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ABOUT ME

I have been a certified teacher since 2005, four of which I worked in the Southwest Region School District where I was honored as Teacher of the Year. I have positioned myself over the years in various classrooms and through a variety of subject areas as a general technology expert. I worked my final years in Togiak as the technology liaison, responsible for the maintenance of the school’s 1:1 hardware, network administrator, and software manager.  

 

My dedication to Alaska's unique cultural diversity was clear in my previous enrollment in the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Master’s Degree program for Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development. Though deciding not to finish the program, I have concluded a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Technology. I have also taken several hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University in addition to other UAF non-graduate studies. As an educational technologist, I was pleased to be a part of the Alaska Society for Technology in Education as the Board Member At Large and later as the Advocacy Chair. I enjoy giving back time and efforts to several boards of directors such as US Academic Decathlon and the Anchorage South Rotary Club. Most recently, I left the Anchorage School Business Partnership Board because of my departure from Alaska. Far from my original home in Louisiana, where I graduated with honors from McNeese State University, I immersed myself in all things Alaska (until 2017).

 

As a full time teacher in Togiak, I challenged students with multimedia assignments, multi-genre projects, and culturally infused technology-enhanced instruction. Teaching in the Bush has convinced me that any divide, whether cultural or geographic, can be bridged through technology. As an Education Consultant for two years, I strove to utilize my diverse experiences to better the statewide community of educators, administrators, and support staff in the field of educational technology. I am a SMART Certified Trainer across PC and Mac platforms, Certified Education Consultant, proficient with the range of software packages common in Alaska, and experienced with a wide variety of education-related hardware (video conferencing, displays, Macintosh and PC hardware, etc.). I am also an Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT). Known for my innovative lesson development ideas for the integration of technology in the classroom, I am also an accomplished content and curriculum developer and dedicated researcher.

 

With the right professional development and training, technology tools can prepare our students for the world outside of the schools we are so proud to represent. Streamlining processes, enhancing educational practices, and engaging students with a variety of multimedia resources are some of the goals I set for myself. I believe I exceeded these self-appointed goals in my 4 years with the Lower Yukon School District. Though I enjoyed my position as the Director of Technology overseeing a $6 million budget, 22 staff, and 2500 users, I felt it is time to move on to a place more conducive to the needs of a growing family.

 

Finding myself in Anchorage, I accepted an exciting position with a local telecommunications company overseeing their education market. I learned about IT management, business management, process improvement, and team building. I also gained a wealth of knowledge about satellite, cellular, microwave, and fiberoptic technologies. It was a truly transformational experience in my professional life. With a great deal of thought and soul searching, I once again decided to venture out into the unknown and work in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. As the Director of Information and Communications Technologies, I regularly stretch myself personally, professionally, and philosophically. Working in China, learning Mandarin, and better understanding my place in the global economy has rewarding on so many levels. The appreciation of other cultures is critical to peace, prosperity, and the future of our planet.

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What I most appreciated about Sam was his desire and initiative to train teachers with new skills and tools in order to help improve student learning.

Rob Shadle, District Administrator

Washington

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Employee of the Year 2013-2014

Lower Yukon School District

Teacher of the Year 2008-2009

Togiak School

Teacher of the Year 2009-2010

Southwest Region School District

AWARDS

Now in sunny southern Florida, I spend more time with family and being outside, but that doesn’t mean I don’t work hard to play hard! The Palm Beach Day Academy was a tremendous school with a rich and historical place in the region. As their Director of Technology, I was tasked with the improvement and maintenance of systems and infrastructure as well as the preparation of staff for distance education and technology integrated curricula. 

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My hope is to put down some roots in the area, but work with other schools worldwide to improve teaching and learning locally and globally! I am passionate about education and healthcare, especially in developing nations. Through a number of charitable organizations (Rotary, Org4Peace, Habitat for Humanity, etc.) I find an outlet to give back to a world that has been so kind to me.

EDUCATION

2010-2012

Grand Canyon University

Master's of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology

2009 - 2011

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Rural Development - Post Graduate Studies

2008 - 2010

University of Alaska Anchorage

Education - Post Graduate Studies

2006 - 2008

Alaska Pacific University

Education - Post Graduate Studies

2001 - 2005

McNeese State University

Bachelor's - Secondary Education

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