MADISON – Viana Mote does not allow today’s technology to intimidate her. In fact, she welcomes the challenge, especially in sharing that knowledge with students.

Mote recently received the “Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award.”

Mote teaches at James Clemens High School. Russel Johnson, who works as Madison City School’s Secondary Instructional Technology Specialist, nominated Mote to receive the Marbury Award.

“I felt honored and thrilled to be recognized for something so meaningful. I love exploring new technology tools and apps with my students,” Mote said.

However, “utilizing intentional technology is not just fun and trendy. It is practice with communication and content creation in the formats and methods that will be expected of my students in their future personal and professional lives,” Mote said. “I’m grateful that I get to play a part in preparing (my students) for their futures.”

“My goal as an educator is to cultivate a positive and challenging learning environment so young people can confidently encounter and communicate truth throughout their lives,” Mote said. For the 2023-2024 school year, Mote will teach English 10 and Honors English 11 classes.

The Alabama Department of Education, along with the Educational Technology section, sponsored the 18th annual “Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award.” Mote received the award during the Alabama Education Technology Conference at the Von Braun Center on June 14-16.

The focus of the Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award is to spotlight educators, administrators and support personnel for students in grades K-12. Sponsored by the Alabama Department of Education, the award honors Chiquita Marbury and her invaluable years of service as a technology innovator in Alabama by recognizing educators who are exemplary models of technology teachers and leaders.

Judges used five levels to evaluate nominees: innovation and creativity; impact on teaching and learning; leadership; teamwork; and scholarship. The honoree will have worked to empower students and teachers through innovative approaches that fuel creativity and apply real-world applications to reach solutions.

The state department issues the award for all levels of instructions in grades K-12. Mote received the award in the “High School Teacher” category.

Mote previously taught in Sioux Falls, S.D. At Dakota State University in Madison, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English education and a master’s degree in educational technology. “These degrees are a summary of my passions: teaching, language and technology,” she said.