Microsoft PIL Continues to make dreams come true!

 

Those that know me, know that teaching is one of my passions! I’ve been playing school and teaching since I was about 8 years old. I’ve taught 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades. This year I made the jump to middle school and am teaching 7^th grade English. My passion for teaching is as strong now as that first year that I got hired – 24 years ago.

Three years ago, I was in the right place at the right time, and was able to embark on an adventure that changed my teaching life! Little did I know that the experience that I had would continue to change the way that I teach on a daily basis, and then provide me with another experience of a lifetime.

Microsoft Partners in Learning makes teachers feel important! The Microsoft Education group understands how to support teachers and provide the resources and morale building that keeps us going. In July, 2011 I was invited to be a participant in the Microsoft Partners in Learning U.S. Forum in Redmond, Washington. As stated earlier, the week that I spent at the Microsoft Headquarters changed my life. I met new people, networked with teachers from around the U.S. and formed connections with Microsoft Education executives. I returned feeling like I could conquer the teaching world, armed with new ideas of how to integrate technology into the classroom, and looking forward to continuing the relationships that I formed at the Forum. 

Fast forward three years…

I am definitely a changed teacher. I have challenged myself, set goals and achieved them, and found new dreams that I am reaching for. I have become an innovative teacher, a teacher always on the lookout for new technology tools and ways to integrate them into the classroom. Upon returning from Redmond in 2011, I set up a Twitter account and have continued to connect with many of the educators that I met in 2011, while also finding a whole new world of connected educators that can offer support and ideas.

I have remained in contact with the Microsoft Executives that I met, including Andrew Ko (GM of Microsoft Partners in Learning), and formed new relationships with local Microsoft Executives. I am continually amazed by the support of the Microsoft Corporation and their commitment to education. During the 2012-13 school year, I partnered with Microsoft and Dell and created a 1:1 computer classroom. In spring of 2013, my class was invited to the local Microsoft Store in Tysons Corner, VA for a field trip to share projects and experience firsthand some of the newest Microsoft technology. The Microsoft Store Staff went WAY above and beyond to make that day in May, a day that my fourth grade students would NEVER forget. Again, teaching and education is important to Microsoft!! 

Upon hearing that Microsoft Education was launching a new Expert Educator program, I was encouraged by those around me to apply to become a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE). I was excited to begin the application process, which involved a lot of self-reflecting and analysis of how I am a teacher that uses technology in innovative ways. Through that application process, I learned even more about myself and became even more excited about what I do in my classroom. I submitted the application with a project that I had done with my fourth grade students, unsure of the results, but knowing just from the application process I had again grown as an educator. 

About a week ago, I found out that I was selected as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert – class of 2014. I was shocked! 

The list of about 260 educators from around the world reads like the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. I am going to be one of 26 United States educators traveling to the Microsoft Global Forum in Barcelona, Spain in March of 2014. I am a member of “Team USA.” It’s still a little surreal, and hard to believe that someone thinks that I am one of the best.

I can’t believe that I am going to get another experience of a lifetime. Microsoft treats teachers like Rock Stars! (Here is the blog post that I did in 2011, upon returning from the 2011 Microsoft PIL Forum) I am so excited to be part of this great community that will come together in March to share ideas and learn about innovative technology.  It’s only been 7 days, but already I’m reconnecting with familiar faces from 2011, and meeting new ones. This global community is amazing, and I can’t wait to meet these people face to face in Barcelona.

I am so excited about this experience, and so proud to represent my school - Blue Ridge Middle School, my district - Loudoun County Public Schools and the state of Virginia on the Global stage in Barcelona, in March!

Thank you Microsoft Partners in Learning for caring about teachers, and providing opportunities to network and learn from educators around the world!!