging technology leaders in public education.  According to the AETA website, the definition of a technology leader is always changing as public education transforms around and through technology, which also continues to evolve and change.

“Educators who become technology leaders in their districts serve as instigators, innovators, motivators, and often risk takers,” the website states.

“These individuals work tirelessly to help transform their districts. These emerging stars may go by many different titles, but chances are he or she must be prepared to help educators implement new instructional technologies, handle online assessments, manage student achievement data, oversee cyber security, or keep a system that powers everything from attendance to budgeting to the grading system up and running.”