| | August - 202019school system in the U.S. state of California and the 2nd largest public school district in the United States. He is also an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education. His work at the IT Customer Services Group helps provides for the repair and maintenance of local area networks, voice and radio communications systems, security systems, computing devices and associated software, and IT help desk services for the schools and office in the District. 2. Larry PlankDirector, K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics EducationHillsborough County Public SchoolsLarry R. Plank, Ed.S., is the Director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education for Hillsborough County Public Schools, in Tampa, FL, the 8th largest school district in the United States. Mr. Plank began his post-secondary education at Michigan State University, earned a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Florida State University in 1997, and Master's (Biological Sciences) and Specialist's degrees (Educational Leadership) from the University of South Florida in 2000 and 2006, respectively. He currently chairs the Professional Development Committee of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA), co-chairs the Tampa Bay Technology Forum TechStart Board of Directors. Mr. Plank's most recent work with the Florida Department of Education is focused upon the adoption of new state standards for K-12 science and developing the next generation of science assessments. In addition, Mr. Plank currently directs 11 STEM-related educational projects in Tampa Bay area, with current and past funding from the National Science Foundation, NASA, NOAA, the Florida Department of Education and the Helios Education Foundation, totaling over $17 million. The most recent Math/Science Partnership award of $4.3 million will focus upon integrative lesson development and associated professional development for K-12 STEM teachers. Mr. Plank was nationally recognized in 2014 as one the Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education. Most recently in 2015, the USF College of Education recognized Mr. Plank as the college's Partner of the Year, and he received a similar award from the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 2013 for working with partners in the Tampa Bay community.3. Lisa WatkinsDirector of School Technology SolutionsGwinnett County Public Schools Lisa graduated from Emory University with a BA in English, Education, Psychology then proceeding to the Georgia State University, where she completed her M.Ed. in Hearing Impaired Education. She proceeded to graduate from the Nova Southeastern University with an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. In her current role she implements technology initiatives that support teaching and learning throughout the school district. Developed and implemented school-wide professional learning to support instructional vision. Lisa has been a part of Gwinnett County Public Larry PlankLisa WatkinsSchools for the last 5 years as Director of School Technology Solutions, previously the Lead Program Facilitator - Instructional Technology. Her career began as Program Manager at the Georgia Virtual School Lisa coordinated special education, hospital homebound, teacher training, professional learning, and teacher evaluation programs and managed business/IT, world language, advanced placement and elective departments. She was able to develop and maintain public relations, including promotional materials, conference presentations, and the web site. Lisa coordinated grants, presented at regional and national conferences and managed blended learning and alternative education programs. The Department of School Technology provides visionary leadership and systemic improvement by implementing a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformation throughout the organization. The department collaborates with other divisions to create, promote, and sustain a dynamic, digital-age learning culture that provides a rigorous, relevant, and engaging education for all students. Oversight of technology integration for all capital projects, including the school technology retrofit, promotes an environment of professional learning and innovation that empowers educators to enhance student learning and other personnel to increase productivity through the infusion of contemporary technologies and digital resources.INNOVATIVESCHOOLDISTRICTTOP 10TECHDIRECTORTECHDIRECTOR20202020HONORED BYINNOVATIVESCHOOLDISTRICTTOP 10TECHDIRECTORTECHDIRECTOR20212021HONORED BYINNOVATIVESCHOOLDISTRICTTOP 10TECHDIRECTORTECHDIRECTOR20202020HONORED BYINNOVATIVESCHOOLDISTRICTTOP 10TECHDIRECTORTECHDIRECTOR20212021HONORED BY
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