Webberville Community Schools Welcomes New Technology Director
Published - February 2004
In December, Webberville Community Schools welcomed a new Technology Director to the district.
Mr. Jerome Learman comes to Webberville with over ten years of experience working in the field of information technology; nine of which have been dealing with education, with his last three years in public education with the Dansville School District. “The reason I came to Webberville is because it is the first school that I have seen that is not satisfied with being good, but wants to be great.” said Mr. Learman, “the district is providing excellent resources which will better allow me to do my job. They are combining technology and education in the classroom the right way.”
In addition to his experience in technology, Mr. Learman is a certified teacher and has taught from middle school up to university level coursework. In May of this year, Mr. Learman will earn his PhD in Kinesiology with a specialization in Biomechanics of Physical Activity from Michigan State University. His dissertation will be presented on the “Comparison of Selected Kinetic Values of Two Different Weight Training Methods.” He has had several articles published in a variety of athletic journals.
Mr. Learman has already positively impacted the school district in his ability to lead the vast technology updates that are currently being done within the district. As part of the bond issue that passed in 2002, the district is totally revamping their technology from the ground up. Mr. Learman stated “The goals for the Technology Department are to have state of the art technology available for all students and staff members to use. We want to have at least a 2:1 student to computer ratio and we will improve student learning as demonstrated through improved test scores.” Mr. Learman went on to add that the Webberville School District will also incorporate student response systems, integrated learning and assessment systems as well as just in time learning opportunities and individualized instruction for students.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Learman has been active in extracurricular activities by serving as a coach for over 11 years. Most recently, he was the head football coach for Dansville High School. Under his leadership, Dansville had three consecutive winning seasons that culminated with a trip to the playoffs. Jerome will be joining the coaching staff as a Webberville Head JV Football Coach for the 2004-2005 season. In addition to coaching football, Mr. Learman will be the Junior High Boy’s Track Coach. “Jerome brings knowledge and experience that will not only enhance our student athletics but our coaching staff as well” commented Greg Glover, Director of Athletics. Webberville is in the final phase of work on their new track and field facilities. The upcoming track season will be an exciting one for the district as the track teams will have the opportunity to host home competitions for the first time in school history.
Utilizing Mr. Learman’s vast experience in kinesiology and weight training, he will be instrumental in developing the strength and conditioning program for the district. The district is completing work on a new weight room facility that will give our students access to top of the line conditioning machines. The new weight lifting room will use Hammer Strength lifting equipment, which the University of Michigan and Michigan State University use for their athletic programs. Mr. Learman stated “I would like to impact our students by helping to develop champions in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.”