CPS holds an annual Ones to Watch contest for CPS teachers. The teachers nominated have shown strong leadership in areas of technology and technology integration. They help out peers, promote collaboration, and are often looked to for advice, assisstance, and mentorship. This year Jay Rehak, English teacher, was a finalist for Tech Innovator for Ones to Watch.

How did you achieve this?

Mr. Soto nominated me. I use a wide variety of technological resources. I have my students create TedTalk like writings called WhYchats, and then I am videotaping them. I like to use Twitterature too, where the students rewrite the whole book on Twitter. It was also because I’ve been working on te television show, DubTV. I’ve also worked on four books with my students. I’m actually the only person in history of humanity to write books with my students. The next one is called “Absolutely Awesome Adventures of Internet Ed.” It’s coming out in June of 2015.

How did you feel when you learned of your success?

On one hand, I always feel joyous to do it, but on the other hand I feel a certain sense of not being able to keep up. With technology, there is always more to be learned. Students often know more than I do. I look forward for the opportunity for my students to teach me. For example, when I discovered an animation website and became functionally literate.  I then assigned my students to use the website in order to encourage the students to teach me about it. Through them doing the assignment I learn more.

How do you inspire students?

I am enthusiastic about everything. I am enthusiastic about the students’ intelligence, I am enthusiastic about their abilities, and I’m enthusiastic when the students are enthusiastic. My goal is to give them enough room to be creative and successful.

How do they inspire you?

The students inspire me by being creative. Everyday I look to be amazed, especially by things I can’t do. One of my students did a WhYchat about dance, which amazed me because I could never dance in front of a lot of people. I am inspired by the students’ diverse creative skills. I see genius. I appreciate it; it keeps me alive.