Pocomoke City, Md. – The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is proud to announce its September 2017 Digital Learning Showcase Recipient Dr. Annette Wallace, principal of Pocomoke High School.

Wallace initiated the inaugural Worcester County Public Schools’ Twitter Chat where teachers and school administrators collaborate online discussing topics relevant to educators. She describes the initiative as an opportunity that empowers teachers to hone their craft and enhance the lives of students across the district. The bi-weekly chat, better known as #WoCoTeach and #WoCoLead, rotates between teacher and leader focused topics. Wallace believes each chat offers a platform that benefits teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone who is in the business of creating a better educational experience for all students.

“In Worcester County, we are very fortunate to have educational leaders like Dr. Wallace who are not fearful of thinking outside of the box to reinvigorate traditional practices,” Worcester County Superintendent Lou Taylor explained about Wallace’s leadership and drive to expand professional practices.

Wallace’s vision was a collaboration with teachers and administrators from across Worcester County, who participated in the inaugural professional development opportunity. Individuals still volunteer their time developing topics, writing discussion questions, brainstorming weekly challenges and moderating the weekly chats. The experience, expertise, and diversity allows the Ed Chat team to elevate learning opportunities for employees in the Worcester system. 

“The #WoCoLead and #WoCoTeach EdChats on Twitter are a prime example of breathing new life into professional development. The chats encourage teachers to take their professional growth into their own hands by sharing best practices and real classroom experiences with their colleagues,” Superintendent Taylor elaborated about the impact the social media initiative has made upon the staff across the district. “In my observation, it has also forged connections between teachers across grade levels, content areas and location; it is truly building a coalition of teacher leaders within our county.”

The Worcester Ed Chats continue to meet via Twitter every Thursday evening beginning at 8 p.m. and have focused on topics that included: back to school planning, constructing success in a new school year, coaching colleagues, and professional books Lead Like a Pirate and Teach Like a Pirate with author Shelley Burgess co-moderating one of the chats.

About Digital Learning Showcase
MSET is taking the opportunity to highlight best practices in classroom teaching, leading, and learning with educational technology from around the state of Maryland. The goal is to spotlight innovations of members and nonmembers throughout different public and private school settings. Each month teachers, school leaders, and community members are asked to nominate individuals who support innovation and educational technology in a school setting.

MSET is non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting the improvement of the teaching-learning process through effective technology integration into all curricular areas as well as fostering and promoting excellence technology in education. MSET is an affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a leading international network for technology professionals.