Herbel named OTA's 2013 Technology Leader of the Year
Jeffery A. Herbel, Enid Public Schools Director of Information Technology, has been selected as the 2013 Oklahoma Technology Association Technology Leader of the Year.
Herbel received the award October 2nd at the OTA/Encyclo-Media Conference in Oklahoma City.
According to the organization, the award is granted annually to an Oklahoma administrator who exhibits exemplary leadership in the effective use and integration of technology for teaching and learning, as well as for district operations.
“Thanks to Jeff’s leadership and innovative thinking, EPS is on the cutting edge of technology integration,” Superintendent Shawn Hime said. “Jeff is an expert in his field, but his knowledge and contributions far exceed just the technical aspects of his position. He understands the impact technology has on academic success. He is not afraid to try new ideas and programs, as long as they will make a difference for students. He is a trailblazer for Oklahoma schools.”
Herbel joined the EPS team in 2009 and has since transformed the role of instructional technology. Within the last few years, his team has outfitted classrooms across the district with SMARTBoards, as well as implemented one of the largest iPad roll-outs in Oklahoma school history.
Much of Herbel’s progress has occurred behind the scenes with projects that ensure adequate infrastructure is available to support the district’s technology needs. He has also helped implement countless online systems that manage student information, transportation requests, personnel records, test results and more.
In the last two years, Herbel and his team have replaced district phones with a new network-based system, known as Voice-Over Internet Protocol. They have also helped manage all technology-related projects affiliated with bond issue and facility improvements.
Herbel’s most recent school initiative is “Bring Your Own Device,” which allows students to use their cellphones and tablets for educational purposes in class, whenever allowed by the teacher.
Before joining the EPS team, Herbel worked nearly 12 years as the Director of Project Management for Oklahoma City Public Schools, Information Technology Department. There, he managed the MAPS for Kids technology implementation.
ABOUT ME
I am the Director of Information and Instructional Technology for Enid Public Schools in Enid Oklahoma.