It can be said that a good Technology Coach is like having a box of band-aids in your car.  You really don't ever think you will need them … until you really need them.  When done right, the Technology Coach position in a school district is an invaluable resource both for students, teachers, and administrators.  They can be brought in to provide professional development, and also be a sounding board for teachers when they are looking for an extra pair of hands during a lesson.

For the last five years, I have relied on these valued members of my PLN when I need help, both as a learner and as a Technology Coach myself.  Some of these great educators are actually in the role of Tech Coach, and some are not.  That being said, here is a great list of educators that are on my digital speed dial.

Rob Pennington

Extraordinary Tech Coach, now turned Assistant Principal (yes, he went to the Dark Side) has been a great friend and resource to have when I just can't find the right resource to use with my teachers.  He is not only an Edcamp Organizer, PBS Lead Digital Innovator, and an ASCD Emerging Leader, but also pretty good on the podcasting mic when you are 30 min away from a live broadcast and need a solid co-host. Check him out @RobPennington9 and on his website today.

 

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @RobPennington9 Click To Tweet

Alexa Schlechter

I met Alexa Schlechter at an edcamp in Connecticut and we immediately struck up a friendship based on the fact that I had several questions about how Google Apps works and she had all of the answers that would eventually make me look like a rockstar in my own district.  Recently, that relationship has blossomed into what might hopefully be a successful workshop at next years ISTE conference.  Alexa is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and also one of my first phone calls when I need help with anything at school. Follow her today @AlexaSchlechter and on her AMAZING website.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @AlexaSchlechter Click To Tweet

Jennifer Judkins

For the last few years, Jennifer Judkins has been my co-host on the TechEducator Podcast. Her website Teaching Forward is one of the finest resources for Google Apps (or GSuite) Cheat Sheets on the planet and it is on my “must bookmark” list for all teachers.  In addition to being a PBS Lead Digital Innovator and Google for Education Trainer, she is also one of those amazing educators who always picks up the phone when my teachers successfully play “Stump the Tech Coach” and I'm left speechless in a meeting. Check her out @TeachingForward and on her website TeachingForward.net.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @TeachingForward Click To Tweet

Sam Patterson

Over the last 5+ years, Sam Patterson and his band of EduPuppets have been the right arm of TeacherCast. Sam is an accomplished writer, speaker, podcaster, and a tremendous EduUncle to my EduTriplets.  On many an occasion, I have taken advantage of the fact that he is 3 hours away and have called him in the middle of the night to soothe my children to sleep using his puppets.  Sam is a master of all things robotics and “maker learning.” His background in poetry also provides for several great podcasts that have provided our audiences hours of content based on rhyme.  Follow Sam today @SamPatue and on his website and podcast today.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @SamPatue Click To Tweet

Josh Gauthier

Whenever the TechEducator Podcast is stuck in the planning and organizing phase of the show and we are looking for a great topic that nobody else has thought of, we turn to Josh and say “what do you got?” Josh is responsible for some of the most innovative episodes dealing with topics such as Google Maps, and other GeoLocating tools.  Josh is a TEDx Organizer, CUE Rockstar teacher, and also has created a twitter account that alerts his staff to his exact location anytime he enters a new building during the day. HOW COOL IS THAT!  Follow Josh @MrGFactOfTheDay and on his website.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @MrGFactoftheday Click To Tweet

Jennifer Scheffer

Many years ago, I was looking for information on becoming a Technology Coach.  I stumbled upon a website where a teacher was sharing their passions for creating student based tech teams.  It was then and there that I was inspired to become a Tech Coach myself.  That website belonged to the incredibly inspirational Jennifer Scheffer.  Years later, I had the opportunity to meet her and invite her to be a cohost on the TechEducator Podcast.  Jennifer has not only turned into an amazing friend and colleague but also has been a tremendous therapist when I need to vent to the world.  She is a TED EdInnovative Educator and Google for EDU Certified Trainer and Innovator.  Most importantly, she is an AMAZING mommy.  Following her on twitter @JLScheffer and on her website.

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @JLScheffer Click To Tweet

Amanda Dykes

I met Amanda Dykes in the summer before I became a Tech Coach. I was a bit nervous and very hesitant about the new job ahead.  Amanda spent about an hour with me sharing her tips and tricks to working in multiple buildings with multiple leaders.  I remember leaving our conversation feeling much better about my new journey ahead and can't thank her enough for her time. Accord to her twitter profile, Amanda is a “SuperMom, wearer of ‘Bama Houndstooth. #STEM cheerleader. Creator of Cake Couture. Tech Coach, Speaker, Blogger, Non-Sleeper, Beach Lover.” Follow her on Twitter @AmandaDykes and on her website.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @AmandaDykes Click To Tweet

Laura Stanner

Recently, I met Laura because she was recommended as a guest on the new Microsoft Innovative Educator Spotlight Series Podcast and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to have her on the program.  Laura is an amazing Tech Coach from Iowa who has traveled all over working with teachers.  She is a great resource for Apple Education and Microsoft Education and I am looking forward to working with her on many many more podcasts. Please follow her on Twitter @StannerL and on her website.

 

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @StannerL Click To Tweet

Tammy Dunbar

I met Tammy Dunbar this past summer at ISTE and from the moment I introduced myself, she gave me a big hug and a purple hat and ran me tired all across the streets of Denver Colorado.  Tammy is THE Ultimate cheerleader for Microsoft Education and I have never seen her at a loss of energy.  She has been my go-to trainer when I need OneNote help and was the first person to ever see the new MIE Spotlight Series Podcast.  If you are looking for info on the MIE Program, Tammy is the place to go.  Follow her on Twitter @TammyDunbar and check out her website today!

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @TammyDunbar Click To Tweet

Sarah Thomas

Educator, Tech Coordinator, Passionate Educator, EduMatch, Friend … All of these can be used to describe Sarah Thomas.  If something is happening on Twitter, Sarah is your go-to resource.  The EduMatch Network has to say the least has EXPLODED over the last few months and I'm very proud to call her a friend.  She has always picked up the Voxer when I need someone to talk to, and if you aren't following her, you don't know what you are missing.  Check out her on on Twitter @SarahDaTeechur and on her website today.

 

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @SarahDaTeechur Click To Tweet

Chris Aviles

If you are into Gamification and learning how to bring something special into your classroom, you need to be following Chris Aviles.  A New Jersey Tech Coach, Chris is a great resource to have in your back pocket.  Chris not only specializes in STEM Education and Gamification, he is also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and the host of our Google Education Group broadcasts throughout the school year.  Check out Chris on Twitter @TechedUpTeacher and on his website.

 

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @TechedUpTeacher Click To Tweet

Jennifer Giffen

One of our new cohosts this year on the TechEducator Podcast is Jennifer Giffen.  Jennifer and I met as part of the Google for Education Innovators Mentorship program and I am thrilled to call her my friend.  She writes amazing tutorials at VirtualGiff.com such as this recent post about Google Drawings and tweets @VirtualGiff. If you haven't followed her on Twitter yet, you should absolutely do so today. If you really want to get to know this amazing Canadian, check out her new podcast “Shukes and Giff” today on iTunes featuring Instructional Technology Guru Kim Pollishuke.

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @VirtualGiff Click To Tweet

Nicholas Amaral

Hailing from the great state of New Jersey, Nicholas Amaral is an Instructional Tech Coach and another new co-host on the TechEducator Podcast.  Nick and I met recently at our regional technology meetings and it was obvious that he is a diamond in the ruff when it comes to all things edtech.  Nick can be found on Twitter @Namaraledu and you can check out this blog: https://edtechforay.wordpress.com today!

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out@Namaraledu Click To Tweet

Ask the Tech Coach

Last year, I started a new show called Ask the Tech Coach as a way to be a resource for those looking to learn how to become an Instructional Technology Specialist.  Look for this show to come back full force over the next few weeks.  Please check out the archives today at AskTheTechCoach.com and subscribe on iTunes to be updated of our new episodes.

 

 

 

Looking for a great Tech Coach for advice on all things #EdTech? Check out @JeffBradbury Click To Tweet