Julie Hovind – K-5 Teacher on Special Assignment for Technology Integration

Location: West Mercer, Lakeridge, Island Park

Job description: Julie’s relatively new position as a K-5 ‘TOSA’ is, as she says, “evolving on the fly as I go!” Her primary responsibility is to support teachers and their technology-integration needs. Julie works alongside K-5 teachers to implement integrated technology projects: modeling technology-rich lessons, co-teaching to facilitate complicated projects successfully, pulling students to complete projects while the teacher continues with the whole group, and even just being on-hand when teachers are trying technology tools they are not quite confident with yet. As she says, “It’s really helpful having another teacher by your side when attempting a brand new technology project.” In addition, she performs the necessary legwork to implement technology integration effectively. This includes managing online training opportunities as well as leading after-school teacher workshops, researching tech tips and teacher learning websites, crafting the components (resources, templates, rubrics, etc.), and exploring software for the computer lab. Julie writes 2020 grants with teachers and brainstorms with staff about technology needs and next steps. She also spends time just trying to stay current in the fast-paced world of technology advancement.

Typical day: “Every day takes on its own shape based on what teachers ask of me that day,” Julie explains. She may be found in the computer lab leading or supporting as requested, in a classroom demonstrating, in the hall working with individuals or small groups, or racing down the hall – even the island – to respond to a teacher’s last minute/unforeseen request for help. “Part of my job is about being in the right place at the right time,” says Julie. “I’ll be walking down the hall and someone will see me and remember they need my help with something, and off I’ll go! I try to be whatever a teacher needs me to be, when they need me. It can be dizzying—but a lot of fun.” As a former fifth-grade teacher at West Mercer, Julie says, “I especially love working with teachers in the classrooms.”

Best part of the job: Though Julie misses classroom teaching, being a TOSA gives her a sense of the district as a whole, and she likes what she sees. “I am amazed at the level of teaching that goes on here. I get a real sense of K-5 and the personalities of the elementary schools. To play a small part in helping wonderful teachers grow in the direction they want is very energizing. If I could have my cake and eat it too I’d be doing both jobs – classroom teacher and TOSA. But it’s great to be of service to people who are teaching kids.”

Something people may not know: Julie is an erstwhile thrill seeker. However, “having kids puts a new perspective on the possibility of bodily risk!” In her earlier days, Julie once jumped out of an airplane. Scuba diving is still a favorite hobby. She has dived in Washington, California, Florida, the Caribbean, and Australia.

Years worked in district: 10 years.

Outside interests: Julie and her husband, Matt, are parents to daughters Katie, age 5, and Bridget, age 2. The family’s black labs, littermates Pepper and Pongo, are approaching their tenth birthday. Julie’s favorite activities are playing with her kids and dogs, reading, gardening, and do-it-yourself home improvement projects at their Bellevue home.