National recognition for Flagler Schools' DiPuma and Harrington

Palm Coast Observer
Schools

by: Technology Department, Flagler Schools

Two Flagler Schools team members have been honored by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) this year. Both Joey DiPuma and Kristin Harrington received ISTE Professional Learning Network Awards for the 2019-2020 school year.

Joey DiPuma is the coordinator of innovation for Flagler Schools. In this role, he designs and creates the active learning spaces that are prominent in all of our schools. Additionally, he regularly initiates and assists teachers and schools with developing special projects.

For example, DiPuma is currently designing and creating a Rube Goldberg Interactive STEM Wall in the Wadsworth Elementary Media Center. He also designed and created the Flagler County Connect Bus. DiPuma is the recipient of the 2020 ISTE Outstanding Learning Space Designer Award.

Kristin Harrington worked as a digital support colleague for Flagler Schools for the last four years, and is now the media specialist and ed tech coach at Wadsworth Elementary School. In her tech coach role, Harrington coaches teachers and helps to provide students with engaging tech-infused lessons.

Harrington is also responsible for securing numerous grants for our district over the last three years, and is the author of the upcoming book, "Adventures in Authentic Learning: 21 Step By Step Projects from an Ed Tech Coach." Harrington is the recipient of the 2020 ISTE Ed Tech Coaches Award.

Ryan Deising, executive director of instructional and operational innovation for Flagler Schools, recognizes how fortunate we are to have two employees honored stating: "I'm not surprised, both Joey and Kristin are integral members of our team and regularly push themselves to continue innovating to support educational technology both in and outside of our district. I am proud to work with them and witness their talents and hard-work every day."

Deising continues: "It is highly unusual to have two recipients in Florida, let alone in our own district. We feel very proud of this accomplishment."

Both winners will be recognized at the ISTE Live conference taking place this month. Click here to learn more about all of the international 2020 award recipients.