Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

Tech Ready, Set, by Shea Kummer

J ust when you think classrooms cannot become any more technologically advanced, the world changes. Advances in technology eventually make their way into a classroom setting where pupils and educators learn to adapt. Decades ago, a trip to the computer lab was a rare treat, especially on a rainy day, or an opportunity to learn the basics of computer functions. These days, students as young as 3rd grade lug computers to and from school each day. In classrooms, the days of chalk dust and ear-piercing screeches on a chalkboard are a distant memory. Now, a teacher uses a SmartBoard to quickly display prepared slides or video clips with the click of a button. In addition to responding to changes in a digital world, students continue to turn to their constants and support in the classroom, their teachers. They look for guidance and acceptance as their minds expand. Incredible educators not only take on the challenge of shaping future generations, but they are constantly learning how to use new and improved tools to guide them along the way. Q: What keeps you motivated and passionate about education? A: What keeps me passionate about education is the undeniable magic of transformation. Each day, I get to witness students evolve, not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and personally. I see kids who’ve faced insurmountable odds walk into my classroom with hope, and somehow, we meet in the middle—with grace, growth, and grit. — Shaniea Pennygraph, LCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year A: The kids and the relationships I have formed with their families. I feel called to give a voice to the voiceless and for all my students to feel loved, valued, and worthy. My favorite quote from Josh Shipp sums it up well for me: ‘Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.’ — Jade Wentland, KISD Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year A: I am passionate about seeing children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. At the end of each year, I am able to reflect upon where my students started and how far they have come. This is the return on my investment. I am also growing in my own craft each year, and I find it

job at understanding the need for inclusion and individualized instruction for all students. We have come a long way with understanding the needs of different learning styles, cultures, and neurological differences. Students and teachers now accept and understand that we all need different things to be successful. — Jade Wentland, KISD Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year A: Schools are doing a great job integrating technology to enhance learning and prepare students for a digital world. They’re also placing more emphasis on mental health and social-emotional learning, which helps support the whole child. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on diversity and inclusion, creating more equitable and supportive environments for all students. — Blakleye Goer, Royal ISD

Q: How has technology improved your ability to teach and connect with students? A: Technology has improved my ability to teach and connect with students by providing ways to connect different platforms for learning. This includes interactive lessons, educational apps and videos that encourage my students to stay engaged in the lesson. — Sarah Henderson, Brazos ISD, Elementary Teacher A: It has been a complete game changer. As teachers, we now have access to an abundance of resources in a matter of seconds. Technology also streamlines the preparation of assessments and provides instant, clear insights into students’ understanding. Additionally, it enables us to support

motivating to recharge each summer while learning new strategies and approaches to education. — Becky Finnegan, KISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Q: What do you think schools are doing well to adapt to modern challenges? A: The ever-growing field of technology has allowed us to reach all our diverse learners more effectively than ever before. It is well known that students learn in a variety of different ways, but differentiation was not always easy. Now, we have a plethora of programs, websites, and technological tools that can help our students access the information that they want and need as quickly as possible. — Cristian Driver, LCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year A: Schools are doing an incredible