Dymphna Canales

My name is Dymphna Jewelle Canales, but all my life I’ve been called by my initials, D.J.. I am a lifelong learner with the determination to modernize traditional teaching and learning in classrooms (instructional design) in the state of Texas. I am currently the Dean of Instruction at Liberty Memorial Middle School with Los Fresnos CISD. In this position I get to support with instruction, special programs and assessment, but most importantly it gives me a chance to build relationships with teachers and students. Previously, I was a Technology Administrator where I received the “unofficial” title of Blended Learning Project Manager at Point Isabel Independent School District (PIISD). In April 2016, PIISD was announced as one of five recipients in the state of Texas of the Raise Your Hand Texas (RYHT) Raising Blended Learners Grant. As a writer for the RYHT grant it is absolutely gratifying to be awarded with this prestigious opportunity. Aside from the $500,000 the district is receiving, the support and resources from national Blended Learning experts has been phenomenal. As the Blended Learning Project Manager, a team approach is being taken to pilot blended learning in classrooms throughout each campus district-wide as part of a five-year plan. The pilot program will be an iterative process as the blended learning models will be refined to ensure a successful scale out to other classrooms. My leadership, communication skills, flexibility, growth mindset and organization skills are in full demand as this transformation takes place. As a native to Port Isabel, Texas I take pride in working with a district that is transitioning to be innovative and is in the process of transforming education. I am currently in the doctoral program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as I strive to earn a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology. My education and professional background reflect my passion and interest in educational technology, and it is so refreshing to be taking courses and being able to apply what I am learning within my current profession.