Tech Tidbits...and Bits and Bytes

July 2020

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News You Can Use

Model Schools Update

Hopefully you enjoyed a safe and fun-filled Independence Day! I apologize for sending this month's newsletter a week late, but I have a very good reason to do so. I am now able to share the great news that we have added to our Model Schools department. As of today, Stephanie Carbone joins our team as the new Model Schools Specialist here at Questar III. Some of you may already know Stephanie through her work with the RBERN and/or as a data analyst. As it turns out, she as an affinity for incorporating instructional technology into the classroom too! We are very pleased to welcome Stephanie to our team and hope that you will too.


Over the next couple months we will be meeting with districts to determine how we can best help you incorporate technology into instruction. Remember, if you are a member of the Model Schools CoSer and have paid the base fee, your district is able to take advantage of:

  • two days of embedded professional development
  • use of the instructional technology equipment (VR headsets, coding, robotics, and more)
  • attendance at four sandbox events each year
  • membership on the Model Schools Liaison Committee
  • software purchases and support


There is still room in the schedule to book embedded professional development in your districts too. Contact me if you are interested. Thank you for your continued support of Model Schools!


~Kerrie Burch

Instructional Resources

SeeSaw is a learning platform that deepens student learning and brings together educators, students, and families. Students can create, collaborate, and share with others and families can support their child with access to their work.


Soon, SeeSaw will be available for purchase through the Model Schools CoSer. Contact Kerrie for more information and pricing.

Pre-Made Activities

The pre-made activities available in SeeSaw are created by teachers and vetted by SeeSaw. They align with standards and are a great way to engage students in meaningful learning opportunities.
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For More Information...

Articles of Interest

Professional Learning Opportunities

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ASCD Virtual Conference

"We're approaching the most daunting start of school in memory. There are health, logistical, social-emotional and equity concerns on top of normal hectic summer planning. The ASCD Virtual Conference is designed to help you recharge and prepare for this coming school year. We're bringing practitioners and thought leaders to you in an online setting to help you navigate the important questions about how to be ready.

This July 16–17, let's respond, reimagine, and restart together and explore tracks, which include operational and budget considerations, equitable decisions on instruction, safety concerns, and support for students and families in an uncertain time.

This conference is FREE to all educators and designed to explore the most critical considerations you'll face as educators this coming school year. As more and more opportunities for virtual learning are introduced, we are exploring ways to make these online sessions as accessible as possible. Please be patient with us as we consider all types of accessibility support for our coming virtual conference series. We may not get it all right just yet, but we are committed consistently improving and growing.

Our August virtual conference will have a full slate of sessions across all topic areas including critical topics of equity, diversity and inclusion. Don't miss the next virtual conference!" ~ASCD

ISTE Summer Learning Academy

Employment Opportunities

Academy of Instructional Technology (AIT) Teacher - Questar III

Job ID:QTBN0174104-8238

Job Type:Full Time (10 Month)

Application Deadline:07/13/2020

Start Date:09/01/2020


Job Description:

Questar III BOCES announces a vacancy for a full-time (10-month school schedule) probationary Academy for Information Technology (AIT) Teacher located at our Rensselaer Education Center in Troy, NY.

The Information Technology program allows students to choose between two pathways: a Cisco Networking Academy pathway and a Computer Programming pathway. At the beginning of this two-year program, all students start with the fundamentals of both networking, programming, and as well as information technology in general. Students then decide which pathway they want to specialize in.

In the Cisco Networking Academy pathway, students learn how to install, configure and troubleshoot networks using a web based curriculum and a simulation of networking environments to prepare them to be a computer network technician. In the Computer Programming pathway, students learn programming using a variety of languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and may include C++, Python, Php and others as time permits. All students will also have opportunities to explore Web Design, 3D Animation and App Design, Programming Microcontrollers and Robots, and Database design.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Candidates must possess (or be willing to pursue) a NYS teaching certification through the Transitional Certification process in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) area of Information Technology (Computer Technology 7-12)
  • High School Diploma and appropriate Occupational Work Experience will qualify a candidate for Transitional Certification

Questar III prefers an online application, please apply at www.olasjobs.org/capital or email resume with cover letter to employment@questar.org. Be sure to include AIT Teacher in the subject line of your email.

Questar III BOCES offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including enrollment in the NYS Teacher's Retirement Pension System. For more information on the Questar III BOCES AIT program, please visit www.questar.org.

Questar III School Library System and Model Schools

Kerrie Burch, Director of School Library System, Model Schools, and Arts

Stephanie Carbone, Model Schools Specialist

Amanda Karian, School Library System Specialist

Kimberly Harris, Administrative Assistant