In a significant advancement for educational technology integration within Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), 25 dedicated educators have been awarded the Canvas Certified Educator (CCE) program scholarship. This initiative recognizes their professional achievements and underscores the commitment of CCPS to successfully adopting Canvas, a comprehensive web-based learning management system, in the Fall of 2024.
Canvas is renowned for its capacity to facilitate seamless interaction and content accessibility among educators and students. The CCE program, comprising six rigorous online courses spread over 36 weeks, is designed to enhance educators’ proficiency in leveraging Canvas to create impactful, engaging, and personalized learning experiences. “Participants gain a deep understanding of designing engaging, dynamic, and personalized learning experiences for students,” stated Laura Metz, CCPS instructional technology specialist, emphasizing the program’s goal to empower teachers through advanced instructional technology.
The scholarship recipients will embark on this transformative educational journey in January 2024, with completion slated for September. Achieving certification will elevate their instructional capabilities and distinguish them as pioneers among CCPS educators in Canvas proficiency.
The recipients of this prestigious scholarship span a diverse range of disciplines and schools, illustrating the district’s comprehensive approach to educational innovation. Among the awardees are Marissa Baker, a math teacher at Theodore G. Davis Middle School, and Letia Ballard, a social studies educator at John Hanson Middle School. The list also includes Karena Bennett, a Maurice J. McDonough High School science teacher, and Susan Cable, who specializes in special education at T.C. Martin Elementary School.
Other notable awardees are Danielle Carpenter, an academic mentor at St. Charles High School, and NiYa Costley, a teacher for the deaf and hard-of-hearing at Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School. The scholarship also supports educators like Tami Dahm and Nancy Dennehy, who teach math and Spanish, respectively, among many others dedicated to various disciplines across CCPS.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes through technology. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, CCPS aims to prepare educators and students for a future where digital fluency is paramount. As these educators progress through the CCE program, they will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge instructional technology into their classrooms, setting a new standard for educational excellence within the district.
The success of the CCE program and its scholarship recipients will undoubtedly inspire further investments in teacher development and technological integration, signaling a promising new chapter for CCPS as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century education.
