As part of Banks County Schools’ ongoing Smartboard deployment, teachers are participating in professional development designed to enhance student achievement and classroom engagement. Recently, a team of educators from Banks County traveled to the ClearTouch Experience Center in Greenville, South Carolina, to deepen their knowledge and explore new possibilities for interactive learning.
This visit aligns directly with the district’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing student achievement through effective instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, and high-quality professional learning. The plan emphasizes collaboration among district and school leaders to identify instructional needs, support district initiatives, and provide professional development that enhances technology use in the classroom.
The ClearTouch Ambassador Team, led by Angie Bowen, Digital Learning Coordinator, consists of teachers from every school in the district and plays a vital role in supporting these goals. The team offers leadership opportunities to teachers within their schools and helps drive district efforts to enhance instructional technology and student engagement. Ambassadors work alongside teachers to support implementation, share classroom strategies, troubleshoot technology needs, and model how interactive learning tools can elevate both teaching and learning.
During their visit, teachers participated in hands-on demonstrations and explored the latest tools and software designed to transform instruction. They also had the opportunity to test upcoming technology innovations that are shaping the future of digital learning.
Sherry Angel, a teacher from Banks County Elementary School, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The Smartboards have been a game changer for my students. They love using the board to learn, and I’ve seen a huge increase in engagement. Seeing my students get out of their seats to learn and the smiles on their faces as they discover new things has not only been rewarding; it makes teaching fun.”
Brittany Brown, a teacher from Banks County High School, reflected on her experience, saying, “I learned how to use techniques in my classroom to create a more collaborative environment using the Smartboard. The leaders and teachers at ClearTouch are experts with the SmartBoards. They answered all our questions and helped us figure out small adjustments on the boards that can make a big difference in the classroom.”
Angie Bowen, the Digital Learning Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the experience, noting, “This opportunity allowed our teachers to see firsthand how technology can transform instruction. Our ambassadors are leading the way in helping teachers create interactive, student-centered classrooms that promote engagement and achievement. We appreciate the ClearTouch team for assisting us in implementing our Smartboards. Since the rollout began in May, teachers have continuously added new strategies to their toolbox to increase engagement and enrich learning.”
The school system is grateful to the community and the Board of Education for their continued commitment to district goals and support of instructional innovation. Banks County Schools’ Smartboard initiative continues to reflect the district’s vision that “Expectations Influence Success.”