Photo by Scott Roblin

By Hayley Ferguson

Technology in Education

MH Christian teacher lone Canadian chosen for international education innovation program

Sep 24, 2019 | 6:05 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – A Medicine Hat teacher is the lone Canadian selected to take part in Google’s Certified Innovator Program.

As part of it, Jessilyn Swanson, will be headed to Stockholm with 35 other teachers from across the world to attend a three-day workshop.

Swanson, who teaches at the Medicine Hat Christian School, discovered the program in 2018 and had applied twice before being accepted.

Involved in the application was receiving certifications from Google and to write about how she uses technology in her classroom.

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As well, teachers needed to present a challenge they see in education.

For Swanson, it was teaching students about facing challenges and failures.

It was for that reason Swanson said she wasn’t going to give up on applying.

Swanson first became interested in the program in 2018.

“It just really sparked my interest. I’ve always been super into educational technology and different tech tools that make my life easier and my student’s lives easier. And so it kind of felt like a good fit. I’ve been teaching for ten years and have been thinking about what is my next step.”

The 10-year-teacher says that she’s excited to connect with other teachers from around the world.

“It just felt really cool, especially from a little place like Medicine Hat. Our school district is doing amazing things, in the province, and the world. I’m excited to bring what I learn back and be able to continue pushing that innovate spirit-forward here in Medicine Hat.” Said Swanson.

For her, technology is about making things more accessible for her and her students.

“I’m really interested in the way we can face those challenges. And to use tools to make our lives easier and bring us together to create a community instead of the ways that we see technology pulling us apart.” She said.

Once at the workshop in Sweeden, the teachers will be working together on the challenges they presented in their application.

Afterward, the program continues for another year.

“You’re paired with a mentor and periodic check-ins as you work on your project. And then there’s a year-end showcase next October where we launch our projects.” Swanson explained.

The workshop takes place from November 6th to 8th and Swanson is hopeful she will be able to visit schools in the area.