Twitter: @shfarnsworth Website
All opinions expressed on this blog are mine and do not reflect that of my employer.
Bio
Shaelynn Farnsworth is a leader in the convergence between literacy and technology. As High School teacher she redefined her English classroom as not only a place to learn about literature but also explore how technology is shaping the future of communications. She continues this exploration as a School Improvement Consultant in Iowa. There her primary focus is on technology, literacy and authentic instruction, providing support to schools in Planning and Implementation of Initiatives, Data Collection, Professional Development , School Improvement Plans, and Walk-through development.
Shaelynn is a Google Certified Innovator and regularly provides professional development to educators around the country on the impact Google tools can have on student learning and instruction. She is also a Certified Project-Based Learning Educator from the Buck Institute and has taken part in Jim Knight Coaching Training.
Shaelynn gives back to the education community by regularly presenting at the Iowa 1-to-1 Conference, the Iowa Technology Conference, FETC, BLC and other conferences around the country. She has been featured in T.H.E Journal, SmartBrief, US News, the NY TImes Learning Network and other publications.
She has a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Northern Iowa along with a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts Degree in Education with a minor in Coaching also from the University of Northern Iowa. Education
- University of Northern Iowa, 2000, Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts Degree, Coaching minor
- University of Northern Iowa, 2012, Master’s Degree in English
Experience
- School Improvement Consultant, Iowa 2012-Present
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- Primary focus on Technology, Literacy and Authentic Intellectual Work. Provide assistance to schools in Planning and Implementation of Initiatives, Data Collection, Professional Development , School Improvement Plans, MTSS, Walk-through development
- English Teacher, BCLUW High School, Conrad, Iowa 2000 – 2013
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- 5 years experience as a 1:1 Educator
- 9th English – Introduction to Literature – a study of literature (short stories, poetry, plays, etc.), creative writing, beginning research writing, multiple projects
- 12 English – AP Literature, Creative Writing, Advanced Composition and Research – seniors have a choice on which English class they take. With threads focusing on either literature or writing, students choose based on preference and post- secondary goals.
- 9-12 mixed – Second Chance Reading – a class designed to increase reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. Students are taught strategies through modeled read alouds. Data collected and interventions applied as a standard treatment protocol.
Committees/Leadership
- District Leadership Team, BCLUW High School
- Designed and provided Professional Development for current and new staff
- ISTE Session Selection Committee
- Committee Member 1:1 Laptop Planning and Implementation
- C4K Task Force for the State of Iowa
- Mentor to new teachers
- Iowa Communities of Practice and Innovation
- National Honor Society Advisor
- Fierce Conversations
- ICTE, Secretary
- Teaching Channel Advisory Board
- Content Creator – Digital_Is
- Iowa 1:1 Conference Selection Committee
- #1to1techat Co-Creator
Training/Continuing Education
- Google Certified Teacher
- Project Based Learning, Buck Institute
- Iowa Writing Project, Division of the National Writing Project
- CBAM and IC Maps (Concerned Based Adoption Model)
- AIW (Authentic Intellectual Work) Coach
- Fierce Conversations
- Standards Based Grading
- PLC (DuFour)
- Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Workshop Model – Lucy Calkins (2014)
Speaking Engagements/ Published and Featured Articles
- Iowa 1 to 1 Conference (5 years)
- T.I.C.L. (Iowa Technology Conference)
- AEA 267 1 to 1 Conference (4 years)
- ITEC (3 Years)
- ICTE (2 years)
- 140 Conference (Des Moines)
- BLC (Building Learning Communities with Alan November)
- Mini Keynote Iowa 1to1 2014
- YCCS – Inner-City Chicago Schools (Theme Based Unit Design)
- Smart Brief
- The Journal
- TeacherCast Guest
- Interdisciplinary PBL for Buck Institute
- Iowa TransformED
- US News.com
- The New York Times Learning Network
- Connected Educator
Areas of Interest
- Successful and sustained technology integration
- Professional Development
- EdTech Leadership
- Multiliteracies
- Digital Citizenship
- Pedagogy in a ubiquitous technology educational environment
- Communication and collaboration through digital means
- Inquiry Based Learning
- Conceptual Based Learning