MIE Expert Press Release

Six Educators from Renton Prep Selected as Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts

Recognized as global leader in using technology to transform education

August 25, 2017 -Renton-Renton Prep Lauri Nichols, Jessica Pilsner, Susan Thompson, Kayla Vrudny, Abbey Zenk, and Dr. Michelle Zimmerman were announced today as a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts joining the more than 6,700 educators in the MIE Expert program worldwide. Each year, Microsoft selects innovative educators to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other as a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology.

Renton Prep, a Microsoft Showcase School, is proud that the entire educational faculty and support staff are Certified Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE) and that six of their educators have been selected as MIE Experts, in addition to holding other honors and certifications including Minecraft Global Mentor, Surface Expert, OneNote MVP and graduate degrees.

As an MIE Expert, educators build their capacity for using technology in both the classroom and curriculum to improve student learning, advise Microsoft and educational institutions on how to integrate technology in pedagogically sound ways and be an advocate at conferences, events and trainings for how Microsoft technology can improve learning.

In the past year, Renton Prep educators and student have been accepted and invited to present innovative learning at:

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
• UCLA National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST)
• International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)
• STEM Summit 4.0 at New York Academy of Sciences
• The Learning Counsel
• Texas Computer Educator Association (TCEA)
• Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)
• SXSWEdu
• Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE)
• Serious Play Conference
• National Network of State Teachers of the Year National Conference (NNSTOY)
• Building Learning Communities (BLC)

“Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts are inspiring examples of educators applying new ways of teaching and learning in their classrooms that motivate students and empower them to achieve more,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft. “We celebrate and support the work they do every day!”

To learn more about the MIE Expert program, you can find out more here. If you are an educator and interested in joining the MIE program, you can begin by joining the Microsoft Educator Community, where you can learn and grow professionally, exchange ideas and learn from others, and make connections globally and earn recognition.