Ellington IT Director's Dream to Teach Children Becomes Reality

ELLINGTON, CT — John Collins, director of information technology of the Ellington Public Schools since 2014, has been named the new technology education teacher at Ellington Middle School.

Collins has been employed by the Ellington Public Schools since 2004, working his way up the
ladder as a technology technician and coordinator. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Connecticut, where he began his career in 1997 at the Center for Instructional Media and Technology supporting UConn professors' use of technology in the classroom.

"It is with simultaneous sadness and joy that I express the Board of Ed's appreciation for John Collins' service in the role of technology director for Ellington, while welcoming him to the role of classroom teacher in our Technology Education program," Board of Education vice chair Michael Young said. "I had the good fortune to work with John on his vision to upgrade Ellington's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and on his vision of how technology could better support evidence-based decision-making by administrators, teachers, parents and students. Years before the COVID emergency, we rolled out a fiscally responsible Chromebook program seeking equity in technology access for all students. In my role as chair of the curriculum subcommittee, we were able to work together with John and his team to implement efficient data systems, even in the midst of a pandemic. I hope our collaboration will continue as he assumes his new mission as a classroom teacher."

Superintendent of Schools Scott Nicol said, "John is one of many of the unsung heroes that emerged during the pandemic. He and his team worked tirelessly with families, students and staff during an uncertain and chaotic time. Moreover, John has always been student-centered, leaving me no doubt that he will be an amazing classroom teacher. The Ellington family is so fortunate to have John as a long-time member."

"I am very excited to transition into the classroom," Collins said. "I am passionate about supporting children and thrilled to become a technology educator in the Ellington district. I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. Nicol and the administrative team, who have been nothing but supportive in my desire to take this next step in my professional journey."

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