Tech Integration Specialist Offers Educational Consulting As a Side Gig

Jenna Linskens provide consulting services to schools, districts, colleges and universities around the country, in addition to being a full-time Technology Integration Specialist for a Wisconsin school district. Be it workshops, keynote speaker, administrator consulting in 1:1 and mobile devices, or best practices in teaching through technology, she helps guide today's educators in preparing tomorrow's leaders.

Your Side Gig?
Educational consultant. You can learn more here: //sites.google.com/site/linskensportfolio/

Tell us a little about your work.
I am a full-time Technology Integration Specialist for the Seymour Community School District. I travel a 10-mile radius to meet the technology integration needs in this rural district in Wisconsin.

What led you to work outside the classroom?
After having my second child I decided to become a stay-at-home mom. That lasted all of six months and I became an Instructor for Marian University. That was a work-at-home opportunity that continued to grow. My passion for providing workshops, concurrent sessions at state and national conferences, and offering keynote messages blossomed. Suddenly schools were seeking me out to come in and talk with their administration and teachers.

What advice do you have for other teachers who want to do what you do?
Find your passion and follow it.

What's the biggest mistake you've made and what did you learn?
Never lie to your parents. They will always find out.

If you could go back and give your 20-year old self some advice, what would it be?
Your career path is not set. You will encounter intersections and you will be able to make choices. Some of those choices are not going to be easy to make. Once you make the choice, be confident in your decision and follow through to see where it leads you.

Which resources do you rely on the most?
Twitter edchats, Simple K12, Facebook education groups, Educause, ISTE, THE Journal, Uncommon Learning by Eric Sheninger, Learning Transformed by Eric Sheninger & Thomas Murray, The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros, and The Third Teacher by Cannon Design. All Pro Dad/Mom for personal and family growth and reflection.

When are you the happiest?
Spending time on the beach with my family.

Do you have a favorite quote or expression?
“A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things.” – Grace Hopper

What 2-3 Books Do You Consider Must Reads?
Uncommon Learning by Eric Sheninger, Learning Transformed by Eric Sheninger & Thomas Murray, The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros, and The Third Teacher by Cannon Design.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do, be, or try?
A volunteer at the hospital in the nursery and NICU taking care of newborn babies.

What are the 2-3 most important work-related purchases you've made in the last year?
Sphero robots and the mobile device Sphero EDU app, Screencast-o-Matic Pro for easy to create tutorials and resource videos, and the official Breakout EDU kit with access to the Breakout EDU website.

 

You're being shot at dawn; what's your last dinner request?
Hibachi with filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, and fried rice with chocolate cake and buttercream frosting for dessert and a tall glass of Niagara wine.

What's your next goal?
Become a district/department technology administrator (CIO or CTO).

Anything else you'd like to share with other teachers who want to follow in your footsteps?
Be knowledgeable about multiple tools. You do not need to be an expert, but find tools that work for you and develop your skills. Understand that every tool has its positive aspects and can be applied in many ways.

What's one additional question we should ask and how would you respond?
What's your favorite time? My favorite family time is spent on a lake in northern Wisconsin with the boys fishing and me reading a really good fiction novel in the summer sunshine.

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This teacher profile is part of SimpleK12's Extra Teacher Income series, where we interview educators about the things they're doing outside of the classroom, for both enjoyment and also a little bit of cash. To read more in this series go here, or to suggest your own story and a possible profile, go here.

If you have any questions for Jenna or anything else related to this topic (and there will be more extra teacher income profiles and stories coming soon), please leave them below in the Comments.

For a different extra teacher income story, check on what Heather Brandon  (blogging and educational consulting) is up to.

Or, follow along with full-time college prof, Dustin York, and his many side gigs.