Gary L. Ackerman has taught in Vermont schools since graduating with an undergraduate degree in science education from the University of Vermont in 1988.  Over the years, his teaching responsibilities have included science, math, and information technology, primarily for middle school and high school students.  In addition, Gary served for a short time as the technology coordinator for a supervisory union.  Currently, Gary is the information technology teacher and technology coordinator for the West Rutland School, a K-12 school enrolling just under 400 students.  His responsibilities include teaching full time, administering the network, serving as the technician, and providing professional development and leadership in the area of educational technology. 

Throughout his career, Gary has held a variety of leadership positions, including interdisciplinary team leader and chair person of numerous curriculum and technology committees. In addition, Gary sat on the board of directors for a state-wide educational technology organization. Currently, Gary serves on the Technology Committee of the New England League of Middle Schools.  Gry's leadership is also demonstraed in his work teaching teachers.  He has taught graduate courses and in-service workshops since 1996, and he is a frequent presenter at educational conferences throughout New England.

As a computer using teacher for almost 20 years, Gary has extensive experience with many models of technology integration and with many computer platforms.  In recent months, Gary has led a project to upgrade the Windows network at WRS (from NT to 2003) and Gary has led an initiative to understand the role of Linux and other open source software as a viable option for schools and to experiment with the integration of Linux into academic computing.

In 2000, Gary earned a masters of arts in education from Castleton State College. His thesis research focused on technology planning in the schools in Bennington and Rutland Counties and his graduate studies included significant work using qualitative research methods to study technology in schools. Currently, Gary is a doctor of philosophy in education student at Northcentral University, an online university.  Gary anticipates beginning his dissertation before the end of the 2007-2008 school year.