Shortly after entering the teaching profession I began receiving recognition for my work in education. I have been recognized locally, provincially and internationally for my innovation and leadership in public education.
Awards
The OTF Special Recognition Award is presented annually to an organization, group or individual in acknowledgement of outstanding contributions to publicly funded education in Ontario, beyond the school board level.
The OLA Award for Special Achievement, now named the President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement, acknowledges an outstanding action or contribution that has in a major or unique way enhanced or furthered librarianship in Ontario. The selection is at the full discretion of the President of the OLA. Awards are only given if there is something of true historic significance to recognize.
The Innovator’s Award, new in 2015, recognizes the contribution of an individual, organization, or business that is using new technologies to promote or advance the arts, culture, and heritage stories of Huron County. I was presented with the Innovator’s Award by MPP Lisa Thompson and Huron County Warden Paul Gowing.
The ISTE Outstanding Leader Award recognizes individuals or organizations who do outstanding work to improve learning for all students and have a major impact on the field of educational technology.
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association annually recognizes and educator for his/her outstanding contribution to education throughout Ontario through constructive participation in education affairs over a number of years, or for work on a specific project which has had provincial impact.
International Woman’s Association Woman of Outstanding Leadership is recognized for her outstanding contributions in her industry.
The Key Contribution Awards (Always Learning Awards) are to recognize staff, students and community members for significant contributions to education within Avon Maitland.
Credentials
The Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert program is an exclusive program created to recognize global educator visionaries who are using technology to pave the way for their peers in the effective use of technology for better learning and student outcomes.
Apple Distinguished Educators (ADEs) are active leaders from around the world helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac to make learning deeply personal for every student.
Trusted advisors – ADEs are experts on the realities of integrating technology into learning environments, and they work closely with Apple to foster innovation in education.
Passionate advocates – ADEs share their expertise in using technology to help engage students in new ways with other educators around the globe.
Authentic authors – ADEs provide best practices and leadership in education through published lessons, courses, books and more.
Global ambassadors – ADEs work together to develop and promote powerful ideas for improving teaching and learning worldwide.
Apple Teacher is a professional learning program designed to support and celebrate educators using Apple products for teaching and learning.
Level 1 certification validates standard technology implementation skills (the fundamentals of using Google tools in the classroom). Level 2 certification validates advanced technology integration skills and identifies educators as super users and enthusiasts of Google tools in the classroom.
The SMART Exemplary Educator (SEE) program is a global group of passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic educators in over 45 countries who believe in inspiring greatness in students and colleagues. SEE’s are internationally recognized for education excellence, provide feedback and ideas to create new solutions and tools, and have opportunities to share their passion and knowledge on a global platform.
Leigh Cassell Consulting 