TOPS Teachers
Technology Outreach Program Support

Tops Teachers by School

Purposes, Expectations and Benefits

Purposes
Assistive Technology Services launched the TOPS program with the following purposes in mind:

• To increase accessible training resources for special education and general education staffs within the school setting
• To share and exchange areas of expertise with the ATS staff and TOPS colleagues

Expectations

• TOPS members serve as a resource and mentor for other special education and general education staff in their building who work with students with disabilities.  This may include: working with staff individually, providing school-based inservices, or sharing at faculty meetings.
• TOPS members work closely with their ATS Resource Teacher to develop and implement an AT Collaboration Plan for their school.  This plan should reflect the AT training needs of the entire staff.
• TOPS members have opportunities throughout the year to attend optional training sessions on a variety of AT topics.  These optional trainings are an opportunity for TOPS members to expand their knowledge about a variety of AT topics.   There are also opportunities for TOPS members to participate in special projects during the year.

Benefits / Opportunities

• Access to hardware and software (digital camera and various software titles)
• Technology training opportunities
• More availability to ATS resources
• Professional growth and recognition