about

I know firsthand how technology enhances instruction, builds curiosity and context, and makes content relevant for today’s kids - specifically in Social Studies classrooms.  I'm on a mission to share this knowledge with other educators so we can 'do' history better. ​That is what inspired me to pursue a spot in the Google for Education Certified Innovator Program. In the Fall of 2017 I traveled to Sydney, Australia where I joined a cohort of educators from around the globe.

My Story

In the spring of 2017, co-workers of my Instructional Technology team starting getting their Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 certifications. I didn't really know what that was, so what did I do? I Googled it. I learned, "If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, this certification proves your proficiency." So I thought, yep, that's me, I signed up and earned those certifications. On the same page was something called a Certified Trainer, and after reading the process of becoming one, I said, "Nope, not today!" (However, I may see this in my future.) And the last option was a Certified Innovator.  The overview said, "True change is driven by innovative leaders. ​Become a Certified Innovator and join a community of passionate educators designing creative solutions to the world's toughest challenges in education." 

These words resonated with me because I feel like my Mesquite ISD Instructional Technology team is doing just this. We each have our strengths and passions and push each other to drive transformation in our district. I think we're on to something in Mesquite. Google says candidates for the Innovator program are selected for  "...their potential impact on other educators. They are ambassadors for change who empower other educators and students through a thriving innovation culture within their own classrooms, schools and organizations."
So with my Go Big or Go Home attitude, I applied for the Washington, D.C. cohort. My claim was simple: ​​
"Throughout the years, instruction in Social Studies classrooms has evolved like the neanderthal. With technology, teachers have endless options to make their content exciting, meaningful, and relevant, but too few leverage what's readily available to make it happen. My vision is to create a space for teachers that pulls this technology together, provide the best instructional practices for the classroom, and give teachers the opportunity to network with fellow educators teaching similar content." 
On June 6, 2017, I received an email stating I wan't accepted. So, I chose to fail forward and go back to the drawing board to fine-tune and expand on what I really have a passion for. ​​Here's my updated vision video:
"Instruction in Social Studies classrooms has evolved like the neanderthal. I want to take old teaching methods and make them history. With technology, I want to make their content exciting, meaningful, relevant and then share their transformation stories."

Then I was chosen.

In August 2017, I attended the Google Certified Innovator Academy in Sydney, Australia. The best way to describe it was attending the best, most challenging and thought provoking professional development I've ever attended. We went through the design thinking process to dig into, develop, and iterate on our projects. I flew home without a clear vision on what I'd be working on for the next year. On top of that, it was very difficult to fine time to dive back into my project while trying to balance my full-time job. But thankfully, with the help of friends' conversations, something clicked.
​Learn more about my project here. 

Check out this feature piece!