Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) Chief Academic Officer Dr. Amy Cashwell has been selected as one of the Center for Digital Education’s (CDE) 2017 Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers. The 30 K-12 and higher education leaders were selected based on “their efforts to improve education through effective implementation of technology-rich solutions; their impact on student outcomes; and their overall initiative, creativity and leadership skills,” according to the CDE.

“From seeking the latest research to collaborating with colleagues across departments to provide comprehensive and innovative school initiatives, Dr. Cashwell works tirelessly to create the best classroom experiences for students as possible,” wrote Bill Johnsen, VBCPS director of instructional technology, and Nicole DeVries, VBCPS administrative coordinator, in their nomination letter. “She continues to call for and support the acquisition and integration of digital instructional resources into the curriculum including textbooks as well as applications that teachers can use to target student needs.”

Cashwell is recognized for her leadership and transformational work to support the school division’s digital learning goals in the VBCPS strategic framework, Compass to 2020. She established the division’s Digital Learning Anchor Schools initiative, which involved a cadre of 15 schools that studied device implementation and developed digital learning best practices to support the expansion of digital learning programs in all of the division’s schools. Cashwell also led the organizational change to provide a school-based instructional technology support program that includes an instructional technology specialist in every school as well as ongoing professional learning for instructional coaches.

“Dr. Cashwell is a trailblazer and a transformer, and the CDE Top 30 honor is well-deserved,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, VBCPS superintendent. “Her leadership and vision have led to impactful changes to improve teaching and learning and to empower teachers and students to integrate technology to personalize learning and support student success.”

Cashwell has served as the division’s Chief Academic Officer since July 2013 and was named Outstanding Leader of the Year by the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) in October 2016. She oversees the Department of Teaching and Learning, which includes the offices of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Secondary Teaching and Learning, Instructional Technology, Opportunity and Achievement, Student Support Services and Programs for Exceptional Children.

A VBCPS graduate of Kempsville High School, Cashwell began her career with the division in 1998 as a teacher and served as an assistant principal and principal before her current appointment. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and elementary education from Longwood College. She has a master’s degree in education administration and supervision and doctoral degree in education administration and policy studies, both from The George Washington University.

The 2017 Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers will be recognized by the CDE at its Digital Education Leadership Conversation event held Nov. 9-10 in Pompano Beach, Florida. View profiles of the honorees at www2.centerdigitaled.com/top30/.

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