Technology - it's great when it works

Opportunities for technology to stretch the envelope and help us stay more fully engaged with members across the state are increasing by leaps and bounds. Last week, I was in between a meeting in Nebraska City, NE on Wednesday afternoon and a 6 AM flight out of Kansas City to another meeting - just enough time to drive to Topeka, catch up at the office, and repack, right?

Add to that a chance to meet with leaders in the northwest quadrant of Kansas - the great educators serving as local presidents and other local leaders of Cottonwood UniServ District! Despite a few glitches in the system, teachers from three locations (and me) were able to connect via audio on Skype, and others connected using "chat" due to some problems with the audio.

The topic of our discussion was important on two levels. First, I shared news about the new KNEA Leadership Academy - a graduate-level professional growth opportunity for mid career members who want to build their knowledge, skills, and abilities to help our members achieve our mission for great schools and a great profession. I hope that some of the members in Cottonwood follow up and complete an application. UniServ Director Kathy Rome (kathy.rome@knea.org) can get you more information as needed.

In addition, as we proceed to implement more tools to enhance the teaching profession, technology that can provide distance connections, even when our schedules (or gas prices) make meeting in person difficult, will be a crucial tool to use and master. If I ever have a choice, I would prefer to be face to face in a room to hear member concerns first hand. But with technology to assist, we don't have to restrict our conversations to the times when face-to-face meetings are scheduled. We can be connected with each other any time and from any place.

It doesn't work perfectly every time... but the power and possibilities make these tools too valuable to ignore. I hope you'll join me on the journey!