Westonka Teacher to Become Google Certified at Google Teacher Academy

Sue Simonson, technology integrationist for the Westonka School District, is one of only 50 educators from around the globe selected by Google to attend the Google Teacher Academy, which takes place July 24 in Chicago.

“I have built a network that I learn from and share my ideas with,” Simonson said. “What is extremely exciting to me about attending the Google Teacher Academy is that I have added 50 top-notch educators from around the world to my PLN.”

Simonson played an integral role in introducing Google Apps for Education to Mound Westonka High School in 2009. Since becoming technology integrationist, she has launched Google Apps for the entire district.

The Google Teacher Academy is a two-day intensive program that recognizes educators who are doing innovative and exciting things in their classrooms with technology. The 50 participants will get hands-on experience with Google's products and technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies and receive resources to share with colleagues.

“I am very passionate about the integration of technology in the 21st century classroom, and I believe every minute of conference will focus on this topic,” Simonson said. “I am extremely excited to work with the other individuals in this new learning community.”

Upon completion, Google Teacher Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers, who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond.

Simonson explained that it is difficult to stay on top of the latest educational tools and applications since they change so rapidly, which is why she relies on face-to-face and online collaboration with her Personal Learning Network (PLN).

“The ideas and concepts I learn will help Westonka TILT and myself lead the faculty of our district to personalize learning for our students and embed 21st Century Skills into our curriculum,” Simonson added. “I can’t wait to share what I learn with my team!”

“Receiving the honor of being selected as a Google Certified Teacher affirms Sue's expert work with Westonka staff on using Google as a primary teaching tool in the classroom,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Mark Femrite said.

“This award embodies Sue’s passion for technology and how it can be harnessed to engage students in the learning process and to deepen their learning experience,” Femrite added. “It supports our district focus on ensuring all Westonka students are college and career ready.”

Simonson submitted a one-minute video on the topic of “Positive Change in My Community” as part of her application for the Academy. The video highlights the recent Westonka Tech Academy, which was led by Simonson and TILT in June. Watch the video here: http://goo.gl/8hf34.

About Google Certified Teacher

The Google Certified Teacher program was launched in 2006, with the first Academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since held several academies across the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, expanding the ranks of Google Certified Teachers to over 800 educators worldwide. The Google Teacher Academy is produced by Google, in collaboration with Computer-Using Educators (CUE, Inc), an educational non-profit organization.

Google Certified Teachers are exceptional K-12 educators with a passion for using innovative tools to improve teaching and learning, as well as creative leaders and ambassadors for change. They are recognized experts and widely admired for their commitment to high expectations for students, lifelong learning and collaboration.