Millcreek teachers outline "Year of Technology" in-service and district-vetted tools database
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Summary
Aspiring-leader teachers presented plans for an October 2025 district in-service focused on technology and AI literacy plus a newly built technology tools database that inventories more than 50 vetted applications and 40 AI tools; staff said the resources aim to improve security, equity and professional learning across buildings.
Two district-presented projects described how Millcreek Township will support teachers and students in an increasingly digital classroom: a districtwide "Year of Technology" in-service planned for October 2025 and a centralized database of approved classroom technology and AI tools.
Shannon Holly, an aspiring-leader teacher, outlined an in-service day that would combine three foundational keynote or model sessions with three elective "choose-your-adventure" sessions, including district teacher leaders and external experts. Holly said the in-service is designed to help teachers integrate AI tools and other technologies into instruction while aligning with the district's portrait of a graduate and comprehensive plan; the proposed format includes sessions led by teacher-presenters and outside vendors, schedule design, and vendor and teacher recruitment for presenters.
Diane McWilliams presented a searchable technology inventory that documents more than 50 approved applications currently used across the district and a separate tab listing over 40 emerging AI tools. The database records each tool's purpose, where it's used (elementary, middle, high), sign-on method (e.g., Clever single sign-on), data elements required, terms of service and whether district payment covers a subscription. McWilliams said the database helps with FERPA/COPPA compliance, reduces redundant purchases, supports professional development and provides administrators a mechanism to vet new tools via a request form.
Administrators and presenters emphasized security and equity: vetted tools limit exposure of student data and provide a consistent set of resources across schools and grade levels. McWilliams said most of the AI tools in the database are for "teacher use only" but that some have student-appropriate versions; she also described a process to submit new tools for vetting and to require parent consent when COPPA applies to users under 13.
Both projects were informational items; the committee and audience did not take formal action. District staff said curriculum and technology leadership will continue planning and bring implementation details and scheduling to the board and administrators.