Chayefsky named Technology Specialist of the Year

The Arizona Technology in Education Alliance (ATEA) has named Amy Chayefsky, a Maricopa resident since 1995 and a ten-year member of the Maricopa Unified School District’s Technology Department, Technology Specialist of the Year for 2007.

ATEA is a statewide, non-profit group of educators supporting other educators through training in using technology to improve education.

“Without the support and vision of MUSD Director of Technology Gina Pinch, the innovations I work to bring to our students and teachers would not be possible,” said Chayefsky.

She added, “I absolutely believe that through the creative use of technology (not limited to typing on a computer) instruction and curriculum are enriched in ways that engage and captivate today’s students – the workforce of tomorrow, the 21st century learners.”

Chayefsky is responsible for ITV programs linking Maricopa students with classrooms across the country and the world (see related story). Recently she and Career and Technical Education Director Jack Wallbrecht coordinated an early morning autopsy for students in Cameron Monteath’s anatomy and physiology class at Maricopa High School.

Arriving at 5 a.m. due to time zone differences, the 30 students were linked to a pathologist to see how an autopsy is performed. They watched the entire procedure and were able to ask the coroner questions. Their assignment was to ascertain cause of death.

According to Pinch, a Maricopa middle school class recently read “The Ultimate Gift,” collaborating during their reading with classes in Michigan and Australia. In March they met with the author via video conferencing.

Such collaborations are one aspect of the technology department’s duties under Pinch.

Including Chayefsky, Senior Support Technician John Hornketh and Support Tech III Chris Bracken, the depart is “striving to make essential technology transparent.”

Responsible for networking among the schools, the Website, hardware, software, phones, intercoms, bells, new equipment and training, the four-person department is extremely busy.

Due to the rapid growth of the district “construction alone takes a great deal more time,” explained Pinch.

Another new technology project still in the planning phase is a high school radio station, announced by Superintendent Dr. John Flores at the last school board meeting.