This year pushed every part of IDLA to grow. From new learning platforms to expanding teams, change was everywhere. But instead of slowing down, staff embraced challenges with determination and optimism. EdTech Engineer Ashlee Kolar captured that spirit when she said, “Adopting BusyBee this year and diving headfirst into an LMS conversion reminded me how growth and innovation often come from embracing change.”
IDLA teachers across Idaho shared similar experiences. ASL Instructor Holly Ames challenged herself to use AI more intentionally. “It was amazing how much support I could provide in ways I never thought of,” she said. Part-time teacher Kathy Purin admitted she was originally hesitant about using AI, but after trying a few things in ChatGPT, she now uses it regularly. These stories show how learning new tools can open doors for both teachers and students.
Course developers had a year full of major projects. Terra Davey shared how proud she was of her team for embracing assignment redesigns, LMS changes, and new ideas in the name of doing what is best for Idaho students. Leslie Barnes added that building courses like Keyboarding and Statistics made this year “a big one for growth,” especially as she began learning how to build in the Flex format. Their work shapes the learning experience for thousands of students.
New staff also felt this energy. Teacher Paul Wardwell explained how being new came with challenges, but he was grateful for “a really good principal and local buddy” who supported him. Operations Support Specialist April Williams, who joined IDLA this year, said, “The people, culture, training, and team building have felt very intentional.” Their reflections highlight the strength of IDLA’s onboarding culture.
At the organizational level, growth was just as significant. Senior Finance Specialist CJ Lance shared her pride in seeing IDLA’s commitment to “improving employee benefits and support staff well-being.” On the Communication Team, Valerie Doherty reflected on how this year allowed her to expand the team after many years of planning, saying that the growth of IDLA has made it possible to reach long-awaited goals. Educational Data Scientist Megan Dembi expressed gratitude that IDLA supports both personal and professional development, saying it reflects the organization’s dedication to serving Idaho communities.
Every quote shared this year points to a team that chooses growth even when it is difficult. As we pause to recharge, we celebrate how these efforts have strengthened IDLA. Change may not always be easy, but together, we proved that we can learn, adapt, and thrive.
