Dyane Smokorowski

Dyane Smokorowski

Technology and Innovation Lead Teacher


USD 385 Andover Public Schools

Andover, KS USA


Whenever you hear people try to tear you down because they think you dream too big or your ideas are just a little too crazy, that’s just the noise, that is not you.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Dyane Smokorowski

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
From the age of four, I knew I wanted to be a teacher—I attended Wichita State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in education.
Joined the Disney College Program where I got the opportunity to work in the parks and interact with children of all ages from all over the world.
Started out thinking that I wanted to teach younger students, but after my student teaching experience, I discovered that I was more passionate about teaching middle school.
In 2001, during my third year teaching, the superintendent started having me train teachers on how to utilize various technologies in the classroom.
Discovered that by merging my interests in education and technology, I could help teachers make a bigger impact on their students.
Attended MidAmerica Nazarene University, where I received my master’s degree in educational technology.
I now work full time in professional development for teachers as the technology and innovation lead teacher for the Andover Public School District in Andover, Kansas.
In 2013, I was named Kansas Teacher of the Year, and in 2019, I became a National Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee.
Keep following my journey

Career

Technology and Innovation Lead Teacher

I provide K-12 classroom instructional support for teachers and students.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Technology
Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

I provide K-12 classroom instructional support for teachers through co-teaching, modeling, providing feedback, co-planning, and developing resources. I jump into a variety of classrooms in all grades to design and facilitate innovative technology for professional learning. I want my students and teachers to develop a love for innovation, communication, and technology, but also to understand how to use that love and passion to advance their own futures, as well as that of the global community.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Share everything you are doing on social media as a teacher! Show people how to believe in kids and support them. Work to create a community of support for your students! Always be a dreamer and seek out ways to inspire that in others.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"You dream too big! Your ideas are too crazy!"

Challenges I Overcame

Family Stress
Work Stress