Tammy Brecht Dunbar and Kristen Messer were selected by Microsoft as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIE Expert) for 2015 for their excellence in using technology to help students learn and achieve more. Microsoft stated they are “visionary educators who are paving the way for their peers to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other.”
Dunbar, who holds a master’s degree in education and is proficient in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.), is a third-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary who was also recognized as Manteca Unified School District Teacher of the Year in addition to being a pre-service Technology Instructor at Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Messer, who holds a master’s degree in education, is the Technology teacher at be.tech Vocational Academy (the school district’s first charter school formerly known as Manteca Unified Vocational Academy) which prepares students for careers in the culinary arts, industrial tech and first responders.
Messer and Dunbar both serve on the core advisory committee of the school district’s Going Digital 2015 project which is providing 21st-century tools to every K-12 student. Deployment of the Panasonic 3E computers to all the schools is currently under way.
Both MIE experts are also Tech Champions for the district, providing training and support for teachers throughout the district. Dunbar, as well, has been chosen to write a weekly blog for Microsoft’s “What’s Fresh?” education blog.
“It’s only been a short time since the announcement, and already I’ve connected with MIE Experts from around the world,” said Dunbar in a media release from the district. “This is going to be a stimulating, collaborative and productive experience.”
“Being selected as an MIE Expert is an amazing honor,” said Messer. “I look forward to continue finding innovative ways to equip students with the proper tools needed to succeed in the new world of work.”
This year, Microsoft selected more than 800 educators in 100 different countries to be a part of their exclusive global community paving the way for peers to share ideas. MIE Experts work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education, build educator capacity for using technology to improve students’ learning and advocate and share their experiences in how technology improves teaching and learning. In addition, they mentor others educators and help train them in education technologies and Microsoft products and tools.
“Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts are inspiring examples of how individuals are using technology to increase students’ productivity and develop the skills needed in the workplace,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft Corp. “With an innovative use of mobile and cloud technology, these educators are transforming learning environments and delivering more personalized education to students, allowing them to do more and achieve more.”
