A series of technology task forces, pilot programs and committees examining the use of technology in district classrooms have reached the same conclusion:  we need a staff position that can bridge technology, teaching and learning. 

Luke Neff, currently a humanities teacher in Green School, will create that bridge in a newly created position to coordinate instructional technology. As the district’s instruction technology coordinator, Neff will provide leadership, long-range planning and oversight for technology integration by designing, developing and implementing a district instruction technology plan.

The new position replaces an unfilled vacancy in the district technology department.

“Luke integrates technology at a level that is qualitatively different than his peers,” said Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “So much so that he was awarded the district’s very first 21st Century Educator Award last year.”

Neff has taught in middle and high schools for the last ten years and served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at George Fox University. Neff has also worked as an educational consultant and curriculum writer for educational businesses.

Students in Neff’s classroom make frequent use of online resources and tools to create digital projects, collaborate on writing projects and portfolios. An active blogger, Neff uses a class blog to provide resources and extend learning opportunities for students. He is known in the education community for his thought-provoking writing prompts on his blog called “writing prompts” at http://writingprompts.tumblr.com

A graduate of Wheaton College, Neff earned his MAT at George Fox University and is currently enrolled in the GFU Doctor of Education Program.

Neff begins his new duties on July 1, 2014.