Technology That Supports Teaching

Dr. Michelle E. Eckler, Director of Instructional Technology, Stratford Public Schools

Grounded in clarity, balance, and intentionality, Dr. Michelle E. Eckler, Director of Instructional Technology at Stratford Public Schools, leads with the belief that technology should enhance instruction, not replace it. She sets clear expectations for responsible AI use, owns district wide risk considerations, and defines non-negotiable guardrails that protect instruction and data. By co-chairing the Stratford AI Task Force and making firm decisions on acceptable use, Dr. Eckler balances innovation with accountability, ensuring technology advances teaching while safeguarding students, educators, and the system district wide.

Dr. Eckler started as a high school English teacher, spending over eight years with ninth grade before advancing to secondary ELA supervisor across two districts. In early 2020, she expanded her role to lead instructional and technological change during the shift to distance learning, demonstrating decisive crisis leadership, sustained district impact, and the ability to translate emerging technology into instructional readiness.

Although instructional technology was not formally part of her role, Dr. Eckler stepped in to support teachers navigating unfamiliar platforms. Working with a colleague, she guided staff in using Google Classroom, created instructional screencast resources, and supported families during the shift to remote learning. During this period, she earned certification through the International Society for Technology in Education, which reshaped her approach to leadership and instructional design.

This work led to a district wide instructional technology leadership role in one of Connecticut’s largest school systems, serving approximately 17,000 students and 1,800 staff. In early 2025, she joined Stratford Public Schools as Director of Instructional Technology, bringing a classroom-informed perspective to system-level leadership.

“It’s all about finding the ways to put the technology into the instruction so the technology is not taking over the content,” says Dr. Eckler.

Defining Effective Technology Integration

At Stratford, Dr. Eckler oversees professional learning on instructional technology, instructional technology support, digital privacy initiatives, and community outreach. As co-leader of the district’s technology department alongside the director of operational technology, she is helping to move the district from fragmented technology use to a clear district framework. With a clear AI policy established, the focus has shifted to consistent instructional practices, clearer expectations for staff, and increased readiness for responsible technology and AI use across classrooms.

“It's all about finding the ways to put the technology into the instruction so the technology is not taking over the content.”

Professional learning plays a major role in Dr. Eckler’s work. She develops asynchronous courses, supports staff using tools such as Google and Canva, and leads monthly learning aligned to Connecticut’s digital learning standards, which are based on ISTE’s student standards. She is also building a team of instructional technology integration specialists. While the team currently serves elementary schools, her long-term goal is to place one specialist in every building to provide embedded, instructional support.

For Dr. Eckler, effective technology integration starts with purpose. Using frameworks like SAMR, she guides teachers beyond substitution toward meaningful impact, embedding digital skills into daily learning. Foundational tools like typing and speech-to-text are paired with creative applications such as presentations, podcasts, and interactive projects, ensuring technology supports content, creativity, and authentic student voice.

Leading Through Change with Balance and Planning

Dr. Eckler views instructional technology leadership as an evolving role that requires listening, filtering information, and guiding change at a sustainable pace. She emphasizes thoughtful planning, stakeholder input, and phased implementation, translating change into manageable steps for educators. Initiatives are introduced clearly, reinforced over time, and revisited regularly, recognizing that meaningful change develops over multiple years rather than through one-time rollouts.

Community connection is a priority at Stratford, with family webinars on technology and a district podcast showcasing diverse voices, including students. Through this outreach and her instructional-first leadership, Dr. Eckler fosters a culture where technology supports learning, educators are empowered, and students are prepared, reflecting her belief that progress relies on planning, human connection, and purpose.

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