Annette Sapp, who serves as technology integration specialist for the Daviess County Public Schools district, has earned the designation as a Google for Education Certified Trainer. She is the first member of the DCPS team to achieve this honor is one of only 21 individuals in Kentucky who have earned certification as a Google education instructor.
“My desire to undertake this journey to become a Google for Education Certified Trainer was driven by my love for helping educators redefine student learning by integrating the Google Apps, as well as other technology, effectively in their classrooms,” Sapp said. “In addition, I wanted to grow as a trainer and coach by collaborating with other certified trainers and gain access to invaluable Google resources that I can share with the educators of Daviess County Public Schools.”
Sapp and fellow technology integration specialist Aaron Yeiser will represent DCPS at the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education conference in Louisville next month, and at the International Society for Technology in Education conference in Chicago in June, presenting “Google Slides and Drawings for Collaboration and Peer Feedback.”
DCPS Computer Operations manager Steve Burton said, “In classrooms all across the DCPS district, teachers are using Google’s educational tools to enhance instruction. Annette’s achievement of Google Certified Instructor will give teachers an incredible resource right in our district to make the most of those tools.”
According to Google for Education program manager David Chen, the certified trainer program is part of the overall professional development platform offered by Google to help schools effectively implement Google in the classroom. In notifying Sapp of her certification, Chen said, “The Certified Trainer training and exams ensure that candidates have the skills to support, plan, and implement professional development for teachers on Google tools. Through two themes – Create and Deliver Inspiring and Effective Training Plans, and Help Educators Use Transformative Google Technologies – certified trainers develop mentorship mindsets and coaching practices that will help educators redefine teaching and learning with technology.”
Chen said Google for Education is proud to recognize Sapp’s dedication to supporting teacher professional growth. “In education, strong professional development leaders are needed to help educators integrate technology into classroom teaching,” Chen said. “It’s inspiring how Annette Sapp has stepped into this role and inspired faculty to learn more about technology for education.”
Among the resources and tools provided through the Google Education suite are Google Drive, Documents, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Groups, Hangouts, Calendars, Tasks and Sites – all of which offer engaging, efficient and innovative ways to communicate and collaborate to facility high-level teaching and learning.
Sapp and Yeiser recent hosted a Google Bootcamp for the DCPS district on Jan. 27 and Feb. 4. Since those trainings, 14 DCPS educators have earned designation as Level 1 Google Certified Educators:
- Lisa Clark
- Whitney Matthews
- Mason Head
- Allie Head
- Lauren Fitzmaurice
- Alison Christ
- April Yonts
- Kelsey Settles
- Stacey Schepers
- Teresa Smith
- Andrea Head
- Jacob Bryant
- Laura Bryant
- Jennifer Baird
The newly certified educators bring the district total to 29 Level 1 Google Certified Educators. Others who have achieved Level 1 Google Certified Educator designation are:
- Tony Sparks
- Robin McClimore
- Tim Hicks
- Laurie Campbell
- Mendy Rue
- Sarah Velotta
- Whitney Haynes
- Amber Thompson
- Becky Hunter
- Michelle Ruckdeschel
- Josh Scherrer
- Brittany Dukes
- Gina Dailey
- Barney Hall
- Patrick Hittson
The following DCPS educators have achieved designation as Level 2 Google Certified Educators:
- Melissa Embry
- Melissa Shoulta
- Scott Morgan
- Aaron Yeiser
- Annette Sapp
- Katelyn West
- Teresa Perkins
