Texas Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council seeks to improve student achievement
through the integration of educational technologies
As events coordinator for the Texas Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council, Karen Law of Mansfield Independent School District organizes and encourages educators statewide to improve student achievement through the use of digital media and other educational technologies. Texas is one of the first states to organize a statewide Leadership Council. Discovery Educator Network Leadership Councils support teachers integrating educational technologies into instruction with training events, webinars and regular communications on emerging technologies and educational innovations.
“Discovery Education appreciates Karen for her leadership and hard work on the Texas Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council,” said Scott Kinney, Discovery Education Vice President of Outreach and Professional Development. “In schools across the state, pressure is building for educators to grow the critical thinking and problem solving skills today's students need to compete in a 21st century global workforce. Karen recognizes this trend and encourages teachers as they use educational technologies to improve student achievement.”
A strong advocate for the use of educational technology, Law has been a member of the Texas Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council since its inception. As events coordinator, she works with other members across the state to plan, organize and execute a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the year. The events aim to improve educators' technology skills in the classroom through trainings and networking opportunities with other educators in Texas. Upcoming events in include a gathering in conjunction with the Texas Computer Education Association in Austin, and a Day of Discovery as part of a nationwide Virtual Conference focusing on educational technology.
“The incorporation of educational technologies into the classroom is extremely important,” said Law. “Students connect with information through technology, making it important that schools and educators reach them through the same media. Besides, using technology makes learning exciting and interesting for both students and educators.”
Law teaches U.S. history and Advanced Placement U.S. history at Mansfield Summit High School, one of four high schools in the Mansfield Independent School District. In addition to teaching, she is Texas Teacher Technology Competencies Certified, combining her classroom experience with education on how to integrate technology into the classroom. Law is also involved in promoting educational technology at the district-level, serving as campus K.E.E.P.S. coordinator for the district's mentorship program designed for new teachers.
The Discovery Educator Network is a global community of educators who are excited by the power of digital media and want to collaborate and share resources with other educators. There are more than 26,000 active Discovery Educators across the world providing professional development to over 400,000 teachers.
