Shaping the Future of Education Technology and Leadership with Jennifer Womble (EP160)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jennifer Womble has been nationally recognized in educational technology for over 30 years of leadership as an NBCT teacher, technology integration specialist, technology trainer, grant writer, and district and state professional development leader. Jennifer believes in the value of education and leadership in today’s technological world. Her vision for transforming education includes creating high-quality professional development for education in the technology space.

Jennifer is the Conference Chair for the Future of Education Technology Conference and leads the FETC community year-round with informative webinars and FETC newsletters to continuously acknowledge and highlight emerging technologies and best practices for teaching and learning. Whether teaching, advocating for education, volunteering or leading, @JenWomble spreads her energetic spirit and inspires others to invest in our future—our children!

Your WHY

I believe that we have the power to shape the future through teaching the children of today. It is our responsibility to nurture and encourage children to be curious, innovative, creative, playful  and collaborative to build productive and inclusive environments. Public education is the economic engine that propels our nation forward on a mission toward fostering success and happiness for all citizens in the digital age. I am driven to ensure every child and teacher gets the resources needed to support effective teaching and learning infused with technology to be engaging and student-centered. I love to learn and build partnerships that impact students! As a continuous lifelong learner, I am always trying to learn more about pedagogy, brain science, technology, and the human capacity to embrace new skills and knowledge to improve life for all.

Background (What it was like for you as a student)

I was lucky to attend the Developmental Research School (FSU DRS), a K12 lab school at Florida State University, and learn to value the role of research in improving learning. Educators were an integral part of my life growing up as teachers, encouragers, coaches, and role models. My mother was a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor. My father was one of the first to build statewide computer networks and systems for the State of Florida and private enterprise. We lived in a passive solar home and spent summers exploring the national parks. 

I dream that every student would have the type of education and upbringing that I encountered. I was encouraged to think outside the box, design with my hands and heart, and participate in meaningful extracurricular activities that build character and serve others.

I earned a Bachelor of Science, in Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science (Economics and Political Science) from Florida State University and a Master of Science, in Criminology, from Florida State University with the intent of attending law school to practice environmental law. However, a stint as a substitute teacher, grew into a new career path and I spent 8 years in an inner-city school and 10 years in a suburban high school teaching gifted World History and AP Psychology. As a non-college of education graduate, I had to take every professional development course offered and fell in love with adult learning and andragogy.

Educator, Coordinator, and Director of Leon County Schools

Educator, Coach, Lead Teacher, Department Chair, SITE Chair, Staff Development Coordinator, District Advisory Council, AP Leadership Team, FOCS Leader, and Grant Writer at both Amos P. Godby High School (1994-2000) and Lawton Chiles High School (2000-2010) in Leon County School District. Developed lesson plans, conducted technology training for Intel, scored Collegeboard AP exams for ETS, designed appropriate curriculum, supervised interns, mentored faculty, and maintained a technology-rich learning environment.

FETC (Future of Education Technology) Conference Chair

I am responsible for the oversight of all content-related material and services, EdTech partnerships, and community for education technology events including FETC and various live and virtual events throughout the year.  I implement activities and practices for successful events and educational technology workshops. FETC has over 600 sessions, 250 workshops, keynotes, summits, and engaging learning activities for all k12 staff and administration. FETC is a gathering of thought leaders and EdTech integrators, curated to support all adult learners to improve teaching and learning for all students. 

NOTE: FETC is my personal Christmas, the happiest time of the year when people embrace the experience with joy and build a community to support year-round educational efforts to embed emerging technologies in schools and districts. The gift of community sharing and celebration of education is a special moment every January.

About the Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC®)

Since 1981, the Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC®) fetc.org  annually attracts thousands of education and technology leaders for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices, and educational strategies each January in Orlando, FL. With basic to advanced sessions tailored to the needs of each role in the digital transformation, FETC is known as one of the nation’s premier K-12 education technology events. FETC provides school and district administrators, classroom teachers, IT professionals, curriculum and media specialists, coaches, and other educators with roles or interests in EdTech, the opportunity to explore the most effective integration of technology across the curriculum. FETC offers a blend of administrative, instructional, and technical content through targeted sessions, intensive workshops, hands-on demonstrations of the newest products, and more. Over 450 companies exhibit on the EXPO to share the latest technologies, startups, and emerging technologies to improve teaching and learning.  Visit www.FETC.org for more details. 

I am currently building the content program for the 15th FETC as the Conference Chair for the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) to be held next January 14-17th,  2025 in Orlando, FL. 

What’s next for you?

My mission is to elevate and lift the education community and teaching profession. There is no greater calling than to teach students and impact people building our shared future. I am dedicated to efforts to build and promote a pipeline of brilliant and talented educators for the next generation. I support the profession by offering the highest quality professional development designed with teacher voice and skill-building best practices to implement effective pedagogy at every grade level. My favorite line is  “I got you†so that other professionals in my community know I will support and connect them to ensure success. I am working to ensure districts use all their state and federal funding resources to support teacher and student needs.

Jennifer’s Contact Info:

Twitter (X):  https://twitter.com/JenWomble 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennwomble/ 
Email: jennifer.womble@etcnetwork.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwomble/ 
Email: jennifer.womble@etcnetwork.com

*****

I hope you enjoy the conversation with Jennifer Womble and me on my virtual porch. I met Jen at SXSW EDU and was excited to have her on my show to learn more about her journey. I’m still trying to figure out how we had not connected before. We know the same people and it felt like we’ve known each other forever. This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Thank you, Jen!

I hope you, my listeners, enjoy the podcast and check out Jen’s amazing journey on this post. Please share this podcast and the post with your friends.

*****