Alyssa Tormala
Instructional Designer | Professional Learning Specialist
I am an innovative lawyer-turned-educator who lives by the philosophy "What could you do if you knew you could not fail?"
From practicing employment law to leaping joyfully into the classroom to boldly coaching school communities through digital and hybrid learning, my journey has been a colorful exploration of how people learn, work together, and solve problems. My recent years as a school leader in charge of professional learning, particularly during COVID-19, have allowed me to hone my ability to foster systemic change and encourage individual growth and exploration.
After over 15 years in education, I look forward to exploring new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Let’s connect!
From practicing employment law to leaping joyfully into the classroom to boldly coaching school communities through digital and hybrid learning, my journey has been a colorful exploration of how people learn, work together, and solve problems. My recent years as a school leader in charge of professional learning, particularly during COVID-19, have allowed me to hone my ability to foster systemic change and encourage individual growth and exploration.
- I believe in the power of design thinking, and that successful people or programs celebrate the discomfort that leads to growth.
- I believe that learning systems—whether logistical, technological, or pedagogical—should be designed to remove obstacles, foster curiosity, and engage creativity.
- I believe that deep learning results from timely connections, hands-on experience, engaged conversations, and close collaboration—all of which can be fostered either in person or online.
- I believe that technology—when used wisely, efficiently, and creatively—can make an enormous difference in connecting people and ideas.
- I believe in a balanced approach of practicality, efficiency, collaboration, and creativity when managing both people and programs, and that great leaders put people in the right places to do their best work, then remove obstacles so they can shine.
After over 15 years in education, I look forward to exploring new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Let’s connect!
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Video Tutorials
Clip That! Video collection: Check out this collection of fun quick tips for ed-tech tools
Tips for Back-To-School Night Videos (2021): Made with Loom
Adding a Front Page Template to your Canvas Course (2021): Made with Loom
Tips for Back-To-School Night Videos (2021): Made with Loom
Adding a Front Page Template to your Canvas Course (2021): Made with Loom
Published Articles and Blog Posts
"Finding the Right Balance in Tech Use" (Tormala), Edutopia, April 10, 2018.
"Keynote is just a slide creator...isn't it?" (Tormala) EdTechTeam, Jan 2018.
"Getting Girls into STEM: The Power of Blended (and All-Female) Instruction". (Tormala) EdSurge, March 21, 2017.
"Confronting the Abominable Snow Day". (Gilbert & Tormala) Edutopia, Feb. 2017.
"Video Interviews with iPads: The Power of Mobile Technology". (Tormala) EdTechTeam, Jan 2017.
"Discomfort, Growth, and Innovation." (Tormala) Edutopia, Oct. 2016.
"5 Epiphanies on Learning in a 1:1 iPad Classroom." (Tormala) Edutopia, July 2014.
"Keynote is just a slide creator...isn't it?" (Tormala) EdTechTeam, Jan 2018.
"Getting Girls into STEM: The Power of Blended (and All-Female) Instruction". (Tormala) EdSurge, March 21, 2017.
"Confronting the Abominable Snow Day". (Gilbert & Tormala) Edutopia, Feb. 2017.
"Video Interviews with iPads: The Power of Mobile Technology". (Tormala) EdTechTeam, Jan 2017.
"Discomfort, Growth, and Innovation." (Tormala) Edutopia, Oct. 2016.
"5 Epiphanies on Learning in a 1:1 iPad Classroom." (Tormala) Edutopia, July 2014.