Wisconsin Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council seeks to improve student achievement through the integration of educational technologies
Silver Spring, Md. (Feb. 28, 2008) – As an events coordinator for the Wisconsin Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council, Rita Mortenson of Verona Area School District organizes and encourages educators statewide to improve student achievement through the use of digital media and other educational technologies. Wisconsin is one of the first states to organize a statewide Leadership Council. Discovery Educator Network Leadership Councils support teachers integrating educational technologies into instruction with training events, webinars and regular communications on emerging technologies and education innovations.
“Discovery Education appreciates Rita for her leadership and hard work on the Wisconsin Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council,” said Scott Kinney, Discovery Education Vice President of Outreach and Professional Development. “In schools across the state, pressure is building for educators to grow the critical thinking and problem solving skills today’s students need to compete in a 21st century global workforce. Rita recognizes this trend and encourages teachers as they use educational technologies to improve student achievement.”
A strong advocate for the use of educational technology, Mortenson has been a member of the Wisconsin Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council since its inception. As an events coordinator, she works with other members across the nation to plan, organize and execute a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the year. The events aim to improve educators’ technology skills in the classroom through trainings and networking opportunities with other educators in the state. Mortenson has participated in numerous local and national events, including webinars, workshops and institutes. Her involvement in these events has enabled Mortenson to connect, collaborate and share resources with other educators. In addition, Mortenson facilitates professional development workshops on education technology for her district and various state conferences.
“Involvement in the Wisconsin Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my educational career,” said Mortenson. “Professional development opportunities offered by the Council have allowed me to grow as an educator, by learning from others, collaborating on projects, showcasing talents and acquiring knowledge of new technologies. After more than 20 years of teaching, I am still finding new ways to strengthen my abilities as an educator.”
Mortenson currently serves as educational technology coordinator for Verona Area High School. In addition, she is one of three business education instructors for the school. Responsible for the staff development and technology training of nearly 200 staff members and more than 1,400 students, Mortenson works to integrate technology into the classroom in a way that engages students and enhances learning. Furthermore, Mortenson is the yearbook production advisor, co-advisor for student council, and coordinator of homecoming and the annual blood drive.
“Students really respond to the use of technology because it’s consistent with the media-rich world they live in,” said Mortenson. “I have seen students who would otherwise not be engaged in a certain subject excel when working with technology. Students would like their voices to be heard, have the chance to learn from others outside their classroom and be an active participant in their own quest for knowledge.”
The Discovery Educator Network is a global community of educators who are excited by the power of digital media and want to collaborate and share resources with other educators. There are more than 26,000 active Discovery Educators across the world providing professional development to over 400,000 teachers.
To learn more about the Discovery Educator Network, visit http://community.discoveryeducation.com.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications revolutionized television with the Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the #1 non-fiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at http://www.discoveryeducation.com.
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For more information, contact:
-Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education, 240-662-2893 or stephen_wakefield@discovery.com
