3…2…1… Action: Teach!

Groesbeck ISD and Superintendent Anthony Figueroa are focused on celebrating district victories to the fullest, and while “wins” might make you think of sporting events, the most important successes start is in the classroom. So, for the announcement that Kelley Copeland, instructional coach at H.O. Whitehurst Elementary School won a Region 12 Technology Foundation Grant for nearly $9,000 dollars, GISD celebrated with appropriate pomp and circumstance: bringing in the drum line and school mascot to dance and cheer with elementary students and Region 12 Representatives bearing a giant check.

Copeland was caught by surprise, as she felt her application plan (3…2…1… Action: Teach!) to bring Swivil to GISD classrooms might not fit the bill.

“I thought we were going out on a limb a little bit because in the past it looks like Region 12 has awarded more grants for technology that went straight into the kids’ hands,” Copeland said. “This is a little bit different than that but ultimately it’s all for the students.”

She went on to explain what Swivil is and how it can be utilized to improve instructional practices.

“A Swivil is sort of a robot that sits in the back of a classroom and follows the teacher as they move around the room teaching; it’s not obtrusive at all, it videos them and records great audio so the teacher can go back later and see how the day and the lesson went,” Copeland said. “They can sit with me or by themselves and plan things they might do differently or do better, things they liked, and see how they might better support kids.”

Copeland said that being reflective in her practice and seeing the benefits that approach could also provide teachers encouraged her to apply for the grant with the help of Cindy Ensminger, Director of Instructional Services.

With 35 applicants, Region 12 had a hard time selecting winners, but ultimately saw the impact this technology could have on both teachers and students.

“The ESC Region 12 Education Technology Foundation became part of our vision ten years ago. To present grant money that helps Region 12 schools place instructional technology in the hands of students is an exciting victory,” said Jerry Maze, Ed.D., executive director of ESC Region 12. “We are proud to support our schools in their efforts to give all students firstclass technology in the classroom.”

Copeland is hoping to get her Swivil tech and put it to use before the end of the current school year.

“I’m really excited to have this opportunity to get the teachers to partner with me in this,” Copeland said. “We appreciate the Region 12 Technology Foundation’s generosity and we’re glad we get to bring it to Groesbeck.