Mission
Our mission is to empower districts, educators, and students to use technology effectively inside and outside the classroom. We strive to provide reliable, accessible, and innovative support services that foster collaboration and inspire lifelong learning.
About
The NWESD services the Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom communities. We are one of nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in Washington, each of which has a dedicated position that works closely with staff from other ESDs, the Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
The Instructional Technology Specialist provides access to quality professional learning, customized supports, and technology tools to support student growth and increase understanding and collaboration with educators across our region. Further, the Instructional Technology Specialist helps teachers grow into roles of leadership and make meaning of technology standards, best practices, and integration strategies.
The NWESD Instructional Technology Specialist collaboratively coordinates, plans, develops, and delivers educational technology professional development to support student learning both synchronously and asynchronously in areas such as:
- Digital equity and inclusion
- Cybersecurity and IT best practices
- Media literacy and digital citizenship, and Internet safety
- Federal/State Funding (E-rate, ECF)/procurement/fiscal resource strategic planning
- Integration of instructional best practices with instructional technology, including Learning Management Systems
If you would like assistance with something else not listed here, please contact Vanessa Allen.
Learning Management System
Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) offers a menu of on-demand courses grounded in equity. They are online and self-paced so educators can learn when it’s most convenient for them. Participants will be able to build a community of support by collaborating virtually with other educators across the state.
Available asynchronous sessions include Canvas, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Schoology, and Seesaw sessions with clock hours available.
Free Professional Development
ESD Remote Learning or ERL classes are FREE to teachers, clock hours will be charged.
VESi Classes – Professional Development
The NWESD has partnered with VESi (Virtual Education Software) to provide online courses that are available for clock hours.
OSPI Best Practices for Continuous Learning
Additional technology professional development offerings.
Resources for Educators
- Classes to Build Skills to Teach Online
- Educator Resources for Continuous Learning
- Social & Emotional Supports for Teachers & Parents
- Talking with Kids about COVID-19
- Migrant Family Resources
- Partner Websites
- Promising Practices during Long-term School Closure