Director of Technology streamlines campus connections

Over the past couple of years, FC has undergone a process of becoming a more technology based school. Students in 5th-12th grade are required to bring a device to class, such as a laptop or tablet, to work on homework, communicate with teachers and occasionally partake in tests or quizzes.

One of the staff members on campus who plays a significant role in this transition is Director of Technology, Robert Hyatt. Before coming to FC, Hyatt worked at California State University Fresno as the Residential Living Coordinator for the Wayfinders program. Through this program, he assisted students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“I taught these students how to use technology to enhance their lives and develop independence,” Hyatt said. “They learned to use computers and smartphones to create shopping lists, manage their bank accounts, create and manage passwords and maintain privacy while online.”

After hearing about an open position from Superintendent Jeremy Brown, Hyatt joined FC to be a part of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program and deal with Internet technology on campus.

“I started at FCS in September of 2014,” Hyatt said. “I then met with David Martens, my predecessor, about the job and was very excited about the opportunity and the challenges of working in a K-12 environment and continuing the BYOD roll-out. I am officially the Director of Technology. I am also on the administration team which makes decisions that affect the whole school. I manage the school websites, PowerSchool, our student information system, and Schoology, our teacher-student communication portal.”

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Although Hyatt is able to maintain an organized routine, everyday brings new challenges. With so many varying aspects to his job description, flexibility is required.

“Every day is different, I start the day by creating a to do list of what needs to be done based on what I didn’t get done the day before. This may include emails or technology service requests that I receive,” Hyatt said. “I then go through the list and also respond to technology service requests throughout the day as emergencies occur.”

I have always had a love for technology and the newest gadget. I guess it started when I was 10 and we got the original Macintosh computer for the house. I learned the basics of how a computer worked and then took as many classes in high school as I could, there were only three classes that used computers back then and one of them was a typing class. –Robert Hyatt

Not only does this profession require adaptability, it also calls for drive and self-motivation. The list of tasks is continual and many of them require Hyatt’s undivided attention.

“The hardest part of my job is always knowing there is more to do,” Hyatt said. “I push myself to get everything done every day, respond to every email and solve every issue but I find that some issues require more time or I simply run out of time in the day to do them. I love the daily challenge and there are times that the day goes perfectly and everything on my list gets done, that’s when I find a new challenge.”

Although the occupation brings its challenges, Hyatt also finds it fulfilling. A lot of this has to do with the environment this school offers.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the people I work with,” Hyatt said. “I get to work everyday with creative, intelligent, dedicated followers of Christ who truly love what they do and love the students they see everyday.”

Besides enjoying the people he works with, Hyatt is able to work in a field that he has loved since a young age.

“I have always had a love for technology and the newest gadget,” Hyatt said. “I guess it started when I was 10 and we got the original Macintosh computer for the house. I learned the basics of how a computer worked and then took as many classes in high school as I could, there were only three classes that used computers back then and one of them was a typing class.”

Hyatt also is able to work close with his wife Melissa Hyatt. They also have two children, a daughter and son, and although they do not attend FC, the family still finds ways to spend time together.

“My wife is the Assistant Director of Kids Inc, a before and after school program and Transitional Kindergarten program here on the campus of Peoples Church,” Hyatt said. “We have two kids, one girl, 16, and one boy, 13. My daughter is a sophomore at Clovis West and my son is in 7th grade at Kastner Intermediate. My son plays on a traveling soccer team so we spend many weekends traveling throughout California as a family. When we are not traveling we love just hanging out together at home.”

Hyatt looks to continue integrating technology into the school while also involving himself in a career he loves.

This writer can be reacher via Twitter: @_olivialoren_ or via email: Olivia Quebe.

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