Award Recipient - Educational Leader: Kelly Bettencourt

Kelly Bettencourt

Kelly has been the Coordinator of Instructional Technology at Twin Rivers USD since July 2022. She oversees the Twin Rivers Innovation Force (TRIFORCE), a collaborative effort involving educators from every school in the district. The team's goal is to foster technology's practical and innovative use in educational methodologies. Kelly has spearheaded initiatives to instill a culture of technological innovation within the district. She developed a strategic iPad implementation plan featuring a comprehensive training hub to aid educators in optimizing the use of this technology. Additionally, Kelly is enthusiastically involved in the development of a district-wide AI training plan, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence effectively into educational practices.

To reach educators efficiently, Kelly utilizes social media to deliver EdTech tips & tricks in a micro PD format, offering succinct, impactful professional development opportunities. Additionally, she has established a robust esports framework and consistently creates and promotes professional development, emphasizing the application of technology and AI in education to enhance learning experiences for both students and educators. Through her sustained efforts, Kelly is committed to ensuring the seamless and beneficial integration of technology in the district's educational landscape.

How long have you been in your current role and how did you get there?

"I've been in my current role as the Coordinator of Instructional Technology at Twin Rivers USD since July 2022. My journey to this position involved various educational roles, each contributing to my expertise and passion for instructional technology. I served as a classroom teacher for 16 years, teaching high school biology and chemistry, and also assumed the role of lead teacher/ technology coach, conducting professional development in educational technology. My experience also includes working as an instructional teaching associate and a professional learning specialist focusing on STEM. My diverse background and continuous efforts to integrate technology into education paved the way for my current role, where I spearhead initiatives to instill a culture of technological innovation within my district."

What's a recent win you've had at work?

"A recent accomplishment I'm particularly proud of is the successful development and rollout of Twin River's strategic iPad implementation plan. This involved creating beautifully designed laminated instruction sheets, accompanied by informative videos and links to the iPad website, which are not only visually appealing but also highly instructional. The iPad training hub website I created is user-friendly, regularly updated, and has been pivotal in assisting educators to optimize the use of iPads in their teaching, ensuring that both teaching and learning experiences are enriched through this technology. The seamless integration and the positive feedback have been highly encouraging and reaffirm the district's commitment to innovative educational methodologies."

How long have you been a CITE member? What is your favorite memory from a CITE event?

"I have been a CITE member for one year. My favorite memory from a CITE event has to be last year's CITE conference in Long Beach, where I had the opportunity to attend a variety of enlightening workshops and network with some of the most inspiring leaders in educational technology. The insights gained, particularly those related to esports, and the connections forged during that event have profoundly influenced my approach to instructional technology."

What do you do in your limited free time?

"In my limited free time, I enjoy balancing family activities and hobbies. A substantial part of my time is spent supporting my middle school son, who plays competitive soccer, by attending his practices and games around the state. It's incredibly rewarding to witness his growth and passion for the sport. When I'm not at a soccer field, I love to unwind by catching up on movies and binge-watching shows on various streaming services. I also make time to stay active and maintain a workout routine, which helps support my energy levels and overall well-being. Reading is another passion of mine, and I relish the moments when I can dive into a good book. I also love spending quality time with my husband, my college freshman daughter, and our three cats and dogs. My family brings me relaxation and joy and perfectly complements my busy schedule."

Are there any special shout outs you'd like to give to someone in your life or the CITE community who has made a special impact on you?

"I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to my incredibly supportive CTO, Marci Bernard, who has been a constant source of encouragement and support. Her belief in my abilities and unwavering support have significantly impacted me, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I do.

A huge appreciation goes to my family for their understanding and patience. Their support has been my anchor as I navigated the transition from the classroom to an administrative role this year. They've embraced the changes and challenges along the way with grace, enabling me to grow and excel in my new capacity."

If someone is intimidated or reluctant to get involved with CITE, what advice would you give them?

"I would advise anyone feeling intimidated or reluctant to remember that everyone in the CITE community is there for a shared purpose—to learn, grow, and contribute to the field of educational technology. Begin by attending a few meetings or webinars. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience within the community, and don't hesitate to ask questions when you're ready. When you feel ready, attend the annual conference. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest trends, share your thoughts, and network with like-minded professionals. By taking small steps, you'll gradually become more comfortable and find your place within the CITE community."

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