FYI- PGCPS Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph, met with me on Wednesday morning @ 7:30. He was very soft-spoken as we discussed at length my brand of advocacy. He mentioned that Technology teachers are not factored into the Strategic Plan because The CEO wants to train classroom teachers to build teacher capacity-- integrate technology in their practice. This is not realistic. There are many academic studies by education behaviorists on Teachers and techno-phobia. Just like math phobic teachers will not teach/gravitate toward mathematics, technophobic teachers will find it very difficult to achieve success in teaching technology. I would not leave my child at the mercy of a teacher's phobia. That is why we have trained and certified professionals who can do just that--teach technology. Hence, the argument for academic Departmentalization, while promoting cross-curricular lessons. So, yes, in this Digital Age, each PGCPS school needs a dedicated technology teacher and dedicated technology time for students while still offering classroom teachers training opportunities on how to integrate technology in their teaching. Digital literacy is non-negotiable and requires technology proficient professionals to make our students 21st Century ready! I have sent another email to Dr. Joseph and Dr. Maxwell regarding my thoughts on this. Please continue to post and share this petition. Your voice has made a difference in this endeavor. Follow updates and comments on my Face Book Page http://www.facebook.com/justaneducator