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For Immediate Release:
April 11, 2012

Contact: Amy Wong, SVEF
Connie Skipitares, SVEF (408) 790-9451
(408) 205-8540

SAN JOSE, CA. – Four Silicon Valley teachers who created innovative projects incorporating technology into classroom learning were named finalists in the Innovator Educator Competition sponsored by Microsoft Partners in Learning.

The competition was held Saturday at Foothill College as part of the ShiftED tech forum, which was also hosted by the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and Krause Center for Innovation.

The finalists are Jennifer Hogan, of Gunn High School in Palo Alto; Gregg Witkin, of Boynton Continuation High School in Campbell, and the team of Natalie Bernasconi, of La Paz Middle School in Salinas, and Gail Desler, of the Elk Grove School District in Elk Grove.

Hogan’s project focuses on students transforming still photos into videos; Witkins’ project has students creating documentaries and music videos, and Bernasconi and Desler’s project teaches students how to be good digital citizens.

The teachers will now go on to compete at the nationals at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, WA. July 31 – Aug. 1, with the chance to proceed to the global contest later in the year in Athens, Greece.

''These are exceptional teachers creating new classroom environments every day and paving the way for classrooms of the future,'' said SVEF CEO Muhammed Chaudhry. ''Technology is the critical tool for 21st century learning.''

''It is inspiring to see innovation happening across the diversity of classrooms represented by these projects,'' said Rob Bayuk, Program Director for Microsoft Partners in Learning. ''These educators are positively impacting students through the creative use of technology to advance their learning goals, which exemplifies the intent of the Microsoft Partners in Learning 2012 US Forum. We are honored to invite them to join the national forum this summer.''


Natalie Bernasconi, of La Paz Middle School in Salinas, and Gail Desler, of the Elk Grove School District in Elk Grove


Gregg Witkin, of Boynton Continuation High School in Campbell


Jennifer Hogan, of Gunn High School in Palo Alto

About SVEF:
Silicon Valley Education Foundation is a non-profit resource and advocate for students, educators and corporate and individual donors. We drive scholastic achievement in the critical areas of math & science by combining resources and partnerships to provide innovative academic programs. We are a catalyst for policy solutions in public education in the region. Our mission is to make Silicon Valley the leader in academically prepared students. For more information, visit www.svefoundation.org.