If you teach technology, it’s likely you’re a geek. Even if you didn’t start out that way–say, you used to be a first grade teacher and suddenly your Admin in their infinite wisdom, moved you to the tech lab–you became a geek. You morphed into the go-to person for tech problems, computer quirks, crashes and freezes.
Overnight, your colleagues assumed you received an upload of data that allowed you to Know the answers to their every techie question. It didn’t matter that yesterday, you were one of them. Now, you are on a pedestal, their necks craned upward as they ask you, How do I get the Smartscreen to work? or We need the microphones working for a lesson I’m starting in three minutes. Can you please-please-please fix them?
Celebrate your cheeky geekiness. Flaunt it for students and colleagues. Play Minecraft. That’s you now–you are sharp, quick-thinking. You tingle when you see an iPad. You wear a flash drive like jewelry. The first thing you do when you get to school is check your email
It’s OK. Here at Ask a Tech Teacher, we understand. The readers understand. You’re at home. To honor you, we’ve created two posters to proudly display on your classroom wall. They provide more ways to get your geek fully on as you go through your day.
Any questions? Email me at [email protected]. I’m here for you.
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-8 technology for 15 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, CSG Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, CAEP reviewer, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a weekly contributor to TeachHUB. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
updated 5-13-16
I got this comment via email and wanted to share it. It so resonates with exactly how I felt my first year:
“Love the post today! I was a first grade teacher last year! Was moved to tech this year! I feel very chaotic and just don’t even know where to begin with middle school! Of course they switch you but don’t really give you any direction!
Sent from my iPhone”/
Thanks for posting this Jacqui! This is me!
I am an accountant. Moved from the business department at school to Pre-K teacher’s assistant, while running extended care and summer camp…went on to become the elementary librarian and now work library and computer together for Pre-K 3 through 8th grade. Haha. What a ride!
There is something different about a tech teacher who loves what she’s doing. We have a geek gene that helps us relate to students with the same mutation. It’s to be celebrated! Do you ever find the need for silence that truly is unattainable in the tech classroom? My math side loves quiet.
Love this article. You MUST be a geek to be a successful tech teacher or integration specialist (or whatever title they give you). I am going to share this article with my tech int specialists. I love the fact that just because you are in the tech department you are presumed to automatically know everything. I tell my tech int specialists — you won’t know everything — you just have to know how to find the answer; and if you are a true geek like me, you get possessed with finding the answer and have fun doing it.
I hope it takes some of the pressure off that accompanies becoming the Head Geek. Everyone I know who started as a teacher and ended up in technology learned by doing.