Minnesota Summit on Learning & Technology

The Culturally Proficient Technologist

Rachel Gorton

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools

---

Abstract

Consider how your school or district might employ these strategies to help everyone more effectively reach students from all backgrounds and cultures:

• Use data to probe questions around diversity and achievement.
• Build content that reflects students’ cultures.
• Personalize learning.
• Secure equal access to learning resources.
• Address language needs.
• Make sure “all” means all when teaching 21st-century skills.

We will share how our district purposefully viewed the five-year technology plan and budget through the lens of cultural proficiency so help assure all student receive access to needed resources and opportunities.

---

Author Biography

Rachel Gorton, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools

Rachel Gorton is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools, a beautifully diverse district of 9,000 students. Rachel is a strong advocate for using technology as a catalyst for educational change and innovation. By building relationships and consensus among stakeholders, Rachel describes her goal as “leveraging technology to drive change,” focusing on equity and expanding opportunities for all students. In 2015 she was awarded the District 191 Community of Excellence Award winner for Leadership in Action and was the 2016 TIES Minnesota Technology Leader award recipient. Prior to serving as Instructional Technology Coordinator, Rachel served as a classroom teacher, technology integrationist, and curriculum coordinator. She was also a project manager for an international business and lived in Japan.