Literacy Heroes

As Director of Instructional Technology for the West Chester Area School District, Dr. June Garwin ensures that the district's 12,000 students and 1,400 staff members are literate not only in the traditional areas of reading, writing, and calculating but also are capable 21st-century learners and instructors. Her work furthers digital-age literacy, effective communication, inventive thinking, and high productivity.

When Dr. Garwin joined the district in 1999, one of her first challenges was obtaining a computer for every teacher's desk. At the time, the district had 1,500 computers; today it has more than 6,000. Even kindergarteners and first graders have access to a computer and an e-mail account, allowing them to become comfortable and competent with technology from the start of their school careers.

Along with supporting students’ learning, Dr. Garwin is committed to professional development for their teachers. Under her leadership, what was once a hodgepodge of classes on computer use has become an organized course of summer sessions where teachers can get help integrating technology into their lesson plans for the coming year.

Even more important to Dr. Garwin than adding hardware -- new smartboards and laptops for district classrooms are the latest -- is the goal of tying technology to other instructional initiatives. For instance, she's helping facilitate “Reading Across America” video conferences in which elementary- and middle-schoolers connect with fellow students around the country to discuss stories they’ve read in common.

In 2006, Dr. Garwin earned the Pennsylvania School of Excellence in Technology award. In 2007, she received the “Salute District for Technology” award given by the National School Board Association. This year, her personal and professional commitment to promoting and enhancing literacy through technology brings her the WCPL Literacy Hero Award in Technology and Innovation.