Kim Cofino

About Me

I am now in my 9th year of teaching technology in international schools around the world with my husband, Alex, a professional writer, editor and ESL/English teacher.

This international adventure began with my first trip abroad in 1997, as part of a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. That semester in Italy was enough to convince me that I was born to travel! Upon my return to the University of Connecticut for my final 2 years of undergraduate study, I began to research ways to live abroad and in the process, discovered teaching. I began as an ESL instructor for international teaching assistants and mentor for international exchange students at UConn. This taste of education prompted me to look for ways to teach abroad, and thus, I discovered the world of international schools.

My first international school posting was at Munich International School in Germany, where I stayed for 5 years. During those five years in Germany, I was trained as an MYP technology teacher and was approved as an MYP Trainer. I developed and implemented the integrated technology program at MIS, as well as infusing the curriculum with multimedia tools like digital video, website authoring and media rich presentations. I also had the opportunity to present my work at MIS at several conferences, including the Association of German International Schools in Hannover in January 2005, and the MYP Advanced Teachers Conference at the International School of Amsterdam in March 2005.

After five years in Germany, I was ready for another adventure, and so began my career at Mont'Kiara International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Again, I developed an implemented the integrated technology program at M'KIS, infusing the curriculum with even more multimedia tools, as well as new web 2.0 tools like blogging, wikis, and podcasts. During my two years at M'KIS, I continued my professional development by joining the SUNY Buffalo Educational Leadership cohort at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. The course included exciting workshops ranging from Assessment in International Schools with Bambi Betts, to Integrating Differentiation and Understanding by Design with Jay McTighe, and Cognitive Coaching with Bill and Ochan Powell. Engaging in this coursework helped me realize how much I enjoy curriculum development and design that focuses on project-based learning that naturally embeds the authentic use of technology tools as appropriate for our 21st century learning environment.

Now, as the Elementary School 21st Century Literacy Specialist at the International School Bangkok, my work is focused on helping core subject teachers utilize web 2.0 technologies in the classroom, creating a global and collaborative approach to learning. Over the past two years I have worked with classroom teachers to develop internationally collaborative projects that authentically engage students from all around the world, helping them become effective 21st century learners, collaborators and creators. Due to my extensive work with teachers, I have begun consulting with other international schools interested in implementing 21st century learning, been profiled on a number of educational websites and journals, am often asked to be a guest speaker at conferences and professional development sessions, and have consistently shared my learning with others through a number of conference presentations.

Throughout my years as a teacher, I have always strived to consciously grown and develop as a learner. I enjoy reflecting on my professional experiences on my blog, Always Learning, as a way to practice what I teach. Outside of school, I enjoy travel, cooking, yoga, jewelry making, reading, movies, and anything that has to do with technology.

I am an enthusiastic, passionate educator, who truly loves working with children and adults. My goal as an educator is to teach students and teachers how to learn, and to ensure that every person I work with leaves feeling comfortable, confident, and excited about the challenges and rewards that technology has to offer.

Personal Narrative: What Makes an Outstanding Educator?

As the middle school Academic IT Coordinator for at Munich International School, I had the challenging job of integrating technology into the core curriculum subjects for all 400 of our middle school students. One of my favorite projects was a movie project with grade 5. I believe that the way I planned and taught that unit, in collaboration with the grade 5 teachers, exemplifies many of the skills that help make me an outstanding educator.

An outstanding educator is one who challenges her students in new and creative ways every day. The goal of my week-long project was to get students excited about using their language arts skills in new ways by introducing them to digital video editing. Using digital video cameras and iBook laptops with iMovie software, the students filmed and edited trailers advertising a movie version of the book they were reading in class.

An outstanding educator encourages students to try new things and to share ideas through collaborative learning. Students were divided into small groups and given the task of creating their trailer. The students worked together to plan, write, act, direct, and film their scenes.

An outstanding educator inspires her students through enthusiasm, expertise and excitement. Through a process based on the MYP Technology Design Cycle and utilizing the PYP practice of inquiry, the students went through the stages of investigation, planning, creation and evaluation to complete the project. Each group used the inspiration of real movie trailers they found online to plan their script and storyboard. After filming, the students edited their videos, adding titles, music, transitions and video effects.

An outstanding educator recognizes the need for differentiation in the classroom to enable all students to succeed. Each group worked at their own pace according to their own abilities and needs. Each project was different, but all fulfilled the expectations of the unit. Student evaluations indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed the project and have become competent digital video editors; ready to tackle the next new technology that comes their way.

Above all, an outstanding educator knows that teaching is a learning experience and that, upon reflection, she always has room for improvement. This project was a fantastic experience for me, and the students, and I know the next time I teach it, it will be even better.

Copyright 2006 Kim Cofino and Alex Guenther