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Sunday, June 29, 2014

Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Collaboration between companies + school district = Connected educators

Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Collaboration between companies + school district = Connected educators:



Collaboration between companies + school district = Connected educators

Are you gaga over Google? Do you think Microsoft is magnificent? Do you excel at using Edmodo? Do you think PBS is the perfect platform for digital media content?

Wouldn’t it be great to find others in your district using the same tools as you? Wouldn’t it be great to have a direct connection to the people who work at the companies of the very resources you are using for teaching and learning? 

As reported in the Wall Street Journal this week and this press release from the NYC Department of Education's press office this has become a reality for NYC Department of Education teachers.  

As part of Chancellor Carmen Farina’s commitment to integrate more technology into classrooms a series of innovative summer courses for teachers will be offered so that teachers are equipped to ensure students graduate from New York City public schools with the digital skills they need to succeed.

The program will connect educators who want to become power users of various resources they are already using with like-minded educators across the district as well as provide a direct company contact.  The purpose of doing this is to grow expertise across the district  in various areas. Once these “Power-Users” are developed and supported they will serve as area experts who can be visited and can provide expertise, professional development, and support to others interested in following the same journey.  


Educators can apply for any of the following opportunities (launch dates): 
·         Microsoft Innovative Educator (July 7)
·         Google Educator (July 8)
·         Graphite Accelerated Educator (July 9)
·         PBS Learning Media Digital Integrator (July 16)
·         SMART Exemplary Educator (July 17)
·         Edmodo Certified Trainer (July 23)


For years, educators have wanted to know who else in their district is doing what they’re doing. But there was no system in place for teachers to connect in both face-to-face and in online communities while taking advantage of what their Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Collaboration between companies + school district = Connected educators: