About the ETSC Staff
Contents of this page:
- Debbie Tschirgi - Director of Educational Technology Programs
- Tanna Colwell - Technology and Learning Coordinator
- Nellie McCullough-Witt - Program Secretary
Debbie Tschirgi
Director of Educational Technology Programs
debbie.tschirgi@esd112.org
Before coming to ESD 112, I was a classroom teacher of first, second and sixth graders. During that time, my students learned to use many technologies in their learning environment. I also served as a technology instructor for this agency, and through the years, I have shared my expertise and experiences in presentations at several statewide, regional and national conferences.
As the Educational Technology Director at ESD 112, I oversee programs that promote the use of technology to increase learning. Some of the services I provide through the Educational Technology Support Center include grant-writing, technical assistance for district technology planning, assisting OSPI (our state department of education) with its educational technology reform efforts, and other services that result in an increased use of technology in the classroom in a meaningful way. I serve on a few statewide technology committees, and enjoy traveling to do presentations around the region and country.
Some of the major accomplishments of this Educational Technology Support Center during my time here have included:
- The funding of the TELDEC grant, which over the course of five years, put more than $3.5 million in equipment and staff development in K-12 classrooms in the state of Washington;
- The development of the nationally recognized project entitled The Sustainable Classroom;
- The annual administration of a statewide bid of high-quality technology equipment for classrooms in K-12 schools and universities in Washington State.
I have a background in elementary reading and math instruction, and in the summer of 2005, I received my Master's in Education, with an emphasis on Adult Education and Distance Learning. I have two boys, Josh and Jacob, and we are all avid sports enthusiasts. During my off hours, you can usually find me in the bleachers of one of my son's football or baseball games. You'll find me easily... I am their most avid fan! I also enjoy horse-back riding, gardening, reading, scrapbooking, stamping and designing custom candy wrappers. And I want to learn to fly-fish!
Tanna Colwell
Technology and Learning Coordinator
tanna.colwell@esd112.org
As the Technology and Learning Coordinator I organize and provide the training for the Sustainable Classroom Projects, Microsoft Peer Coaching, and Student Learning Plans, as well as providing other presentations and training requested or needed by districts. My favorite part of the job is having the ability to influence classroom practice and getting to use cutting edge classroom technologies on a regular basis!
Before coming to the ESD I was a fourth grade teacher in two different districts. While in the classroom, I was an avid member of any technology committee I could find at both the building and the district level, and an advocate for effective technology integration. I have a Bachelors degree in Child Development and a Masters degree in Educational Technology.
I live in Vancouver with my husband and two young sons. My husband is a stay-at-home Dad and a comic book illustrator. As a family we like to bicycle, play board and video games, and snuggle while watching movies. My favorite hobby is reading anything I can get my hands on.
Nellie McCullough-Witt
Program Secretary
nellie.mccullough-witt@esd112.org
As secretary, I assist with the Instructional Technology Bids program and the NovaNET program (an online courseware system provided by Pearson Digital Learning). I also support the NO LIMIT grant, Sustainable Classroom Grant project (SCG), and Microsoft Peer Coaching project (formerly known as T2CI).
During the warmer (and drier) months of the year you can usually find me driving either a supped-up 1960 Morris Minor, or an inherited 1967 Buick Riviera (completely restored) to work or to local cruise-ins. When I'm not driving, I like to spend my time outdoors in activities such as gardening, bicycling, walking my dog, or just relaxing in the sun.
What I find most satisfying is contributing to our community by volunteering as a peer volunteer for women who have been newly diagnosed with cancer at SW WA Medical Center, and as a court appointed special advocate for children with the YWCA. I'm currently attending Clark College with an emphasis in art and psychology.