OCTOBER 2017 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 71
Technology is everywhere, intertwined
with nearly every facet of how we live,
work, play and, most importantly,
learn. It makes sense, then, that our schools are
also effectively integrating technology in the
classroom. It’s just sometimes easier dreamed
than done. Suffolk ASSET – for Association
of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational
Technologies – works to enhance teaching and
learning in Suffolk County and New York school
districts using computers and other educational
technologies. By encouraging the integration
of technology into the K-12 curriculum, the
group hopes to ensure that students are given
every educational opportunity necessary to be
prepared for the 21st century.
The group also gives members a forum in which
to share ideas and information relating to
instructional, administrative and management
technologies in education. Members are also
in the process of partnering with Stony Brook
University on a new online career development
program.
We caught up with the group’s president, Dr.
Tom Short, who heads math, science and
technology efforts at Westhampton Beach
Schools, at the group’s recent 20th anniversary
kickoff in Oakdale.
Q. Tell us a bit about the group’s mission.
A. Our goal is to support technology integration
in schools in our membership, which includes
school districts, corporate partners, BOCES,
colleges and universities and private members.
At our member meetings, we share best practices
and lead discussions on relevant topics regarding
technology in schools, giving voice and support
to our colleagues across Long Island. At our
annual conference, we showcase educators
who demonstrate successful technology
implementations in their classrooms and schools
and give our corporate partners opportunity to
Spotlight Long Island
Suffolk ASSET: Tech goes to the head of the class
exhibit new technologies to our attendees. And
in May, we will once again be giving away several
scholarships to deserving students – our future.
Q. How did you get started?
A. ASSET was started 20 years ago by a
group of Suffolk County school district’s
technology directors. One of the main goals
of our organization is to provide scholarships
to students who appreciate technology and are
pursuing a career that will use it. We give back
to provide students in the field of technology
or education.
Q. What about teachers?
A. We work with educators to provide
opportunities to network with one another, be
it administrators, teachers, higher education,
BOCES or corporate partners. School districts
also volunteer to do presentations to share
their best instructional practices implementing
technology in the classroom.
Q. What’s ASSET’s best asset?
A. We think it’s the scholarship opportunities
we provide to students. We give back to the
educational community by sharing practices,
proven latest and greatest technology available
educating everyone recent experiences. We
provide a venue to have corporate partners be
a part of the solutions and collaborate with
instructional leaders.
Q. And what would you say has been the
most memorable experience in your career?
A. Working with ASSET colleagues, definitely.
Having the opportunity to share the same
passion and learning from visionary leaders
who commit their time enhancing teaching
and learning through technology
Q. What’s next?
A. Our annual conference next March is titled
Digital Innovation: Empower the Leader in You.
Custom Computer Specialists is proud to
sponsor Spotlight LI. Since 1979, Custom
has been dedicated to providing Long
Island’s schools, local government agencies,
healthcare facilities and businesses with
advanced technology solutions and support. To
learn more about Custom Computer, or to be
considered for a future Spotlight LI, please email
info@customtech. com.
Custom Computer Specialists
Right People. Right Results.®
Suffolk ASSET President Dr. Tom Short with
program success story Nicholas Panzarino,
a Worcester Polytechnic grad now working
as an engineer at FESTO Corp.