TechStart Fall Update: SuperQuest 2007 Uncork-ED

By John Ossowski, program and advancement manager, TechStart and Amelia J-Lewis, APB Communications

While Oregon students enjoyed the lazy days of summer, close to 100 teachers from Oregon’s middle and high schools spent a week of their break in advanced training at SuperQuest, the annual program sponsored and conducted by TechStart Education Foundation (TechStart). SuperQuest is the primary beneficiary of TechStart’s annual Uncork-ED wine-tasting and charity gala slated for October 27, 2007 at the Portland Art Museum, sponsored by Microsoft Innovation Center, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and Synopsys.

From July 30 to August 3, more than 40 educators attended SuperQuest at Western Oregon University, and another 30-plus attended training at Hillsboro High School held June 25 to June 29. Teachers came from Oregon, Washington and as far as Indonesia to participate in this cutting-edge professional development program. Besides offering classes on par with graduate-level coursework, TechStart brings industry professionals into summer training to provide educators a real-world perspective. Based on the training and support they receive at SuperQuest, teachers prepare curriculum and share with students how their lessons relate to engineering, computer science and information technology beyond the classroom. This year the program included keynote speakers from Intel and Symantec and representatives from other spheres of industry and education.

“SuperQuest addresses a critical void in classroom and professional enrichment for technology and computer science educators in Oregon,” says Stevie Viaene, president of the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA) and last year’s Oregon Technology Educator of the Year honoree. “By bringing together resources from industry with instructional expertise from OCSTA, SuperQuest offers participating teachers a one-of-a-kind training they are unlikely to find elsewhere.”

In addition to walking away with LEGO robotics kits and complete lesson plans, many teachers also earned graduate credits through Western Oregon University.

SuperQuest 2008 starts with a successful Uncork-ED in 2007
To help fund programs like SuperQuest, TechStart relies on grants and annual sponsorships, as well as the annual gala benefit known as Uncork-ED. This year’s event is fast approaching, and sponsorships, tables and tickets are still available. Uncork-ED 2007 will be an evening of wine tasting, auctions and recognition to highlight a wide range of opportunities for discovery. Portland’s own Square Deal Wine Company will provide the wines and wine education to help attendees learn about and enjoy vineyards from around the world. Silent and oral auctions will present a variety of chances for bidders to discover new places and people in Oregon while everyone enjoys a night of networking with the business “who’s who” of Portland.

The highlight of Uncork-ED is the announcement of the Technology Educator of the Year, and the call for nominations has gone out to schools across the state. TechStart values the contributions of all teachers and will continue this annual tradition of highlighting the work and contributions of one Oregon high school teacher. This year will honor the 5th teacher in the state with on-stage recognition and a $1,000 donation to the honoree’s classroom.

The Technology Educator of the Year is someone who

• teaches computer science, computer programming, networking, digital media or robotics;
  
• is an effective, engaging instructor who inspires passion and commitment from his or her students while advancing their critical-thinking ability, skills, and knowledge in challenging, meaningful ways;
  
• is an advocate for the study of information technology;
  
• is a role model for colleagues; and
  
• is committed to ongoing personal, peer and professional development.

For the first time in its 18-year history, the gala benefit will honor a student technologist of the year with a $4,000 scholarship, sponsored by the Microsoft Innovation Center. The scholarship will be awarded to an Oregon high-school student senior interested in pursuing a career in technology. Student applicants will be evaluated by the Software Association of Oregon, TechStart, Microsoft and two industry senior executive panel members on an essay, written teacher recommendations, and a school project that demonstrates an expertise in technology. If you know a student candidate for this award, encourage him or her to apply on or before October 1, 2007.

There’s still time to discover your role as we work to awaken and promote a passion for technology among Oregon students. Volunteering is another way that you can be involved in Uncork-ED. It takes more than 40 people to make this event happen each fall, and Volunteer Coordinator Jim Robison from ViaWest has issued a call for teams of 2 to 4 people from companies around town to get involved. Can you create a volunteer team? Contact TechStart and sign up today!

Uncork-ED in 2007 is about discovery, experience and enjoyment. Find out how you can contribute to the fun of the evening and the education and future of Oregon’s kids by contacting John Ossowski at TechStart.

About the Author
John Ossowski is the program and advancement manager for the TechStart Education Foundation. He can be reached at 503-802-5211 or john.ossowski@techstart.org