May 2008 Volunteer Profile
 Mary Wegner
Anchorage, Alaska
Mary Wegner is in her 23rd year as an educator and is currently district-wide coordinator for 60 elementary schools in the Anchorage School District in Anchorage, Alaska. In her volunteer role, she is involved in the EdTech Action Network (ETAN), working hard to influence public policy makers at the federal, state and local levels and to increase public investment in the competitiveness of America's classrooms and students. ETAN is sponsored jointly by ISTE and CoSN. She encourages you all to make a difference by sharing your story with policy makers and sign up for ETAN!
Alaska is such a large state, and at times its citizens can feel very isolated. Nevertheless, the small community of educators work collaboratively to meet the needs of students. Through networking across vast distances, she has been amazed at how progressive Alaska is in regard to best practices in technology infused-learning. She enjoys the opportunity her job creates to work with an incredible group of individuals who believe in the power of innovations to inspire transformation.
When Mary was asked how volunteering for ISTE enhances her professional life, she replied: "volunteering for ISTE connects me to research, resources, and breaking news I can bring to my district and colleagues elsewhere in Alaska." "ISTE draws people who understand the essence of good teaching and learning and being an active participant in ISTE initiatives allows me to network with some amazing individuals," she added.
In her spare time, Mary is completing her doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from Pepperdine University. She is also an avid quilter. She is pictured here with one of the puppies from lead dog, Jenna, whose owner is a four-time Iditarod winner.
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