Google, CUE, and WestEd are celebrating by announcing a special Google Teacher Academy (GTA) to be hosted at the Googleplex, Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA. I'm thrilled to be involved with this project - and to share it with you here on the ITM. As with previous GTA events, tech savvy educators and professional developers in the area can apply to participate in the special full-day workshop. For the first time ever, the application process is also open to anyone, including educators out of the area, out of the state, or even out of the country (with the understanding that Google doesn't cover travel or lodging). In other words, ITM readers who feel they meet the criteria for application are invited to apply!Below is the official announcement and invitation to apply:
The application deadline is just three weeks away, so don't wait to start putting together your video and your application. I hope to see some of you in Mountain View!Google Teacher Academy - at the Googleplex
Mountain View, CA
June 25, 2008--------------------------------------------------------
Applications Due: May 28, 2008
http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html
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Since today is National Teacher Day, we thought it appropriate to announce that Google's FREE training program for K-12 educators is back at the Google headquarters! Outstanding educators from across the country (and beyond!) are encouraged to apply for the Google Teacher Academy taking place on Wed, June 25, 2008.
The GTA is an intensive, one-day event (8:30am-7:30pm) where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, collaborate with exceptional educators, and immerse themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion, GTA participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local region.
50 outstanding educators from across the country will be selected to attend the GTA based on their passion for teaching, their experience as leaders, and their use of technology in K-12 settings. Each applicant is REQUIRED to produce and submit an original one-minute video, and applications for the event in Mountain View are due on May 28, 2008. Please use Google Video or YouTube to post these original videos. Participants must provide their own travel, and if necessary, their own lodging. Though we will give preference to K-12 educators within a 90-minute local commute of an Academy event, anyone may apply.
Learn more about the program and the application at http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html
The GTAs have been a wonderful experience for everyone involved, with 97% of all attendees rating the GTA as "outstanding."
Here are a few quotes from GTA participants:----------------------------------------"The academy was everything I hoped for and more! I can't wait to plan out ways to use the tools we learned about, to share my experiences with my colleagues and to re-connect with the other academy participants!"----------------------------------------"The focus on innovation in education, and not just about the tools, was right on target."----------------------------------------"I appreciate the opportunity to be connected to a group of educators that are passionate about preparing students for the 21st century. I feel inspired and able to meet the challenges that lie ahead!"----------------------------------------"Until now, I had never attended a conference where I was so engaged and loving every minute of it."----------------------------------------"This was easily the most important professional development experience I have ever had as an educator. World-class tools demonstrated by world-class people at a world-class facility. THANK YOU!"----------------------------------------"I love [the Google Certified Teacher community] for the ideas and inspiration that comes flowing to and from it...folks share professional development strategies (technology or otherwise) that have worked. It's nice to have a variety of ways to assist others and having that variety also provides spice for those of us responsible for doing the providing."----------------------------------------
Feel free to send any questions to "gteachers@gmail.com", and please spread the word to anyone who may be interested in joining us.
We're looking forward to another great event!
- The GTA Team--------------------------------------------------------
Google Teacher Academy
June 25, 2008
Mountain View, CA
Applications Due: May 28, 2008
http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html
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UPDATE: This announcement made the Official Google Blog, where Google also announced a new Geo Education site and a new getting started document for teachers using Google Docs. Check it out!
