October 2008 Volunteer Profile
 Helen Padgett
Helen Padgett, ISTE board member and president-elect, has served as an ISTE volunteer in a variety of capacities. Not only does she currently serve on the Board as the affiliate representative, she also serves on the affiliate membership committee, finance, and the public policy and advocacy committees, and chairs both the membership and the nominations and appointments committees. We often wonder when Helen has time to sleep.
We recently sat down with Helen to ask her about her volunteer service and her reflections on education.
Why are you an educator?
I have focused my career on improving learners’ opportunities. I believe each of us can make a difference in the lives of others and that we have an obligation to apply our talents to that end.
What do you like best about your current position?
In my role as Director of Professional Development and Research for Technology Based Learning and Research at Arizona State University, I am in regular contact with teachers and students. It is exciting to see the innovative ways teachers use Web 2.0 tools to engage students in relevant standards-based projects on topics students care about.
What idea or contribution to your school/organization are you most proud of?
Fifteen of the 20 fastest-growing occupations projected through 2010 require significant math or science preparation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To qualify for these jobs, today’s student must develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to compete in a global economic environment. My work at Arizona State University focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiatives for teachers and standards-based math and science instruction to prepare students for success in the 21st century.
What is the biggest opportunity or challenge you see in your professional specialty area in the next five years?
The Internet and technology are great levelers because they provide students and teachers with educational opportunities wherever they live. E-learning with realistic visuals and 3D-rich graphics will bring content alive for students and energize students to become more engaged in their learning.
Over the past 2-3 years, what's been of particular surprise to you in your work?
I have been impressed with the speed emerging technologies gain a foothold and educators explore ways they can utilize these advancements to enhance the curriculum for their students. Web 2.0 tools and e-learning will be strong supports for students and teachers.
How does volunteering for ISTE enhance your professional life?
As an ISTE Board member and now as President Elect, I have tremendous leadership opportunities. Volunteering for ISTE connects me to a global community dedicated to empowering learners to thrive in a digital and media-rich information society.
What is the best thing you like about volunteering for ISTE?
As an Affiliate Representative, I have enjoyed rich collaborations with educators throughout the world. These connections have given me a deeper understanding of the NETS and 21st Century skills students will need to be successful in a global economy.
What do you like to do when you're not working or volunteering?
I spend my leisure time investigating my family’s Irish roots and studying Irish history. I also enjoy reading historical fiction. Recently I attended an international seminar in Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland that focused on 7th century Ireland and a mystery series by Peter Tremayne.
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