In Idaho, a man has brought his passion for technology into the classroom. Chad Parson is a technology pro with a knack for finding the solution to confusing tech problems. His team is on the case daily for every snag or glitch that pops up, and they do it with big smiles. They are always ready for what the day brings, with its problems, errors, and troubleshooting challenges. That’s what he loves about what he does.  These problems never get old for him. He even finds them exciting.

Call his department the first responders of tech troubles.  Parson is not tasked with doing away with boring old technology.  He is the director of technological services for Lakeland. Parson is a man on a mission to help the students of Idaho learn about computer technology.  He is a teacher and a director and gets his office involved in computer services  and shares in their thoughts too.   This guy is all about the growth of education.

The Idaho Education and Technology Association acknowledged Chad Parson during the Ed Tech Conference in Boise.  The award went to his team, not solely to him.  He has worked for 5 years in the Lakeland School District.  Some 15 years ago, Parson was a technology supporter for the district before rising to the position he holds now.  He moved into the position of director of technology in the 2016.  When the tech director of Lakeland retired, Parson took over.

Parson attended Kootenai High School and North Idaho College.  He took classes in computer science and technology majors at college.  He began his career in web development and used the skills until Lakeland brought him on.  When he started his career, there was only one computer available to students.  They were dial-up days back then.

Parson favors his job so much that he went through the process of becoming a teacher.  This allows him to spread his love for the technology field with a student.  When he teaches, his students gather essential skills for a technology job and the workplace in the future.  He began his career as a tech specialist for the district in 2005. When the technology director left, Parson took his spot. It seems like Parson was destined for this job as he saw the tech-related job in the Coeur d'Alene Press.

Tifani Young, a hardworking technology integration specialist, nominated him for the award.  The whole department gets things done easily, but Parson manages to do it all without flipping out. He finds time to lead a Boy Scout troop and sell Christmas trees at the mall.  She nominated Parson, saying he was knowledgeable and skillful and had the ability to lead.

From the Lab to the Classroom

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