Canadian First Grade Teacher Receives Award from International Society for Technology in Education
 Kathy Cassidy, a first grade teacher at Westmount Elementary School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, has been named the 2009 winner of the Kay L. Bitter Vision Award for Excellence in Technology-Based PK–2 Education. The award is handed out by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) to recognize PK–2 educators who demonstrate vision and creativity in a project or program that effectively integrates technology in the classroom.
Cassidy was selected for her dedication to incorporating the latest technology activities into her daily classroom routine. She was singled out for creating an exciting, multicultural learning environment for students that emphasizes communication and sharing. Her classroom projects connect students with families, local community members, and other students across the globe through interactive initiatives. Students have access to computers where they each develop and provide input to their own blog during the first week of school. This unedited information remains online to showcase the development of their writing abilities and to display their studies in each appropriate subject area. Cassidy’s students regularly use tools such Skype, wikis and video to capture and share their learning efforts. Cassidy is constantly looking for new tools to enhance the opportunities available to her students.
Cassidy was honored at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), held June 28 through July 1 in Washington, D.C.She was presented with an award and $500.
The Kay L. Bitter Vision Award for Excellence in Technology-Based PK-2 Education is given annually in memory of Kay L. Bitter (1943-2001). Bitter was involved in early childhood education for more than 20 years and was committed to bringing technology into her classroom daily. The award has been established through generous donations offered in Bitter's memory. Her husband, Gary Bitter, has served on ISTE's board of directors and on the National Educational Technology Standards leadership team.
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