Elkhart Times

UCS tech coach among 13 statewide earning premier Microsoft certification

A Utica Community Schools instructional technology coach is among 13 Michigan teachers who have earned a premier Microsoft certification that connects top educators across the country.

Cory Widener is among a select group named a Microsoft Innovative Educator – a professional certification now held by all three Utica Community Schools instructional technology coaches.

“I wanted to become a changemaker in education and by pursuing this opportunity I will be able to positively contribute to the professional learning that happens with technology in our district,” he said.

Widener, who has been with UCS for 27 years, earned the certification by submitting an extensive application that demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft programs and how they are being used to support learning of all students.

“As a UCS Instructional Technology Coach I have the great opportunity to work with students to create learning experiences that incorporate technology to enhance the curriculum,” Widener said. “As a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, I will be able to collaborate with educators around the United States and collect exciting technology ideas that can make a greater impact on how our students are learning in their classrooms.”

The connections with top technology educators across the country will be shared with UCS teachers to directly impact district classrooms.

“Our teachers and students are wonderful at integrating and creating knowledge using technology,” he said. “I want to be able to enhance our students' education by challenging them to go further and see limitless possibilities for their futures in UCS and beyond.”

Widener joins the district’s two other instructional technology coaches – Courtney Conley and Trapper Hallam.

In addition to the Microsoft recognition, Widener has also earned a number of professional honors: Code.org Facilitator, Nearpod Certified Educator, Common Sense Certified Educator, Minecraft  Certified Educator, Elementary Media Center Dept. Co-Chairperson, Discovery Education Network Star Educator and Microsoft Flip Certified Educator.

Original source can be found here.