BRIAN WHITSON
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MY STORY

Educational Background

Master of Arts - Appalachian State University, December 2006
  • Major: Educational Media (Instructional Technology)
                                   
Bachelor of Arts - Elon College (Cum Laude), May 1998
  • Majors:  Chemistry & Science Education
  • Minor:  Anthropology

High School Diploma - Mountain Heritage High School (Yancey County Schools), June 1994
                       
CERTIFICATIONS:
 
North Carolina Public Schools Teaching Certification:  
  • Area 0300:  Comprehensive Science Education (9-12)
  • Area 0077:  Instructional Technology Specialist Computers
  • Area 0079:  Computer Education Endorsement
  • Area 8300:  Science (6-9)
 
LEARN NC - Carolina Online Teacher (COLT) Certification (2014)
Apple Teacher Certification (2017), Flipgrid Certified Educator Levels 1 & 2 (2020), CK-12 Certified Educator (2020), Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator (2020), Adobe Creative Educator (ACE), Levels 1 & 2, Coaching Collaborative Master Coach Certificate with Kennesaw State University & FETC (2020).

Professional Honors, Leadership, & Awards

  • NC Science Teachers Association Social Media Manager & Communications Chair, 2020-present
  • NC Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) Western Regional Director, 2019-Present
  • National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Technology Advisory Board, 2019-2022
  • NC Science Teachers Association Board of Directors Region 6, 2019
  • Strand Leader for NSTA Regional Conference, Charlotte NC November 2018
  • Lead Facilitator for Rowan-Salisbury Schools Digital Learning Competencies Committee, 2017-18
  • NC Science Teachers Association Social Media/Technology Chair 2017-2019
  • NC Science Teachers Association Board of Directors Region 6, 2017
  • Mentor, North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network (NCDLCN) by the Friday Institute, 2017- Present
  • Digital Learning Competencies Ambassador, Summer 2017 & 2018
  • North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network (NCDLCN) by the Friday Institute, 2016-17
  • Lead Trainer - District Science Team (6-12) for Essential Standards Implementation, 2012
  • Finalist, Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for Science and Mathematics Teacher, 2011
  • Geoffrey G. Eichholz Outstanding National Science Teacher Award, 2008
  • Member, NC Blue Ribbon Commission on Testing and Accountability, 2007-2008
  • North Carolina Teacher Cadet Training Cadre, 2006 to present
  • Rotary International Group Study Exchange - Jamaica, 2004
  • Rowan-Salisbury Schools District Teacher of the Year, 2002-2003
  • Salisbury High School Teacher of the Year, 2002
  • Time Warner STAR Teacher Award, 2001, 2003, & 2005
  • North Carolina Teaching Fellow
  • Elon College Honors Fellow
  • Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award - Elon College, 1998
  • Study Abroad - London, England, 1996
  • CRC Freshmen Chemistry Award - Elon College, 1994

Professional Conference & Training Presentations

"Design Thinking + Makerspaces: Creating Authentic Learning Experiences" - FETC, January 2022
"Levelin' Up Engagement Through Digital Tools" - Northampton County Schools (NC) Virtual Conference, January 2022
"Using Design Thinking To Create Authentic Learning Experiences in MakerSpacers" - 70th Annual Exceptional Children's Conference, NC Dept of Public Instruction, November 2021
"Using Design Thinking To Create Authentic Learning Experiences in MakerSpaces" - SC EdTech, October 2021
"Best Practices For Supporting Post Pandemic Education" - SC EdTech, October 2021
"Virtual Learning Resources" - NCDPI CTE Instructional Tools & Classroom Management, October 2021
"Using Design Thinking To Create Authentic Learning Experiences in MakerSpaces" - NCSLMA '21, October 2021
"Post Pandemic Best Practices for Supporting Digital Learning" - NCSLMA '21, October 2021
"Using Design Thinking To Create Authentic Learning Experiences in Makerspaces" - Edgecombe County Public Schools Virtual Conference, September 2021
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps ELs" - South Carolina Midlands Conference, August 2021
"Accessibility for All Learners" - Buncombe County Schools STEAM Conference, August 2021
"Using Design Thinking To Create Authentic Learning Experiences in Makerspaces" - Caldwell County Schools Innovation and Technology Showcase, June 2021
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps ELs"- Caldwell County Schools Innovation and Technology Showcase, June 2021
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps ELs" - NC Beginning Teachers Conference, June 2021
"Humanizing Education for All" - eLearning Council of Colorado/NWMET/NWeLearn Conference, April 2021
"Humanizing Education for All:  Lessons for Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion" - NCTIES & NCBOLD Conference 2021, March 2021
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps ELs" - NCTIES & NCBOLD Conference 2021, March 2021
"The Case for Creativity & Curiosity" - Rowan-Salisbury Schools THINK 2021 Conference, February 2021
"Elevating Digital Instruction" - North Carolina School Librarian and Media (NCSLMA) Winter Tune Up Conference, February 2021
"Creating Authentic Learning Experiences With Design Thinking" - International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Annual Conference, December 2020 
"Can You Hear Me Now?" - NC School Library Media Association  (NCSLMA) Conference, September 2020
"Emme ole Suomi - We are NOT Finland" - NC School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) Conference, September 2020
"Can You Hear Me Now?" - NC BOLD Conference (Online), September 2020
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps EL Students" - NC BOLD Conference, September 2020 
"Engagement Strategies Through Digital Teaching" - Arequipa Learns Conference (Peru), August 2020
"Can You Hear Me Now?" - Buncombe County Schools STEAM Conference, August 2020
"The Power of WE: How Technology Helps EL Students" - Buncombe County Schools STEAM Conference, August 2020
​"Igniting the Spark:  Putting Creation in Our Classroom" - Buncombe County School STEAM Conference, August 2020
"Can You Hear Me Now?" - South Carolina Midlands Summit Conference, July 2020
"The Power of WE:  How Technology Helps EL Students" - South Carolina Midlands Summit Conference, July 2020
"Igniting the Spark:  Putting Creation in Our Classroom" - South Carolina Midlands Summit Conference, July 2020
"Putting the Spark In Our Classrooms Through Creation and Design,"  NC Learns Together 3.0 Virtual Conference, May 2020
"Creating Culture In The Virtual Classroom,"  NC Learns Together 3.0 Virtual Conference, May 2020
"The Power of We:  How Technology Helps ELs,"  NC Learns Together 3.0 Virtual Conference, May 2020
Using Digital Storytelling To Support Social Emotional Learning" NCLearnsTogether 2.0 Virtual Conference April 2020
"Creativity Tools for Remote Learning" NCLearnsTogether Virtual Conference March 2020
"Design Thinking:  Empathy, Equity, and Access " Learning4All Virtual Conference by the Friday Institute February 2020
"Design Thinking: Merging Empathy, Design, and STEM" FETC Conference January 2020 - Miami, FL

"Design Thinking: Merging Empathy, Design, and STEM" Bridging the Gap Conference October 2019  Raleigh, NC
"Design Thinking:  Merging Empathy, Design, and STEM
" Buncombe County Schools STEAM Conference August 2019  Asheville, NC
"Exploring the 4Cs Through Goosechase"  Southwest Regional Beginning Teacher Summit  June 2019  Kannapolis, NC
"Design Thinking:  Merging Empathy, Design, and STEM" Friday Institute Innovation Bootcamp June 2019 - Raleigh, NC
"The GooseChase Is On"  PBS Learns Regional Teacher Summit April 2019  Marion, NC
"Remix Digital Citizenship into Digital Leadership"  PBS Learns Regional Teacher Summit April 2019  Marion, NC

“Re-Designing High Schools Through Challenge Based Learning & Design Thinking” – CCES Conference March 2019
​"The GooseChase Is On"  NCTIES March 2019
"Empowering and Engaging Through Instructional Coaching" FETC Conference January 2019 Orlando, FL
"How To Motivate Students Through Scavenger Hunts" FETC Conference January 2019 Orlando, FL
"The GooseChase Is On"  PBS Learns Regional Teacher Summit December 2018 - Greenville, NC
"Remix Digital Citizenship into Digital Leadership"  PBS Learns Regional Teacher Summit December 2018 - Greenville, NC
"Paradigm Shifts: Perfecting Professional Learning" Rowa
n-Salisbury Schools Back to School Conference, August 2018
"The GooseChase Is On"  Rowan-Salisbury Schools Back to School Conference, August 2018
"The Sphero Challenge: May the Force Be With You" Buncombe County Schools STEAM Conference August 2018
"Aggrandizing Dig Cit:  It Is More Than Just "DON'Ts"  NC Dept. Of Public Instruction Digital Learning Competencies Training Summer 2018 
"The Goose Chase Is On" NC Dept. Of Public Instruction Digital Learning Competencies Training Summer 2018 
“The Goosechase Is On” PBS Learns Regional Teachers Summit 2018 - New Bern, NC
“More Rare than Gold: Platinum Tools for Data & Analysis” PBS Regional Teachers Summit 2018 - New Bern, NC
“More Rare than Gold: Platinum Tools for Data & Analysis” RSS Blended Learning Symposium 2018
“More Rare than Gold: Platinum Tools for Data & Analysis” CCES Conference March 2018
“The Sphero Challenge:  May the Force Be with You” NCTIES Featured Workshop March 2018
“The Sphero Challenge:  May the Force Be with You” NCSTA PD Institute November 2017
“More Rare than Gold: Platinum Tools for Data & Analysis” RSS Back to School Conference 2017
“The Sphero Challenge:  May the Force Be with You” RSS Back to School Conference 2017
“More Rare than Gold: Platinum Tools for Data & Analysis” NC Dept. Of Public Instruction Digital Learning Competencies Training Summer 2017
“Digital Citizenship – Making It Real for Our Students,” NC Dept. Of Public Instruction Digital Learning Competencies Training Summer 2017
“Building Your Digital Toolbox,” Rowan-Salisbury Schools, Spring 2017
“Digital Citizenship – Making It Real for Our Students,” NCTIES 2017
“Literacy Through Coding” NCSTA PD Institute November 2015
“Literacy Through Coding” Rowan-Salisbury Back to School Conference 2015
“Successful Screencasting:  A Beginner’s Guide to Flipping Your Classroom”, NCTIES 2015 Raleigh, NC
“Screencasting 101,” Rowan-Salisbury Back to School Conference 2014
“Assessment Is More Than Testing” - NC Teaching Fellows Juniors Conference, 2013 & 2012
“Leadership Lessons from Over the Rainbow” - NC Teaching Fellows Senior Conference, 2013
“Being A Male Educator” - NC Teaching Fellows Senior Conference, 2014, 2013, 2012, & 2011
“The Need to Feed” - NSDC Summer Conference 2010 Seattle WA
“Making Your Podcast Chemtastic” - ChemEd 2007 Arlington, TX

Work Experience (Full Time)

Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
  • Served school systems and other public school units (PSUs) in the Piedmont Triad Region
  • ​Provided leadership and guidance on best digital teaching and learning practices and infrastructure
  • Provide professional development and learning to public school educators across the state
  • Organized regional and statewide educational conferences 
  • Assisted in providing feedback and guidance on best educational practices for various school systems​

​Instructional Design Coach with Media Duties:  Jesse C. Carson High School - China Grove, NC (Rowan-Salisbury Schools) August 2020 - April 2020
  • Coached teachers to design personalized learning experience for students
  • Provided professional learning and development based on identified needs of teachers
  • Developed digital teaching capacity among teachers to support remote, hybrid, online, and face to face learning
  • Provided leadership in designing lessons that incorporate critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and problem solving
  • Coordinated Media Center with focuses on supporting student learning, agency, and literacy

Instructional Coach for Learning Innovative & Instructional Technology Facilitator: China Grove Middle School - China Grove (Rowan-Salisbury Schools) August 2019 - July 2020
  • Assisted teachers in implementing design and challenge based learning by sharing ideas, developing lessons, and co-teaching classes
  • Worked with students in completed design challenges
  • Managed 1-to-1 initiative where all students received iPads
  • Provided professional support to faculty and staff
  • Provided planning and support for remote learning

Design Thinking / Challenge Based Learning Instructor:   North Rowan High School - Spencer, NC  (Rowan-Salisbury Schools) July 2018 to July 2019
  • Implemented Design Thinking process for problem solving to all 10th grade students
  • Implemented Challenged Based Learning (CBL) to all 10th grade students
  • Implemented Blended and Personalized Learning with all 10th grade students
  • Provided instructional coaching in Design Thinking and Challenge Based Learning to colleagues both in school and across the district
  • Implemented the 4Cs (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity) in problem solving and student agency
  • Assisted students with identifying problems and challenges within their school, community, and world to be solved

Instructional Technology Facilitator (ITF): China Grove Middle School – China Grove, NC (Rowan-Salisbury Schools) July 2015 to June 2018
  • Served as main coordinator for 1-to-1 initiative where all students were issued iPads for instructional purposes
  • Responsible for managing, enrolling, and inventory of iPads
  • Provided training & professional development for using technology including Achieve 3000, MobyMax, MathSpace, Schoology, ActivInspire, webpage design, LMS, & other applications for blended and digital learning
  • Provided trouble shooting for student and staff technology issues
  • Developed and implemented technology plan to update school’s technology and infrastructure
  • Provided Digital Citizenship lessons for both staff and students
  • Provided Leadership to promote blended learning, innovation, and creativity in the classroom both in school and throughout district
 
Teacher, Science Department Chair, & STEM Academy Director: Salisbury High School - Salisbury, NC (Rowan-Salisbury Schools) July 1998 to June 2008 & August 2010 to June 2015
  • Teacher – Honors Virtual Reality I & II (Locally Developed STEM courses); Chemistry; Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry; Honors Chemistry II; Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science; Physical Science; North Carolina Teacher Cadet
  • Chair, Science Department
  • Chief Chemical Hygiene Officer
  • Director of STEM Academy
  • Created Virtual Reality I and II curriculum and classes
  • Served as technology coach for students and colleagues
                             
UniSERV Director, Organizational Development & Training Specialist: North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) – Raleigh, NC  June 2008 to August 2010
  • Provided individual member consultation regarding professional and work place issues
  • Promoted leadership development among educators
  • Created and conducted professional development sessions pertinent to educators

Part Time Experiences

  • Adjunct Instructor for General Chemistry I and II, Lab & Principles of Chemistry Lab - Catawba College, 2012 - Present    
  • Science Test Item Reviewer & Writer – ACT, 2011 to Present
  • Honors Chemistry Instructor - NC Virtual Public School, 2012 - 2021
  • Instructional Leader for Technology – NC Virtual Public School, 2017 - 2020
  • Instructional Leader for Professional Learning – NC Virtual Public School, 2015-2016
  • Chemistry End of Course Test Reviewer & Writer - ACT, Summer 2012
  • Director & Instructor Middle School STEM Camp – Salisbury High School, 2011 - 2017
  • STEM Instructor & Tutor for Upward Bound - Livingstone College, 2011-2017
  • Selector - The New Teacher Project - TEACH Charlotte, 2011 - 2014
  • Vestry Member - St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury NC, 2011-2014
  • Youth Group Leader - St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury NC, 2009 to Present

Career & Professional Interests

I truly love helping others learn and be successful.  During my time as an educator, I have had many different and unique experiences.  I love chemistry and teaching about the changes that matter undergo.  I also love Environmental Science and helping students learn how to preserve and nurture our world.  I am committed to creating new generations of educators and supporting strong public schools.  I also have enjoyed teaching Virtual Reality to students at Salisbury High School.  Recently, my love of technology resulted taking a position as an instructional technology facilitator at China Grove Middle School.  I have enjoyed learning how to work with middle school students as well as becoming a more effective digital coach for teachers.  I find it deeply rewarding to help others by encouraging and empowering them to dream big and reach for more than they ever thought that they could achieve.  I have been very fortunate to participate in many outstanding organizations include my church (St. Luke's Episcopal) and the North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network.  I seek to create positive relationships with my colleagues and continuously strive to improve and grow each day.  I seek to create a world that is better than what I found.

Follow me on Twitter @scibri  or Linked In

Professional Organization Memberships

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
North Carolina Technology in Education (NCTIES)
North Carolina Library Media Association (NCSLMA)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
North Carolina Science Teachers Association (NCSTA)
American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)
​American Chemical Society (ACS)
National Education Association (NEA)
North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE)
Rowan-Salisbury Association of Educators (RSAE)

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”   ~ Dr. Seuss The Lorax

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