The 2020- 2021 school year did not start traditional due to the COIVD pandemic; therefore, communication and finding ways to engage with families and staff have differed.

After ending the 2019- 2020 school year digitally, ECS identified several concerns around distance learning.

When the pandemic first began in March 2020, ECS Staff implemented effective communication methods with staff, students, and families.

The initiation of digital learning during the closure was challenging and was a new way of learning for everyone. ECS implemented Google Classroom accounts for many students at EHS, TA Dugger, and various elementary school grades.

The Elizabethton City School System conducted a staff survey at the end of summer to collect information about their 2020-2021 School Year concerns. The staff survey indicated a need for technical support.

The administration decided to create two positions to help provide instructional technology integration support with job-embedded professional development.

Carrie Taylor was named the Technical Support Coach for grades Pre K- 8. Her position was made possible through the CARES Act funds.

After speaking with Taylor about her new position, she stated, “I am so excited about this new adventure in Elizabethton City Schools and can’t wait to dive in and help out where I can and grow alongside of you during this weird and stressful time.”

Phil Ledford was named the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Elizabethton High School grades 9-12.

After speaking with Ledford about his new position, he stated, “I am very thankful to have the opportunity to serve EHS as the instructional technology coordinator. It is my belief that now more than ever, both teachers and students can benefit from having someone provide support with technology integration to support learning.

“My goal is to assist teachers with support and assistance during lessons, locate resources to support lesson objectives, and troubleshoot instructional concerns and issues. I am looking forward to a great school year. Go Cyclones!”

Taylor and Ledford are not new to the Elizabethton City School System.

Both have worked in the school system for years and assisted students in the classroom setting and in the ESP after school program.

They will each serve as part of the technology integration team to support our teachers in utilizing technology to provide instruction on state standards-aligned content.

They will provide support with both teacher and student equipment to ensure our people have the ability to teach and learn remotely.

Our team will support teachers with our Learning Management System and Google Classroom. They will provide training and guidance on best practices for teachers to integrate curriculum in a digital platform.

They will also support our staff with the many new digital tools and newly adopted curriculum on ways to integrate these into digital instruction.

Our team will provide job-embedded professional development support for teachers as we learn more about distance, remote, and virtual learning.

Our goal is to provide the best possible learning experience for all students by supporting our teachers in this new teaching process.