District Honors Staff Development Leaders’ Technology Integration, Coaching, Teacher and Student Engagement “...the Empowered Digital Lead Learner Program is pushing me to become a better educator…,” RCSD teacher.

Initiative, a hunger for knowledge, and next-steps thinking are just some of the driving force qualities of Staff Development Educators Cathy James and Bronia Whipp. Both teachers were recently honored at a recent Board of Trustees meeting for their outstanding commitment to the RCSD Staff Development department and for their leadership in the area of technology integration. 

Ms. James, joining RCSD a decade ago as a Technology Integration Teacher, is a go-to resource for those seeking best practices and cutting edge strategies in integrating technology into the classroom. James builds upon teachers’ interest in technology and creating engagement opportunities for students in her daily coaching. 

Increased technological equity among students is a focal point for our schools that was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Whipp, having joined RCSD in August of 2019, was a leader in this area as the District pivoted to distance learning, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach to learning. 

Recently, Ms. Whipp and Ms. James presented at a STEAM Conference in Southern California about their newest program, the Empowered Digital Learners Program.

Community building, team learning experiences, defining instructional goals, and empowering both teachers and students are some of the main goals of the program. This year, the San Mateo County Office of Education and RCSD plan to run a similar program focusing on STEAM which will include training for other schools in the County.