In the spring of 2007 the Caruthersville School Board voted to implement the eMINTS program in all fourth and fifth grade classrooms after the successes that were noted in the first two eMINTS classrooms funded by a state grant. At the end of the 2009 school year the elementary school will have 8 fully certified eMINTS teachers in fourth and fifth grade who have each completed 175 hours of eMINTS training. We also have twelve more teachers training in a shorter version of the eMINTS program that will help students and teachers use the technology that is available in classrooms throughout the school to the fullest extent.

While eMINTS classes make the most of technology, the most important part of the program remains the teacher and the students. Through combining the latest and most effective teaching strategies such as cooperative learning and effective lesson design, the students can really become involved in the learning process. As the Instructional Technology Coach, I have had the honor and privilege to be allowed to work with our dedicated, creative teachers and to watch our wonderful younger generation of "workers" best prepare for the future. Our remarkable students deserve the best, and our school board and administrators have shown definite foresight in providing this program for our students.