SLPS Teachers Recognized as Microsoft Innovator Educator Experts for 2020-21 & First MIE Fellow Announced to Represent St. Lucie
Julia Hilburn and Laurie Boyer, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) educators, have been selected as 2020-21 Microsoft Innovator Educator (MIE) Experts for the second year in a row. Joining them are three new MIE Experts for the 2020-21 school year, Dr. Allen Ruppert, STEAM Advocate & Computer Science teacher at WEST Prep Academy; Sally VanDereedt, Instructional Support Specialist in Talent Development; and Elizabeth Pruitt, Curriculum Coordinator in the Office of Teaching & Learning. Their strong curriculum, technology and computer science backgrounds are a fantastic addition to the MIE Expert group in St. Lucie Public Schools.
As MIE Experts, they have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other technology experts around the world, test new educational tools for Microsoft, and build capacity within SLPS. Microsoft describes recipients as “agents of change” tasked with “creating an environment of innovation in education using technology.”
Director of Talent Development Denise Rodriguez explained, “As schools around the country transitioned to remote learning due to COVID this spring, it became evident how helpful it is to have professionals dedicated to expanding their instructional technology knowledge to lead educators throughout the district. Our MIE Experts are amazing educators who are empowering students and teachers to grow their digital fingerprints as we launch the new school like never before.”
In addition, Laurie Boyer was selected to be a Microsoft Fellow for the 2020-21 school year. She joins three additional digital trendsetters in the state to lead the Florida cohort of MIE Experts. She will collaborate with the passionate group of MIE Fellows to lead MIE Experts across the United States in learning opportunities and professional growth. She is the first St. Lucie Public Schools employee to be named a Microsoft Fellow. Jane Whitaker, Magnet Schools Coordinator stated, “Being recognized as an MIE Fellow is a tremendous honor. Laurie is one of only 34 Fellows across the country selected to join this prestigious team of Microsoft experts. The knowledge and skills she brings to our district are immeasurable. Her passion for moving our instructional technology efforts reflects in the successful implementation across the district and continues to ignite others to pursue MIE certification as well. It is exciting to know her reach now extends to others on a global platform.”
More information about the MIE Program can be found at https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/resource/1703c312.
