Microsoft announces Expert Educators and Mentor Schools

Microsoft announces Expert Educators and Mentor Schools

Educators and schools recognised as global leaders in using technology to transform education

11 November 2013 - Auckland - Microsoft New Zealand is proud to announce that Theresa Bosch from Baradene College and Steve Martin from Howick College have been selected to take part in its Expert Educator program.  Baradene College has also been selected to take part in the Mentor Schools Program. Members of both programs will become part of an exclusive one-year initiative that recognizes pioneer educators and school leaders using technology to transform education.

“Microsoft Expert Educators and Mentor schools are inspiring examples of how individuals and schools are using technology to prepare their students for the 21st Century,” commented Paul Muckleston, Managing Director of Microsoft NZ.

“Not only are they doing innovative work in the classroom, but they are actively mentoring others and creating change within their own education systems. They set an outstanding example for their peers and we hope that they will benefit from the access to technology that they receive as part of Microsoft’s on-going programs.”

Every year, the Expert Educator program selects 250 educators to be part of an exclusive global community of educational leaders who use technology to positively impact learning and student outcomes. To be selected, educators undergo a rigorous application process, which includes an online application, learning activity and video. They are required to create a learning activity and a two-three minute non-professionally produced video that describes their project and how they used technology and innovative teaching practices to impact student outcomes. The winners are selected by a worldwide group of judges who used broad criteria that assess the educators’ evidence of learning, collaboration, knowledge construction and critical thinking among other things.     

Expert Educators and Mentor Schools work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education, advocating and sharing their experiences on effective use of technology in education with peers and policy makers. In addition, they mentor other educators and help train them in education technologies and on the use of Microsoft products and tools.

To be considered for Mentor status or as an Expert Educator, schools and educators must demonstrate a commitment to innovation and the ability to overcome obstacles in preparing students to be 21st century learners. Schools are selected based on a record of educational success, community leadership and successful school management. Educators are selected based on their innovation, leadership skills and effective use of technology for better learning and student outcomes.
Expert Educators and Mentor Schools receive a range of benefits including: 

• An invitation to attend the Microsoft in Education Global Forum, Barcelona taking place in March 2014
• Free Surface devices for their schools
• Insider access to Microsoft strategy and technologies
• Professional and career development opportunities and certifications including peer coaching

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as one of Microsoft’s Expert Educators!”, commented Steve Martin. “I look forward to making the most of the mentoring and learning opportunities that are now available to me, as well as being able to connect with like-minded educators at the Microsoft in Education Global Forum. Being a Microsoft Expert Educator will help me to increase learning outcomes for my students, as well as drive technology in education on a global stage.”

“Being selected as a Microsoft Mentor School is an amazing honour for our school and will inspire us as a learning community,” commented Theresa Bosch at Baradene College. “We look forward to using this community to help us better prepare our students for the world of work, as well as sharing our experiences with schools around the world.” I’m also thrilled to have been selected as one of Microsoft’s Expert Educators and look forward to the experience.

Find more information on Expert Educators and Mentor Schools.

ENDS

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