Elementary Technology Teacher of the Year

The 2006-2007 Elementary Technology Teacher of the Year is Wendy Grohler, a 5th grade Math and Science teacher at Wilson Elementary.

• Ms. Grohler has been teaching for 22 years.
• Her philosophy is to incorporate as much technology into instruction as possible. She has found that high interest activities; such as videos, multimedia presentations, and games are innovative ways to motivate her students.
• Ms. Grohler uses UnitedStreaming online digital videos, she integrates literature and science by scanning content from related books into multimedia presentations, she uses various computer software programs and internet resources to science vocabulary cards and puzzles. She has created electronic Jeopardy games to review science and math facts.
• Her newest technology tool is the Quizdom Classroom Response System. These new remotes offer an interactive way to review science and provide immediate feedback.

Ms. Grohler is a positive role model for teachers:

• She is the Campus Technology Facilitator and is the Chairperson for the Wilson Technology Committee
• Wilson Teacher of the Year 2000
• Received the Teacher that Influenced a Student award in 2005
• In addition to this award, she has also been selected the 2007 Rio Grande Valley Elementary Science Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Grohler believes “Technology has become the “key” into the doorway of the future, for our students”.

Secondary Technology Teacher of the Year

The 2006-2007 Secondary Technology Teacher of the Year is Steve Bravo, a 6th Grade Science teacher at Morris Middle School.

Mr. Bravo believes technology in the science classroom opens students’ minds to new avenues of reflection and learning. In the classroom, Mr. Bravo utilizes a hands on approach that reaches all learners engaging them in high interest research projects while building on their social and emotional needs.

Four ways in which Mr. Bravo’s students use technology include:

1. Electronic Student presentations over germs and diseases studied.
2. Digital Camera to record electronic car projects.
3. iMovie – Two of his Students won 1st Place at the TCEA Student Technology competition.
4. LCD Projector and Textbook DVD for guided instruction.

Mr. Bravo has been awarded:

• Distinguished Club President with the Pharr Sunrise Kiwanis Club
• Recipient of the TX/OK Governor’s Award for Excellence with Kiwanis International
• Coordinator/Sponsor - Campus Butterfly Garden
• Coordinator/Sponsor - Electric Car Contest
• Coordinator/Sponsor - Campus Star Watch Presentation

He believes that technology is the ladder of the future that our kids are climbing today.