Patricia Aigner, Director of Technology for the Rutland City Public Schools was recognized by Vita-Learn as the 2020 Frank Watson Award winner. The Frank Watson Award is given each year to a person whose many years of devoted service, vision and leadership have significantly advanced Vermont educational technology at the local, regional and state level.

Brucie Donahue, 2019 honoree presented the award at the December Monthly Membership meeting. About Patricia, Brucie said:

I am honored today to be awarding this year’s Frank Watson Award to a person whose many years of devoted service, vision and leadership have significantly advanced Vermont  educational technology at the local, regional and state level.

This year’s recipient is an outstanding example of all the criteria that this award embodies. I remember when she first arrived in Addison Central SU. There were big shoes to fill there and she far exceeded all expectations and quickly got involved in the Vermont  Educational Technology landscape.  In her time here in Vermont, she has made a difference to many students, teachers and other educational leaders. She makes an impact (period.)

Here is a quote from her colleague Lucie deLaBruere:
“You can always count on Patricia to be on the cutting edge of conversations around Technology in our state starting with some of the  earliest statewide ed tech initiatives in Vermont such as the Statewide  Data Consortium to serving on the Vita-Learn Board for 6 years, including as President. I believe she is the first woman to hold that position.
 
She rolls up her sleeves and is a doer. She had a bias towards action. 
You can frequently see her in the Innovation Lounge at Vermont's ed tech conferences -
 often with her Cricut Cutter, and eTextile project, or other maker project”

She has been an ISTE Affiliate President and ASCD Vermont Chapter President. She teaches graduate-level technology courses for Castleton University and is preparing for the COSN CETL exam this summer.  She is licensed in Vermont as a Superintendent, Principal and K-9 teacher with additional endorsements in ELA and Social Studies.  She currently serves as Technology Director for the Rutland City Public Schools. 

As last year's recipient, I am so happy to award this to my colleague and my friend. Patricia Aigner.

Congratulations, Patricia!