Trisha Detert, Talena Bliven and Kimberly Cruz-Uribe, educators from Merrill Area Public School District, recently joined over 100 colleagues from around the world for the 2017 DEN Summer Institute (DENSI), an immersive professional development and networking experience. A global community of education professionals supported by Discovery Education, the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration. The two-part professional learning experience was held July 13-22 at the University of California, San Diego, in San Diego, CA.

Trisha Detert, principal at Washington Elementary School, participated in a four-day long summit designed specifically for principals, where she learned new strategies for using technology and digital content to energize her own leadership and empower her teachers from Discovery Education experts and her peers. DENSI Principal Summit attendees also engaged in dialogue on topics such as supporting teachers through the digital transition, digital literacy across the curriculums, building their school’s brand, and how to showcase their school’s success to the community.

Talena Bliven and Kimberly Cruz-Uribe, teachers at Washington Elementary School, joined a six-day professional learning event designed to support educators as they combine the latest technologies and digital content to create authentic digital learning environments. They participated in a series of interactive workshops led by the Discovery Education professional development team and other DEN members about creating digital content and integrating mobile and web-based tools into instruction; collaborated with fellow educators on a variety of educational technology projects; and shared ideas and best practices with their peers.

“The exceptional group of educators selected to participate in the 2017 DENSI and Principal Summits have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to using the latest technologies and innovative teaching strategies and techniques to improve student achievement,” said Lance Rougeux, vice president of learning communities and innovation for Discovery Education. “What these educators learned during this unique event will support their district’s effort to prepare all learners with the critical skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom.”

After participating in the DEN Summer Institute, the Merrill Area Public School District educators will return to their school system with new strategies and techniques to integrate digital resources into curriculum and instruction to transform teaching and learning.

“We are very proud of the principal and teachers from our district selected to participate in the DENSI Principal Summit, and our community is inspired by their commitment to using the latest technologies and digital content to help all students reach their highest potential,” said Dr. John Sample, Superintendent. “The students of Merrill Area Public Schools will benefit tremendously from the new approaches to using educational technologies Talena, Kimberly and Trisha have taken away from this great professional learning opportunity.”