CHEYENNE – Laurel Ballard, Supervisor of the Wyoming Department of Education’s (WDE) Student/Teacher Resource Team, has been elected the 2019-20 board chair for the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA).

SETDA  is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders.  “SETDA strives to maintain a future-focused, holistic view on how to leverage technology for education, engage strategic partners, and encourage equity,” Ballard said. “SETDA will continue to envision how best to provide leadership and advocacy to see that K-12 education is empowered to ensure all students have access to high-quality technology instruction and all faculty have access to highly effective professional development.” “As board chair, I look forward to leading these endeavors to ensure success for our national, state, and private sector partners,” Ballard added. “With the experience and knowledge gained from working with partners across the country, Wyoming will be better equipped to support educators teaching in a digital world.” Nationally, SETDA  focuses on a variety of issues, including equity of access to education, personalizing learning, Title II (teacher quality) and Title IV (use of technology for student learning), high quality instructional materials, student data privacy, cybersecurity, and interoperability. “This is an honor for Laurel and for Wyoming.” said Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Laurel brings passion, knowledge, and expertise to the SETDA organization and other states.” Board elections were held during SETDA’s annual Emerging Technologies Leadership Forum in June in Philadelphia. As part of this event, SETDA provided the opportunity for state members to collaborate with private sector partners, affiliates, and the U.S. Department of Education. “Our SETDA Board of Directors are a dedicated group of state members who collaborate to provide their fellow state leaders with the tools and connections to advocate, research and disseminate innovative opportunities to transform teaching and learning through technology,” said SETDA Executive Director Candice Dodson.