The Google Teacher Academy just announced the list of teachers accepted to become Google Certified Teachers. I am extremely proud to say that my name was on the list! The journey to become a #GCT has taken me down a long, hard road. My first exposure to the Google Teach Academy came when I was taking a Google Apps class in 2010. I knew that I needed to do some work before applying to become part of such a prestigious group. I could sense that Google Apps was a tool for the new century, I talked my IT Director into helping me launch Google Apps on a small scale. I began using the tools in my 8th grade computer application class the following month. Now I've become the technology integrationist for my district and Google Apps has been launched K-12.
I came to the Westonka district in 2006 and have always endeavored to add new technologies to my district and my business education department. I added classes in programming (Visual BASIC .net, Alice and C), game programming and web design. I organized a Best Buy Geek Squad Summer Academy for girls. 80 girls from grades 6-12 participated in the three day event. The students took classes on computer build, web site design, networking and graphic design. Girls got comfortable with technology and had tons of fun doing it, which was really the goal! I also started infusing technology into a large DECA chapter that I co-advise with two other teachers. My first video application submitted in June of 2011 focused on those activities.
When the time came to receive my email notification, I was saddened that I wasn’t accepted. The email lacked feedback of any kind. Teachers NEED feedback. I wasn’t sure what I had done wrong - the video - the questions - not enough experience? My next application focused on the fact that I had started the first Chromebook pilot in Minnesota with an English teacher in my district. Our Chromebook journey was a successful one! My second video application reflected that.
Once again I received the email that said thanks for applying, but you didn’t make it. However, I did receive an email later that said, “you were so close to getting in, please apply again!” My hopes were high. This time I focused on the highlight of my career - our districts’ first annual Westonka Tech Academy. WTA is a two-day tech academy for teachers taught by teachers. It was a success and my video highlighted that.
And yet for a third time, I received what had come to be called “the” Google email in my house. My hopes were dashed, but I knew this was something that I had earned, and I decided it was worth the humiliation and effort to keep trying. I’ve told so many people that I “drank the Google kool-aid” and I was hooked on the applications and opportunities Google afforded educators. Four days before the Chicago application was due, my tech team and I finished up our second annual Westonka Tech Academy. We took survey results from the prior year and made adjustments to make year two bigger and better than ever. My video for #GTAChi was a reflection of the pride that I have in putting that event together!
After two years and four attempts, I had done it! I was accepted to #GTAChi. I tweeted a statement similar to that right after I found out. Brent Catlett, a new member of my PLN, responded with one of my favorite hastags - #perseverance! That’s what I had done. I had persevered! Many of my students and my two children knew of my journey to become a Google Certified Teacher. They knew that I had tried and failed. I was proud to show them that hard work and determination can pay off.
It’s crazy where this 21st Century Journey has taken me. I am excited to meet the 50 people in my #GCT cohort. I know they are going to challenge, inspire and push me. I am privileged to be part of this group. I will learn from them, they will learn from me and we will all grow on our Google Journey.
