Congratulations to Michelle Lasker

Oklahoma Technology Association Technology Using Teacher Award

Michelle currently serves as the coordinating teacher of the gifted and talented program and computer education program at Byrd Middle School.  With this unique instructional combination, she focuses on the needs of her students as they learn computer applications, work with hands-on projects using technology as a catalyst, crossing the curriculum, learning about art, technology world culture, and world geography.  She is the school's coordinator for the Byrd/Beijing Exchange Program.

She believes this program helps students gain an appreciation about Asia, focusing on their Sister City School Project with Beijing.  She develops lessons and projects with Google Sketchup, Art Rage, Inspiration, FrontPage, and Dreamweaver that are self-paced and engage a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences.

Her students act as peer tutors on all technology projects and even teach the teacher new tricks occasionally.

Michelle Lasker is described by her principal, Gary Nichols, as always staying abreast of current educational trends and always doing the necessary research and training to bring new concepts to fruition in educational technology.

As Michelle has learned, so have the students in Bryd.  Michelle is a professional to the fullest extent, always helping fellow teachers, students, and parents.  Communication in writing skills are among those that set Michelle apart from many.  Being a lifelong learner right along with students and not being afraid to learn with students and from students is a strong point.

Michelle focuses on the application, synthesis, and exploration of core and exploratory subjects with the complement on technology within the school community.  A leader in the development of the school site plan and a trainer in the latest technology, Michelle is one to challenge others as well as herself.