Presenters
Ector Independent School District
Blended Learning Coordinator
Mandy is a life-long resident of Odessa, TX. She is married to her high-school sweetheart and they have two children. Mandy is currently enrolled in Texas Tech University’s PhD program in Curriculum & Instruction. Her current research pertains to personalizing the professional learning experience for adult learners.
Asst. Superintendent-Instruction/Curriculum
Ector Independent School District
Marlon Styles is a recognized inspirational speaker and educational leader. In 2017, he was named a Top 30 Digital Trailblazer by the Center for Digital Education. Under his leadership at Middletown City Schools, the district was awarded the ISTE Distinguished District Award in 2019. He testified before the United States Congress in 2020 to advocate for access and opportunity for all students. K-12 Dive recognized him as the Superintendent of the Year in 2020 for his advocacy and leadership to close equity gaps on a national stage. Styles is a Unifier in education who works to create cultures which people win.
Director of Digital Learning
Lauren Tavarez is the Director of Digital Learning for Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas. Lauren has served Ector County ISD students for 18 years as a classroom teacher, curriculum coach, digital learning specialist, assistant principal/principal and blended learning coordinator. She is passionate about helping others discover the power in leveraging digital tools to transform learning for students. Lauren is a wife & mom to two (ages 7 & 9). She is a life long learner currently working towards her doctorate in educational leadership with Texas Tech University.
Kellie Wilks has dedicated 26 years to K12 education as a teacher, and other technology focused positions. She is currently the Chief Technology Officer for Ector County ISD in Odessa, TX. She believes today’s students need a new and diverse advocate that recognizes organizational disruption as an avenue for opportunities, success and self-renewal.
Session description
Ignite your professional growth with an immersive session led by the Ector ISD leadership team. Discover cutting-edge strategies to maximize the impact of technology in your classroom. Unleash your potential as you witness the collaborative synergy between our central office departments, propelling the district's technological progress to new heights.
Purpose & objective
Purpose:
Strengthen collaboration between educational leaders with the goal to improve coherence and relational trust.
Objectives:
- Participants will gain exposure to effective collaboration strategies and protocols to strengthen alignment between leadership teams.
- Participants will discover new ways to improve the relational trust among the school and district leaders.
- Participants will learn how a school district, who's population is 79% Hispanic, collaborates to move the district's vision for learning forward.
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Outline
2 Mins - Introductions & District Overview
5 Mins - Value of Collaboration & Trust (4 different district departments will dive into this)
8 Mins - Demonstrate the Ector ISD Model for Collaboration
12 Mins - Panel Q & A with Moderator
10 Mins - Consultancy Corners with the 5 Panelists (there are 5 different positions represented on the panel, participants will have the chance to consult with the panelist based on position)
8 Mins - Closing comments and Survey
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Supporting research
Sharing the website for the Ector ISD: https://www.ectorcountyisd.org
Participants will gain a deep understanding of the district vision, programs, and use of technology for a diverse student body.
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Listen and learn: Panel 
Recorded Session
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