Leslie Alles Flanders—At-Large Representative

As a former elementary teacher with a thirst for lifelong learning, Leslie eyed the new computers in her children’s new elementary school and volunteered to staff a computer lab with volunteer parents in 1984. This started her new career path that wound its way through being the Kentucky Department of Education’s K–12 Instructional Computing Coordinator, a member of the staff of Kentucky Educational Television implementing a unique distance learning program of courses, and then the Director of Technology for an innovative school district where she continues to work today, the Scott County Schools in Georgetown, Kentucky.

ISTE put Leslie in touch with a teacher in Japan in 1986 who joined her in a project that introduced students there to students in Appalachia. Their engagement in a global conflict resolution simulation convinced her of all students’ needs for increased global understanding. As a member of the ISTE Technology Leadership Academy, she joined 35 international colleagues engaged in education technology and experienced personal and professional connectivity with them both face-to-face and electronically. They have become the strength that she often needs to call on when faced with a lack of information or expertise.

Because of the experience ISTE has provided, Leslie would like an opportunity to contribute to ISTE. Her 15 years of experience in Education Technology have demonstrated how important technology is to students and what a difference it can make in their enthusiasm for learning. As a member of the ISTE Board of Directors, she would work to influence policy that would help teachers, administrators, and professors realize the importance of preparing everyone for what they need to be to meet their futures. She would continue to influence local and state policy for improved student learning through technology.