Roland O'Daniel

“I’m excited about helping educators to see the big picture—how the whole instructional process fits together.”
 
Aiming for a career in computer science, Roland started out by studying engineering as an undergraduate at the University of Louisville’s Speed Scientific School. Encouraged by his mother, a local school principal, he decided instead to try teaching math and science, and was quickly hooked by the opportunity to integrate technology into instruction—which he did as mathematics department chair at Louisville’s academically acclaimed Saint Xavier High School, and continues to do for CTL clients and partners as a mentor coach in the Striving Readers, Kentucky Mathematics and Science Partnership, and Regional Education Laboratory (REL)-Appalachia algebra projects. At St. X, Roland also taught pre-calculus, algebra and a special supplemental mathematics programs that gave highly motivated students access to higher level classes.

He has designed and implemented hands-on and experiential learning programs for students in math, as well as professional development that enables other teachers to use these curricula. In a project funded by the Louisville Nature Center, Roland’s math students monitored water quality and helped clear this local wetland of non-native plant species. With faculty at the University of Louisville, he helped pioneer student-centered investigative learning in geometry. Roland has also developed teaching strategies that encourage students to manipulate and visualize algebraic concepts.

Doing double-duty as CTL's Instructional Technology Coordinator, he applies his expertise in web design and instructional uses of Web 2.0 tools to all CTL projects, with particular focus on distance learning and virtual coaching and support. Roland has developed and implemented computer training for new and advanced users, including employees at Louisville’s General Electric Appliance Park, and received a grant from the Aegon Corporation to implement an interactive website in algebra classrooms. He is currently working toward his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Louisville.

At St. X, Roland coached volleyball and nationally ranked swimming and cross-country teams to a combined seven state championships. He lives in Louisville with his wife and four daughters, and enjoys spending time with his family at the river, and playing volleyball with his wife.

• Member, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, Kentucky Council for Teachers of Mathematics, American Educational Research Association and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
• Master of Arts in Teaching, Spalding University, Louisville, Kentucky
• Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and History, University of Louisville