Lower Merion School District Elementary Technology Specialist Jen Goldberg has been named the Philadelphia Flyers’ January 2024 “Teacher of the Month” as part of the NHL’s Future Goals Program!

Goldberg was eligible for the accolade through her utilization of the Flyers’ Future Goals Hockey Scholars Program - an interactive curriculum that uses the sport of hockey to teach students about science, technology, engineering and math, as well as to help them understand real-world applications of the various STEM concepts covered throughout the course.

Goldberg worked through the Hockey Scholars’ math and science modules with fourth graders at Penn Valley Elementary School, exploring such topics as the engineering behind hockey equipment; the surface area and volume of the ice; how different forces (i.e. friction, applied force) will influence the motion of the puck; how to measure and find patterns between angles; and more.

“Students often struggle to see the real-life applications of STEM concepts,” said Goldberg. “Through Hockey Scholars, students can see how concepts like force, angle, or radius impact the hockey puck. Additionally, Future Goals shows students that there are a number of opportunities to be involved in sports. For example, a student who enjoys math and hockey could have a career in the front office as data engineer.”

As elementary technology specialist, Goldberg is responsible for implementing high-quality technology integration into teaching and learning throughout all six of the District’s elementary schools.

Her critical work helps support teachers in enhancing instruction, improving student performance and boosting digital literacy skills by educating students about how to safely, responsibly, and effectively use technology for learning and communication.

Goldberg has been a tech pioneer throughout her time with LMSD, having instituted the annual Hour of Code and Digital Citizenship Week for her elementary school students. Additionally, Goldberg regularly produces a compendious newsletter, Tech It Out, to help families support their children as they all navigate the world of technology.

With her selection as the Flyers’ Teacher of the Month, Goldberg is now qualified to participate in the Future Goals’ Most Valuable Teacher Competition and has a chance to win $20,000 in grants for LMSD! Click here to learn more!

To view a slideshow of Goldberg working with her students, click on the image below!