Apple Distinguished Educator

I am thrilled to announce I have been selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator in the Class of 2013. I realize, and respect, that being selected for this award would not have been possible without the great efforts of all the people I work with daily. So, a public thank you to all for making this award possible.

The application periods vary by regions. In North America, the application process opened in November and closed January 15th. After submitting an application that consisted of answering several questions and creating a short video, the wait is finally over. I've been selected!

The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Program began in 1994, when Apple recognized K-12 and higher education pioneers who are using a variety of Apple products to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways. Today it has grown into a worldwide community of over 2,000 visionary educators and innovative leaders who are doing amazing things with technology in and out of the classroom.

Apple Distinguished Educators (ADEs) are part of a global community of education leaders recognized for doing amazing things with Apple technology in and out of the classroom. They explore new ideas, seek new paths, and embrace new opportunities. That includes working with each other — and with Apple — to bring the freshest, most innovative ideas to students everywhere.

The community of Apple Distinguished Educators has been amazing already. On the day of the announcement I had many new twitter followers and invitations to professional development events current and past ADEs are running. They certainly are a welcoming group.

So, I'll be headed to Austin this summer to participate in the Apple Distinguished Educator Institute. There I will have the opportunity to meet innovative educators and learn amazing things as I participate in a week chock full of professional development, content creation and collaboration. Austin, here I come.