May 2009 Volunteer Profile
 Ryan Imbriale
ISTE Board Member and NECC Regional Workshop Chair
This month, we sat down to speak with Ryan Imbriale, an ISTE Board member, committee member, and NECC Regional Workshop Chair. In serving on the ISTE board, Ryan plays an active role in shaping ISTE’s mission and vision, attends monthly conference calls, and participates in face-to-face meetings throughout the year. As the elected Board member representing Affiliates, Ryan is always balancing the needs and concerns of the Affiliate member organizations with the goals of the organization as a whole. He’s served on numerous ISTE committees including the Advocacy, Membership, and Affiliate committees. This year, in addition to his board responsibilities, he is also serving as the NECC Regional Workshop Chair. In this capacity, he’s been intimately involved in the review and selection of the workshops for NECC 2009, with responsibility for recruiting regional workshop reviewers and a team of onsite workshop volunteers to assist with presenter needs.
1. Why are you an educator? What do you like best about your current position?
Both my parents are still educators today. So it must be in the blood. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement of a child who is truly engaged in learning. As an Assistant Principal, I have the opportunity to work closely with student and with classroom teachers. Watching a student start out in 9th grade and then seeing that student walk the stage at the end of their senior years is magic.
2. What idea or contribution to your school/organization are you most proud of?
When I arrived at my current school, technology was not a focus. By focusing on the need for collaboration, critical thinking, and authentic learning for our 21st Century students the school has made significant progress with the student to computer ratio, white board technology in classrooms, school-to-home communication, and professional learning for all staff.
3. What is the biggest opportunity or challenge you see in your professional specialty area in the next five years?
Education as we deliver it today is much like how we delivered it 100 years ago. The 21st century is not the 20th or 19th Century. The skills and knowledge our students need today are those skills that will allow them to be life-long learners in order for them to succeed in work and life in the 21st century. We have an amazing opportunity as building leaders to remake education.
4. Over the past 2-3 years, what's been of particular surprise to you in your work?
I am still surprised by the number of students who still do not have access to broadband technology in their homes. The digital divide is alive and well and unless we collectively address the issue it will continue to be a problem.
5. How does volunteering for ISTE enhance your professional life?
There is no better place than ISTE to tap into the resources related to instructional technology. I learn something new everyday from my involvement as a volunteer with ISTE. Without the knowledge I’ve gained, the network I’ve built, or the friendships I’ve forged I would not be where I am today professionally.
6. What is the best thing you like about volunteering for ISTE?
The colleagues I’ve met and the friendships I’ve developed are irreplaceable. Plus there is nothing better than giving back to an organization that has been a vital source of knowledge and support for me professionally.
7. What do you like to do when you're not working or volunteering?
I love to spend time with my family. My wife and three daughters are an amazing support for my volunteer work with ISTE, so giving back time to them is the single most important thing I can do. As a family, we love to vacation on the Outer Banks, ski, and read a good book and relax at the pool.
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