THE PENDULUM

by Marlena Chertock, February 23, 2010

Elon University information and systems technology assistant director is running for the Alamance-Burlington School System Board this year on the platform of improving technology in the classroom.

For years, friends, family and people in the community have encouraged him to look into the board. Tony Rose is finally putting his ideas to use by running this year.

"When I started researching and seeing what was going on at the board level, I thought maybe there's something to (their suggestions)," Rose said.

Rose said he wants to contribute to the community and provide a public service.

"My aspirations are to be on the board, not to be a politician. I am new to the political side of things, but politics is necessary to get to it," Rose said.

There are three different perspectives Rose can draw upon in this position. Rose grew up in the presence of teachers in his family, he attended schools in the ABSS and his children now attend schools in the county.

"I grew up in an environment where education is important," he said.

Rose's career at Elon will continue even if he is elected to the board. "I intend to remain at Elon," he said, "(The board) will just be an additional role that I intend to play."

Rose plans to vote on issues and laws in a way that will best benefit the classroom. He said he feels it is important to be an advocate and voice for teachers and parents in the school system.

"When an issue comes up, a decision has to be made, I'm going to listen to parents and teachers and make decisions based on that" Rose said. "They want somebody who has the perspective they have."

Rose describes the classroom as the most important part of the school system.

"Teaching and learning, that's where it is, that's the thing we're doing in education," he said. "That's where the resources should go."

According to Rose, these include supplements to teacher salaries, resources to buy materials for the classroom and giving more freedom to teachers to instruct in effective ways.

"I don't think it's the best for the learning of children to encumber the styles of how teachers can teach, thwarting creativity," he said.

His platform will focus on improving technology in schools. He wants to be in a position to help support schools and introduce necessary technology. His focus is not only on teaching students to use technology to help them get ahead, but also on using technology in the classroom to facilitate learning.

Rose studied electronics for four years in high school, received a degree in Electronics Engineering from DeVry University in Atlanta and worked in the information technology industry for 20 years.

"Having a board member who is knowledgeable in the real world of information technology would be beneficial," he said.

Rose described an experience when he observed Woodlawn Elementary School, where a teacher won a grant providing Kindles for the classroom. The Kindles were integrated into the classroom and he saw students enjoying learning literature.

Rose remarks on the social aspect of learning. The students using the Kindles held technology in their hands and "just as some people learn better different ways, some people learn better with technology," he said.

He explained that making the learning experience interactive or live creates an environment more conducive to learning.

Working on the board would not be Rose's first experience with children and students. Rose is a former board member of the Hope House, a ministry which assists pregnant teenagers, has taught Sunday school classes and has two younger daughters.

"I think being close to kids helps me understand what they're thinking, what their needs are," he said.

Elections will be held Nov. 2 in Alamance County. Because the board is nonpartisan, the election will occur during the primary. There are currently three available seats on the board.