What is a Keystones Technology Innovator?

Keystones are educators nominated into the program by a building principal who have demonstrated innovative uses of technology in classroom instruction to capture the imagination of students. Keystones are part of an ongoing community of educators throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania who are sharing, collaborating and leading best practices of 21st century learning.

What is the goal of the Keystones Program?

The goal of the Keystones Program is to identify, invite, and support exemplary educators into a distinct and dynamic learning community. These educators advocate for the use of technology as a transformative tool to nurture the intellect, innovation, and imagination of students.

Who can be nominated to be a Keystones?

Any educator who directly impacts classroom instruction may be nominated. This may include a classroom teacher, librarian, media specialist, technology coach, curriculum coach, etc.). Once someone has been nominated for the program, they are Keystones for life. Building principals should nominate new individuals in subsequent years.

How does someone get nominated to be a Keystones?

Only a building principal can nominate someone to be a Keystones by visiting www.keystonespa.org and click on “Nominate a Keystone.”

How will I know I was nominated?

Every newly nominated Keystones will receive an email once they are nominated by the building principal. Principals should be sure to follow up with their nominees to be sure that the email was received and to present the welcome packet received at the end of the nomination process. If an email was not received, the nominee should check any spam/junk folders. If an email is still not there, please contact ktichair@paect.org.

What's the difference between a Keystones and a Keystones STAR?

A Keystones is nominated by a building principal. Once a Keystones, always a Keystones, as long as you remain in education. Once nominated, all new Keystones will receive an application via email to complete in order to be eligible for STAR selection. This application will require a sample project or published work to be viewed by the PAECT KTI Lead Learners. After all applications are evaluated, a Keystones may be invited to the Keystones Technology Innovators (KTI) Summit in July. Upon completion of the Summit experience, Keystones become a STAR!

Who gets notified when I am nominated?

The Nominee, the Building Principal, and the Superintendent.

Can any Keystones be selected to attend the Summit?

Only selected Keystones who have successfully gone through the application process may attend the Summit.

How do I apply to become a STAR?

Only nominated Keystones can apply to become a STAR. Once their nomination is confirmed, each nominee will receive an application link via email. Past nominees may contact the Keystones Chair (ktichair@paect.org) for information on how to apply.

I'm not very tech savvy. Can I still be nominated to be a Keystones?

YES! We encourage principals to seek out energetic and passionate teachers who are not afraid to take risks using technology. The Keystones program focuses on best practices of teaching and learning while leveraging technology to help transform that process.

I am a former Keystones. Can I be nominated again?

No. Once a Keystones, always a Keystones. Beginning 2015, all past Keystones may apply to attend the Summit, provided that they have not attended before. At the end of the full Summit week, Keystones earn STAR status. Occasionally, there are select opportunities for past STARS (those having completed a Summit week) to attend another Summit.

I am a former Keystones who attended a past summit. Am I a STAR?

Yes. All previous Summit attendees are state level Keystones and are grandfathered in as Keystones STARs.

Can I receive graduate credit for attending the summit? Act 48 credit?

STAR applicants will be offered the option to receive three graduate-level professional development credits, awarded through Wilson College, by taking the summit as an Eduspire course. Summit attendance fulfills 30 of the 45 required hours of coursework. If you are not taking the course, you will earn approximately 20 hours of Act 48 credit.

My application to be a STAR was not selected. Can I reapply?

Yes. Beginning in 2015, any Keystones who was not selected to attend a Summit can reapply for a Summit invitation.

I cannot attend the summit. Can I still apply to be a STAR?

No. You must agree to attend the Summit to become a STAR.