Academic Technology

Academic Technology Coaches

The Academic Technology Coach team works to provide instructional coaching practices, focusing on 1:1 coaching helping a teacher hit a specific goal through the use of instructional practices. Our coaching framework is based on Jim Knight's The Impact Cycle (Identify, Learn, Improve). This will include facilitating technology integration, co-planning w/teachers, model teaching, co-teaching, assisting with classroom organization/management, campus/PLC planning, and staff development. Coaches support NISD campuses by transforming schools into digital-age, student-engaged, global learning environments. They help teachers and administrators successfully implement 21st-century skills in all classrooms with all students. All means all!

Our fundamental purpose is to support the growth of educators, through job-embedded coaching, in the delivery of high-quality, tier-one instruction to help all students succeed.


Elementary STEM Labs

Each Northside elementary campus features a STEM Lab designed to foster hands-on learning based on science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. These labs are part of the Discovery rotation, where students also experience Music, Art, and Physical Education. This dedicated time for exploration and creation allows students to experiment with coding, robotics, and other STEM-related activities. The curriculum exposes students to coding fundamentals and applications, 15 STEM career areas coordinated with Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the application of STEM Fluency Skills as defined by the Texas Education Agency. By encouraging a growth mindset and providing opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, STEM Labs prepare students for a wide range of future academic and career choices.

Learn more about our STEM program.


Esports

Video games are much more than just a Friday night activity! College Scholarships are just the beginning for several professional video game competitions. Imagine a football game in which new positions are constantly being added all with different rules of engagement or ways of passing, carrying or throwing the ball. There are a multitude of match-ups, counters and blocks which players can employ, and only those clever and strategic athletes can hope to excel. This is the environment of eSports, and these are the benefits we aim to instill in our players throughout the district.


Esports Explorers

Calling all 5th graders! The Esports Explorers Club invites them to embark on an exciting journey into the world of esports through the popular game Minecraft. This after-school program offers students the opportunity to collaborate with peers, develop essential skills like teamwork and communication, and explore their creativity in a fun and supportive environment. Whether they're a Minecraft pro or just starting out, the Esports Explorers Club welcomes all 5th graders to join the adventure!