Charmaine Thompson has joined Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) as the new Chief of Instructional Technology. Thompson oversees the technology department and helps to manage the school system’s technology infrastructure. With an extensive background in technology and education, Thompson brings experience in supporting students and staff with advanced digital tools.
Thompson joined CCPS in July and said she is committed to providing students with the technology and programs necessary to maximize student engagement and achievement.
“I am excited to join the Charles County Public Schools family. My goal is to create an instructional technology vision that will foster a seamless integration of technology into the county’s teaching and learning environments, and to enhance teachers’ innovative uses of technology in order to better prepare our students for the 21st century,” Thompson said.
Also assisting Thompson in supporting the technology needs of CCPS students and staff is Lora Bennett, who was recently named as the Executive Director of IT Strategy. Bennett has worked for the school system for more than 20 years. Her vision for technology access is one in which students and staff have the tools necessary to achieve success.
“I have helped to make significant changes to our department’s approach to technology support for the school system. At the core of the changes has been my belief that we need to provide access to technology resources that enables all students and staff to work and learn efficiently,” Bennett said.
Prior to joining CCPS Thompson worked for the U.S. Department of Labor as a chief learning officer, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the team lead for the Instructional Design and Development Team within the FAA Leadership and Learning Institute. She worked for three years as an instructional systems specialist with the Department of Defense Media Activity, Defense Information School, and served as the interim director of instructional technology and distance education with the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering for one year.
Thompson began her teaching career in technology as a computer science teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools in 2001. She later transitioned to a position in 2005 as the director of academic technology with Sidwell Friends Middle School in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Thompson has served for nine years as an online adjunct instructor with Kaplan University instructing software applications and introduction to web design courses.
She has a bachelor’s degree in business education with a concentration in information technology from East Carolina University, and master’s degree in education and human development with a concentration in educational technology leadership from The George Washington University. Thompson has also completed coursework toward a doctorate degree in educational technology leadership with Walden University.
Bennett was the CCPS director of customer experience in technology for one year and previously served as the IT manager for the school system for 11 years. She was an integral part in the launch and implementation of the school system’s move to Microsoft Office 365.
She also served as a systems administrator for five years, and computer and mathematics teacher both at Thomas Stone High and Benjamin Stoddert Middle schools. Additionally, she has served as the technology committee chair for the past 15 years and helped to develop the school system’s technology plan.
Bennett is a consultant to Mathematica Policy Research as a senior security advisor on projects for the U.S. Department of Labor. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and has chaired the test development committee for the Southern Maryland Computer Bowl for the past 10 years.
She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a secondary education minor from James Madison University, and a master’s degree in management information systems from the University of Maryland.