Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler, a staff developer, trainer, and professor of educational technology at National University works with schools and the San Diego County Office of Education. Since 1998, Cynthia has primarily taught online EdTech courses. She currently is the new Program Lead for Master of Arts in Social and Emotional Learning.

Cynthia’s journey as a teacher

I knew I always wanted to be a teacher. My younger sister was my first student. Each day, I came home from school and taught her everything I learned that day. By the time she entered kindergarten, she knew how to read, write, and do simple math. She excelled in her school career.

Fast forward, I pursued my passion to become a teacher and persisted in college as an adult. Even though it took me nine years to obtain my bachelor’s degree and another 2 years for my Master’s and teaching credential, I have always been a teacher.

As a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I began teaching first graders. It was my dream job. In the mid-1980s, computers on wheels (COWS), were just becoming commonplace in the classroom. My kiddos were in awe when they saw their writing roll off the Imagewriter printer. I saw the promise of EdTech as a catalyst and motivator for these youngsters. Programs like the Children’s Writing and Publishing Center came alive for students and for my parent volunteers. Hypercard, Hyperstudio, and Laserdiscs were on the scene and educational software became a catalyst for learning.

Cynthia’s WHY and how it has changed during this crisis

My “Why” has always been my quest to share my passion for teaching and learning with technology. I have been teaching online since 1999 and know what it takes to engage learners in the online environment. I have always listened to educators, my students, and trainers as they begin their journey as master candidates. I continue to connect with colleagues worldwide. Our collective wisdom and experiences help to heal the world in this time of COVID-19. I have weekly webinars with educators to share online teaching practices and share resources to help all of us in this “new normal” of online learning.

Cynthia’s Contact Information

[email protected]
Twitter: @cynthiachandler
Website: http://tinyurl.com/cynthiachandler

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