Congratulations to Elementary School Teacher Melissa Whitman on being selected as a Keystone Technology Innovator (KTI) by the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT). The KTI program identifies, invites, and supports exemplary educators into a distinct and dynamic learning community. Those chosen advocate using technology as a transformative tool to nurture students' intellect, innovation, and imagination. In being selected, Melissa has been invited to attend the KTI STAR Summit on the campus of Shippensburg University, July 24-28, 2023. The Summit, a week-long event, provides an excellent experience for attendees. They are exposed to many new teaching skills and learning strategies, as well as many new colleagues with whom they can collaborate and share ideas.

Throughout the week, attendees participate in activities focusing on the Keystone community's four pillars: Connect, Lead, Advocate, and Develop. Keynote speakers, spotlight sessions, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, participant-led sessions, collaboration, and networking are just a few of the experiences planned for the Keystones STARs. In addition to the Four Pillars of KTI, themes for the week include, but are not limited to, the following topics: Personalized Learning, Leading from the Middle, Gamification, Creativity/Innovation, STEM/STEAM, and Classroom Transformation. To become a KTI STAR, participants must complete the week-long summit. Melissa was nominated for the award her Principal, Dr. Joseph Yanek.

Melissa grew up in Bethlehem Township and graduated from Liberty High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University. Melissa earned a Master's Degree in Technology & Curriculum and an Instructional Technology Specialist certification from DeSales University. She also received a Principal Certification and STEM Endorsement through Delaware Valley University, where she is currently in the doctoral program. Mrs. Whitman was hired by the Nazareth Area School District in 1998 as a Middle School Computer Teacher. During her tenure here, she taught 5th grade at Bushkill Elementary School and has worked as a technology specialist at Bushkill, the Intermediate School, and Shafer.  

Mrs. Whitman lives in Lower Nazareth with her husband and two sons. One son graduated from Nazareth last year and now attends Bryn Athyn College. Her other son is in 8th grade at the middle school. Mrs. Whitman loves to read, walk her dogs, and watch her children's sports outside of school. She is a big Phillies fan! Mrs. Whitman has a lot of hobbies, including crafting and decorating fancy cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for friends and family! The most unique thing about Mrs. Whitman is that although she loves TECHNOLOGY…she is obsessed with Lancaster, the Amish, and their non-technology life! On behalf of myself, the Administration, and the Board of School Directors, I thank Mrs. Whitman for embracing technology and sharing her knowledge with staff and students.