Tim Southerland, technology coordinator for Hartselle City Schools, was honored with the coveted Making It Happen Award Oct. 2 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach during the Alabama Educational Technology Association’s (AETA) Fall Symposium,

Tim Southerland wears the coveted black Making It Happen jacket given to recipients of this award. | Special to the Enquirer

He received the award for contributions to the successful integration of technology and leadership in Alabama’s K-12 schools. Additionally, AETA provides a $1000 scholarship awarded to a student of Tim’s choice from his school system.

For 15 years, Southerland has been the sole technology staff member for Hartselle City Schools of over 3200 students. He tackled the monumental task to build a foundation by setting long and short term goals and diligently working to put them in place. Southerland applies technology right were we are now and encourages other educators to the do the same.

He works with what the systems has and many times makes it continue to work when the private sector would have thrown it out. He believes students are the main focus of his work. He is a diligent, hardworking, innovative communicator; amazing in what he accomplishes for staff and students.

While attending the AETA Fall Symposium, Southerland was honored by AETA, for his dedication to education, successful technology integration, and leadership to Alabama schools. The Making It Happen program has made a commitment to work with U.S., state and national organizations and conferences to identify individuals who are truly Making It Happen within their respective state or region and to recognize them publicly.

Successful integration of educational technology requires a common passion, initiative and pledge that can best be summarized by the Making It Happen Formula of Success.