Creating a Supportive Environment Teachers bear the greatest burden in a school's effort to effectively integrate technology, yet many schools or districts do not offer incentives for using technology. Requirements for covering curriculum standards may make some teachers approach new technologies and methods with a little trepidation. There are strategies school leaders can use, however, to create a supportive environment that provides rewards for teachers who make the effort to experiment with and integrate new technologies. Examples of Administrative Support Materials. Give teachers software or hardware, such as laptops or digital cameras, on completion of training to encourage greater return on your training investment. Hardware can be owned by the school but the benefit of greater teacher access outside the classroom will increase familiarity and promote integration. Release time. Provide release time for training, study, or developing technology-based lessons. Teachers with greater proficiency may earn release time for serving as a mentor or coach to others. Stipends. If tight calendars make release time impossible, plan and budget for stipends as incentives. Indirect financial support. Schools can provide part or all of training costs for teachers. Further incentives occur if this training leads to credit towards recertification or an advanced degree. Professional travel. Provide funds for conference and symposium attendance. Schools further benefit if attendees return and share what they have seen and learned at these professional gatherings. Acknowledgment. Recognize teachers who excel in integrating technology into their learning environments and activities. Celebrate their success at faculty meetings, awards ceremonies, school board meetings, the local press, or on print- or Web-based school communications.