Before Google Champions

When I started education in 2004, the only thing I knew about Google was searching the web.  But then I started a personal Gmail account and slowly, over time, I started to incorporate more Google into my personal life.  Then tools like Microsoft seemed to become more and more clunky and limiting.  Then, Google for Education came on the scene of education.  Chromebook initiatives started to change the landscape of educational technology.  After teaching 3rd grade for ten years, I transitioned to an Educational Technology Coach for my district and we adopted Google Apps for Education.  It was an exciting time of innovations in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.  Education was accelerating with the power of technology.  

Eventually, I heard about becoming a Google-certified Educator and after some attempts, I became certified at Level 1 and Level 2.  Google Certified Educators show proficiency in the tools and applications in education. Then I became a Google Certified Trainer, taking my presenting and training skills to the next level.  After that, I heard about the Google Certified Innovator Program and it became my new Goal.  Over 2-3 years, I had attempted five times to be accepted into the Google Innovator program.  I was finally accepted into the London 2019 cohort of 36 Google Innovators from around the world who met in London for a 3-day academy to learn the design process and solve a problem in education. It was an experience that changed my professional life forever.  

As I was about to launch my project, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted across the world and my project was laid waste, as I transitioned to other roles.  I think the isolation and huge changes in life kind of took the wind and motivation out of me for a time.  

I accepted a 5th-grade position at a new school in Bakersfield, California, excited to reignite the fire and passion for teaching and learning that had been smothered.  In so many ways, it was wonderful being back in the classroom.  I was able to reconnect with all the things I love about being in the classroom.  But then I found my time was being spent on other things.  The things I didn't love about education.  Over those 2-3 years in the classroom, I decided I needed a change.  

In June of 2023, the Google for Education Champions program and 7 Symposiums were announced.  All Google Certified Trainers, Innovators, and Coaches, were inducted into the program and were eligible to apply to be a part of a Symposium gathering.