K-6 Tech Talk is written by Erik Yates (eyates@chatham-nj.org) who coordinates technology and curriculum in the Chatham elementary schools. The goal of this blog is to keep teachers up-to-date with the latest information about the use of technology in the district, and how our resources may best be used in your classrooms.
In 1991 with a degree in 17th Century English Literature, Erik did what any English major does: work in a field that has nothing to do with literature.
After three years as a full-time flight instructor and part-time graduate student, Erik earned his master’s degree and teaching certificate. He began teaching fifth grade science at the Chatham Middle School in 1994, and he was asked to be one of the first teachers to open the Lafayette Avenue School in 1995. During the next 13 years, Erik taught math, science, and language arts at Lafayette and, for two years, at the Tianjin International School in Tianjin, China.
Always interested in the newest gadget, Erik frequently incorporated technology into his classroom lessons. This led to his current position as a technology teacher to the teachers. He is responsible for helping K-6 educators in Chatham learn how to use the software and hardware available to them and how to incorporate technology into their lessons.
Outside of school, Erik enjoys zipping around town in his Ural sidecar motorcycle with his dog, Lily, and flying a Piper Aztec and Cirrus SR20 with his wife and daughters.
