Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Heffner.
Amber, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1986, a group of approximately 30 educators met to discuss the possibility of forming a statewide organization for computer-using educators. Since its inception, ICE has steadily grown. The organization has continually expanded its membership and has shown leadership in encouraging the development, growth and use of technology in all facets of the educational process. ICE has come a long way in a short time. It will continue to grow and change based on the needs of its members. The dedication and energy that has characterized ICE in the past will continue to make it the viable, important organization that it is today.
I have had the opportunity to be the Executive Director since January 2016. Previously, I was a classroom teacher and coach, a school counselor and a school administrator. I am passionate about what ICE represents and the impact we can make on supporting educators throughout the state of IL.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always struggles that occur in growth. In our case as a non-profit organization, the struggle can be adapting to what our members’ needs are. Over the past 31 years, there have been huge changes in Ed tech and it seems that those changes in the last few years alone have been exponential. It is an exciting time, but keeping up with everything and being able to offer up-to-date support in an ever changing climate can be challenging. Fortunately, we have a strong base of members who want to share and support others by sharing their experiences and resources to assist in improving the overall opportunities our students in Illinois have.
Please tell us about Illinois Computing Educators.
We are unique in that we are the only non-profit organization in the state that provides professional development with an Ed tech focus. We are the state affiliate of the international organization, ISTE – International Society for Technology in Education. We are proud of our state affiliation with ISTE and that we offer opportunities for professional development throughout Illinois with our own local affiliates that we call ICE Chapters. Our chapters are geographically located and are run by volunteers who dedicate time and energy into offering opportunities for support and resources within their regions. We also offer scholarships and mini-grants to our members so that they can integrate Ed tech into their classrooms that they may not otherwise be able to offer to their students.
In June of 2018, the ISTE conference will be coming to Chicago. This will be bringing around 20,000 educators, administrators, exhibitors and ISTE staff to Chicago. It is a huge deal since the ISTE conference has not been in the midwest since 2001. We are excited to be able to be a part of that.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am not sure I would do anything differently as I feel the paths we take bring us to the place we are today. The advice I would give others is not to focus on “failure” as anything but an opportunity to learn and improve. Doing things differently gives individuals the opportunity to grow and that is the most important aspect of reflecting on where your life path has taken you.
Pricing:
- Membership to ICE is free.
Contact Info:
- Address: 777 Army Trail Rd.
Addison, IL 60101 - Website: www.iceberg.org
- Phone: 630-628-1088
- Email: info@iceberg.org
Image Credit:
Jason Meltzer, Lauren Kolod, Joe Brennan, Amy Lamberti
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