Carole Colburn - 2007 ISTE Outstanding Teacher of the Year
 Carole Colburn, technology literacy teacher with Howell Public Schools (HPS) in Howell Mich., was nominated by the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) for her dedication to integrating technology into instructional programs and consistently finding ways to involve the community through her technology initiatives. She works to develop and deliver grade-level and standards-based curriculum and has established positive relationships with students, parents and peers in her district.
Jeanne Farina, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Staff Development at HPS writes,” Carole Colbum is a leader not only for her students but also for our staff. She has been a strong advocate for technology integration in our instructional programs and will work tirelessly (on her own time), to assist others collaboratively." Carole has been recognized on a national level by being selected to participate in the 2006 Microsoft Innovative Teacher's Forum, held in September, 2006 on the campus of Microsoft in Redmond, Washington. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of applicants to participate in this first-ever US Forum.
Carole has received numerous awards at the local and regional level for her innovative use of technology in education and has received much press coverage for her student's creative work as well. She has been recognized by the State Association of School Boards for her development of T4: Tomorrow's Technology! Today's Teachers, an intense four day workshop designed to inspire teachers to integrate technology within their individual curricular areas. Carole's lessons inspire other teachers to step out of the box and, according to Megan Pennoni (8th grade science teacher at HWMS) "Carole's energy is contagious."
She consistently finds ways to involve the community through her technology initiatives. Carole believes that individually one can do things and be good, but collectively, people can do things and be great. She believes in the power of collaboration and in building a community of learners and models that for her students as well as involving her students in their community and the world at large. Carole's students work with members of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the local Chamber of Commerce, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude Children's Hospital, local senior citizens (the youngest was 80, the oldest was 93), local Veteran's and they are currently working on projects that involve the local Humane Society and local Emergency agencies. During Project SKILL (Student Knowledge Inspiring Lifelong Learning), local senior citizens attended three special classes taught by Carole where the students mentored the senior citizen and helped them along while she taught computer basics, how to use the Internet and how to use email.
Carole works tirelessly to improve the quality of education. She gives of herself, as evidenced by her willingness to always help others. She is patient and willing to allow those with whom she shares her knowledge the chance to work at their own pace and to reflect on what they have learned. Carole is one of the first to enter the building in the morning and one of the last to leave at night. She is not content to always use the same lessons for her students. She consistently is revising to make the experience for students the best that it can be.
Carole has also served as her building representative for the HEA (Howell Education Association) and currently serves on the District Curriculum and Assessment Council. She also serves on the district Technology Curriculum Committee. Last year, she helped facilitate many "Climate and Culture" activities for staff and this year, she chairs the "At Risk" committee for her building's NCA process. Carole believes in lifelong learning in her own life and promotes that idea to her students. Education has always been a primary focus in Carole's life. Her commitment to education stretches well beyond her years at Highlander Way Middle School and began long before her service here. Prior to being a salaried teacher, Carole served as Volunteer Coordinator at Donley Elementary School in East Lansing, and many years as a "Room Mother" and girl's soccer coach there as well. She taught Catechism classes at St. John's Parish in East Lansing for three years and also taught a monthly art history lesson at Donley. Carole has taught people of all ages. She mentored many people over the years as a member of Toastmaster's International and inspired many people to further their own public speaking ability.
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