PERSONA: TEACHING DIGITAL LITERACY
MACKENZIE KIBBY
ELIZABETH "LIZ" MATTHEWS
Age: 45
Role: Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Experience: 20 years of teaching
Location: Exurban Catholic school in central Ohio
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
Family Status: Married with two children, aged 12 and 16
CULTURAL BELIEFS & IDENTITY
Liz teaches in a Catholic school, so faith-based principles of respect, responsibility, and community shape her teaching philosophy.
As a mother, Liz values a strong work-life balance and seeks to model positive family values for her students.
She believes strongly in contributing to her school’s tight-knit community, frequently participating in school events.
ATTITUDES TOWARD LEARNING
Liz is open to learning new techniques but is somewhat cautious about unfamiliar or rapidly changing technologies.
Liz appreciates learning experiences that respect her time and prefers quick sessions over lengthy discussions.
She is most motivated by learning opportunities that can improve her students’ outcomes and help them engage more deeply with content.
GOALS & MOTIVATIONS
Liz is motivated to refine her teaching practices, especially to better integrate technology into her classroom.
She aims to find ways to manage her career and personal life effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
Liz strives to create engaging lessons that resonate with her students, keeping them interested in their subjects while also nurturing their emotional and spiritual development.
LEARNING PREFERENCES
She prefers practical, hands-on learning experiences where she can immediately apply what she’s learned.
Liz appreciates clear, well-organized training sessions with actionable takeaways, ideally offered in short bursts or blended learning formats.
She enjoys learning in small groups with colleagues, where she can share experiences and strategies.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Liz values the relationships she has with her colleagues and seeks collaborative professional development opportunities.
With a busy personal life, Liz needs support in managing her professional responsibilities while maintaining time for herself and her family.
She feels valued when her experience and contributions to the school community are recognized.