APSU Professor Judges Rural Tech Project At White House
CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee. -- Dr. Cheryl Lambert, associate professor and coordinator of the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University, visited the White House on July 12 as part of her duties as a jury member for the Rural Tech Project.
The Rural Tech project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to empower innovative educators to deliver technology education programs that would otherwise be inaccessible. These educational projects are bringing technology-centric education to rural classrooms at a time when this skill is becoming increasingly important in the labor market. Lambert, president of Ericsson Teachers College, was personally invited by the program administrators to serve as a judge.
“Technology education programs are essential for rural school districts because of the impact technology has on our daily lives,” Lambert said. “Teachers use technology daily in the classroom. Just as we train teachers to work in rural schools, we have a responsibility to teach them how to use technology in the classroom. Rural school districts have a responsibility to prepare students for the ever-changing world of technological work."
Lambert joined the panel to evaluate five finalists for the $100,000 Rural Technology Project Award. Other judges included experts from elementary education, non-profit organizations, and industry experts related to technology education, human development, and technology innovation. The finalists presented the following technological education programs:
- iLead Academy , Carrollton, Kentucky – Virtual Academy for IT Careers
- Louise County Public Schools , Mineral, Virginia - Cyber Security Certification
- Premont Independent School District , Premont, Texas - Rural Schools Innovation Zone
- Ravenna Public Schools , Ravenna, Michigan – Agricultural Technology Program
- Woodlake High School , Woodlake, CA – Woodlake Airway
These competency-based distance learning programs were selected as the best among 63 entries from rural high schools and local education agencies in 34 states. The Rural Tech Project Stage 1 judging was held in the fall of 2020 and each of the five finalists received $100,000. Each team received virtual resources, local support and mentorship to launch their programs over a two-year period.
At the Stage 2 finalists' presentation in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the grounds of the White House, each team presented their program and the results of their implementation. The main prize winner will be announced in the fall of 2023.
Lambert said she loved the marble-walled auditorium that served as the backdrop for many of the president's historic moments and was impressed with the presentations, which ranged from information literacy to professional industry technology in aviation.
“Presentations showed the goals of each project, how they were implemented, the successes achieved, the challenges they faced, the partners they worked with, the grades and credits the students received and their continuous improvement plans," Lambert said. “I have been impressed with how the rural school finalists have come together and successfully overcome many challenges during the changing educational landscape of the national pandemic to achieve amazing results in student achievement. in technology education.
Rural Educational Center
Lambert is committed to serving rural schools, having spent several years in West Tennessee schools as an elementary school teacher, homeroom teacher, director of special education, and principal of a high school. In addition to his personal experience, he has researched and published several articles on rural education.
The Rural Education Center, established in 2018, is dedicated to providing support and resources to rural school districts. The center employs rural education teachers, students involved in research and special initiatives for rural schools. These guys plan to teach in rural schools after graduation. The center also provides training and learning opportunities for rural teachers and students throughout the year, including a rural education conference where educators can share best practices and analyze data and trends. education. APSU Ericsson College of Education faculty will hold teacher presentations in Houston and Humphreys counties later this month.
“The Center for Rural Education provides rural school districts with regular summer staff and resources to enable teachers and administrators to take advantage of meaningful professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills in STEM subjects and other desirable content areas such as literacy,” Lambert said. .
For more information about the Center for Rural Education and its initiatives, visit the website or email Lambert at lambertc@apsu.edu.
