Tom Bartalamay is Technology Department Head at Centennial Middle School in Spokane, and has dedicated his thirty year career to West Valley School District. A driving force in the development of the technology program in the district, and a core team member in middle level reform in his entire region. At the same time, he has kept up with the ever-changing world of technology, and continues to share his expertise with teachers and students.

Principal Dr. Gene Sementi credits Tom with ensuring that every certified staff member participates in a minimum of forty hours of training in technology integration in teaching and learning. He has set up a ‘Smart School’ with six portable wireless labs, and founded the KCMS broadcasting company that produces a daily live news show of school happenings and events complete with sports and activity highlights footage. “Tom is one of those rare teachers who improve the quality of the present and future lives of each and every one of his students,” he adds. “ It is not an understatement to say the grandchildren of the students sitting in Tom’s classes today will benefit from his steadfast dedication to serving the students at the highest possible level.”

Colleague Cheryl Johnson applauds Tom’s many unpaid hours, freely given, in which he has trained teachers after school and during summers. “Our building is the most wired in the area,” she says, “and that is a result of Tom Bartlamay.” Introducing the Smart School concept, Tom trained every teacher in the district to use laptops, Elmos, Smart Boards, digital cameras and projectors. “Be

“Every member of the West Valley School District, parents, community and students have greatly benefited from Tom Bartalamay’s dedication to education,” adds teacher Leslie Smith. “This is what makes him an outstanding educator in technology.”

Congratulations, Tom!