 On Tuesday, September 25, Mansfield ISD surprised nearly 200 teachers with new laptops for classroom use.
The teachers make up the first group in the Mansfield ISD certified through the Texas Teacher Technology Competencies Certification (or Texas TTCC).
The Education Service Centers of Texas joined together to offer this statewide certification program designed to meet the needs of teachers, districts, and the state of Texas to document that teachers have the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate technology into effective instruction in every classroom.
Mansfield ISD has partnered with ESC Region 11 to provide this opportunity to the staff. From April 2003 to April 2007, Mansfield ISD has had 185 staff members earn this certification.
"Our students are 21st century learners and we intend that they be taught by 21st century teachers using 21st century techniques, " says Dr. Claude Cunningham, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. "The Texas TTCC provides the District a tool to demonstrate this commitment to our community and to our teaching staff. The teachers with this certification have demonstrated that they have the skills and desire to teach our students as they deserve to be taught."
 The teachers gathered at the Mansfield Legacy High School Performing Arts Center with the understanding they were going to attend a follow-up meeting concerning their certification and that there would be classroom laptops available as door prizes. Each of the TTCC teacher were even given tickets to keep up the ruse.
However, when the curtain was pulled to reveal the real reason for their attendance, gasps and cheers were evident from the crowd.
"The laptops will allow these teachers with proven technology skills the flexibility to plan at home and at times when the campuses are closed," continued Cunningham. "Planning lessons with technology integration generally requires access to the internet and other technological tools during the process."
Teachers can use the Texas TTCC Web page to determine if they are ready to apply for the Teacher Technology Competencies Certification.
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