Leading the Way in Transformative Learning and Support for Virtual Students Statewide
Sten Anderson, the esteemed Instructional Specialist from TST BOCES, has been honored with acceptance into the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) VITAL Educator Program. The prestigious program acknowledges Anderson's expertise in virtual teaching and learning, propelling him into a leadership role within the educational landscape of New York State.
The VITAL program, short for Virtual Implementation of Teaching and Learning, aims to cultivate expertise in virtual and hybrid education, an increasingly crucial aspect of modern education. One of the paramount focuses for VITAL Educator Program is training staff to have the ability to support students engaged in virtual learning.
Participants in this program, titled "VITAL educators," will engage in a year-long professional learning community, equipping them with the skills necessary to become expert trainers. Their role will involve disseminating standardized educational materials to colleagues throughout the state, promoting enhanced teaching methods in virtual and hybrid environments. As a VITAL Trainer, Anderson will coach teachers on integrating Culturally Responsive-Sustaining
Education (CRSE) practices into their virtual courses. This approach emphasizes holistic development and fosters a well-rounded educational experience for students.
Moreover, Anderson will be instrumental in ensuring the provision of necessary supports for students engaged in virtual-only learning within the school district. This dedication to support and enhance the educational experiences of these students signifies Anderson's commitment to equity in education.
"This opportunity to contribute to the advancement of virtual and hybrid learning on a statewide level is a testament to the dedication and expertise of educators in our region," remarked Emily Wemmer, Director of Regional School Success for TST BOCES. She continued, "We are so proud of Sten for going through the rigorous application process and thrilled that TST BOCES will be represented in this cohort."
The TALE Academy, comprising seven modules, is a gold standard in providing comprehensive education in virtual learning. The self-paced nature of the modules, offering various engaging activities and fostering learner choice, ensures that educators like Anderson can glean the best practices for online teaching.
Anderson's role as a VITAL Trainer will include conducting regional or district-wide turnkey trainings, utilizing the wealth of resources offered by the TALE Academy.
Sten Anderson's selection as a VITAL Trainer underscores his commitment to advancing education and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for all students, regardless of the learning environment. This achievement showcases the innovative education and support for virtual students, not just within TST BOCES but across the state of New York.