Beekmantown Administrator Honored as Leader in Digital Education

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Gary Lambert

ALBANY, NY (04/26/2022) (readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY (04/22/2022) (readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – Gary Lambert, Director of 21st Century Learning for the Beekmantown Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Leader in Digital Education Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award recognizes a SAANYS member who has demonstrated exceptional, creative leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to further teaching and student achievement.

Lambert has not only been instrumental in moving the district forward in digital technology but has also had a significant impact on other districts across the state and across the country. He says that "being able to serve as a resource for others confirms my long-held belief that a rising tide lifts all ships." He adds that he decided "that it was not enough to just put BCSD on the map, but also I wanted BCSD to become the map for others."

The technology team, under Lambert's direction, supports 2,400 users including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Their work supports over 2,500 computers and mobile devices including Windows desktops and laptops, Chromebooks, and Chromebits.

Beekmantown Central School District Superintendent of School Daniel Mannix reflects that "Mr. Lambert has been there every step of the way for Beekmantown CSD's transformation from digital scavenger to a truly outstanding leader in 21st Century Teaching and Learning. Our innovative digital practices are second to none in large part (due) to the work and leadership of Director Lambert."

Mannix adds that Lambert ensures "that our administrative team leads by example. He trains and demonstrates how new administrators will use the same digital tools we expect our teachers and students to use. This alignment is critical in communicating to others how much we value this continuity in digital programming."

Champlain Valley Educational Services Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Amy Campbell notes that Lambert "truly exemplifies the characteristics of the SAANYS Leader in Digital Education Award." She says, "While Gary has been instrumental in moving staff and students forward in digital education, his greatest contribution has been his willingness to share the lessons learned on the journey with other educators. From the beginning, Gary has spent countless hours sharing what he knows with educators from around the state, the country and even globally."

Of Lambert's work beyond the district, Campbell says, "Gary has presented at national conferences, including the Future Educators of Technology Conference, to support schools in developing a student run help desk. This part of digital education provides students with real life work experience while supporting the use of devices in classrooms. It is this willingness to share what he has learned with others in the field that truly makes Gary deserving of an award targeted for leaders in digital education."

Willsboro Central School District Superintendent of Schools Justin Gardner comments, "I consider Mr. Lambert an expert both locally and nationally in the field of instructional technology integration and digital leadership. He has presented at national conferences on the initiatives he has so successfully implemented for the students and staff of his district. He also plans and develops high quality professional development activities through a variety of methods to ensure that his staff are well prepared for the needs of students in a 21st Century classroom."

Lambert has been with the Beekmantown Central School District for 29 years. He received his master's and his bachelor's from Union College, Schenectady, NY.

Lambert and fellow 2022 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 6 at the Crown Plaza Albany - Desmond Hotel.

SAANYS represents over 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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