Lakeville South’s Jason Just to Become a ‘Google Certified Teacher’

Lakeville South High School science teacher Jason Just is one of about 50 teachers from around the world taking part in a two-day seminar on how to use cutting-edge technology to better serve their students.

Just, who teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry and other courses at Lakeville South, is attending the Google Teacher Academy in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday. Teachers who complete the intensive training become “Google Certified Teachers.”

Here is a press release announcing Just’s entry into the program from Lakeville Area Public Schools:

Google has selected Lakeville South High School Science teacher Jason Just as an attendee at the next Google Teacher Academy, held in Chicago, Illinois on July 24, 2013.

The Google Teacher Academy is a two-day intensive program that recognizes educators who are doing innovative and exciting things in their classrooms with technology.  Approximately 50 participants will get hands-on experience with Google's products and technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, and receive resources to share with colleagues. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond.

Mr. Just is thrilled to be among those selected, stating "I am excited to take advantage of the learning opportunities and very thankful for the support and collaboration from my colleague throughout ISD194." To see Mr. Just's application video, click here.

Google Certified Teachers are exceptional K-12 educators with a passion for using innovative tools to improve teaching and learning, as well as creative leaders and ambassadors for change. They are recognized experts and widely admired for their commitment to high expectations for students, lifelong learning and collaboration.  Mr. Just was chosen as he exemplifies this passion and creativity, "My goal through the use of technology is to help increase student creativity, collaboration and problem solving abilities leading them to become better learners and creators."

The topic of integrating technology into education is a controversial yet vital conversation we all need to be having. If you are interested, Mr. Just would be thrilled to share their experience at the Google Teacher Academy with your readers.

The Google Certified Teacher program was launched in 2006 with the first Academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since held several academies across the US, Australia, and U.K., expanding the ranks of Google Certified Teachers to over 800 educators worldwide. The Google Teacher Academy is produced by Google, in collaboration with Computer-Using Educators (CUE, Inc), an educational non-profit organization.

BECOMING A 'GOOGLE CERTIFIED TEACHER"'

Here is information about the GCT program from the Google website:

Educators who attend a Google Teacher Academy become Google Certified Teachers (GCTs). GCTs are:
• Outstanding educators with a passion for using innovative technologies and approaches to improve teaching and learning.
• Creative leaders who understand opportunities and challenges, and have a desire to help empower others in their local community and beyond.
• Ambassadors for change who model high expectations, life-long learning, collaboration, equity, and innovation.

After the GTA, GCTs are expected to:
• Develop a "Personal Action Plan" outlining a project they will complete.
• Lead at least three local professional development activities over the course of 12 months.
• Successfully deploy one school on to Google Apps for Education.
• Actively participate in the GCT online community.
• Share the impact of their work with other Google Certified Teachers through mid-year and end-of-year reflection.

In addition to two free days of training, GCTs get:
• Access to the GCT Online Community.
• Opportunities to give feedback to Google on educational uses of tools.
• Invitations to join Google at special events.
• The right to post the GCT web badge on their website or blog.