Buncombe educator takes part in professional development institute

Silver Spring, Md. (July 23, 2014) – Conni Mulligan, a Digital Learning Facilitator from Buncombe County Schools, joined 149 esteemed educators from across the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, for a prestigious week-long professional development experience hosted by Discovery Education’s Discovery Educator Network (DEN).

The six-day DEN Summer Institute (DENSI), held July 13-18, featured a number of seminars and hands-on workshops designed to support educators as they use the latest technologies to create authentic digital learning environments that engage students and improve achievement. In addition, the DENSI provided an opportunity for participants to connect, collaborate and share resources, ideas and strategies for integrating digital resources into classroom instruction.

“I am honored to have been selected to participate in the 2014 DENSI. This experience has allowed me to learn from and connect with other enthusiastic educators who share a passion for incorporating digital resources in our students’ education,” said Mulligan. “I am excited to inform my colleagues in Buncombe County Schools about these new, creative strategies and techniques for advancing student achievement, and to apply them in my district for the 2014-2015 school year.”

The DEN Summer Institute is exclusive to educators recognized by Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, as STAR Discovery Educators. STAR Discovery Educators are active members of the DEN community and proven leaders in transforming teaching and learning. The DEN is the largest and most active community of educators who are passionate about teaching with technology and digital media, sharing resources, collaborating and networking. The DEN connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events like the DENSI, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing and inspiration.

“Conni’s selection for the DENSI demonstrates her outstanding leadership and commitment to using the most innovative methods to enhance students’ learning and classroom experiences,” said Lance Rougeux, vice president of learning communities and instructional implementation for Discovery Education. “The skills and knowledge Conni has gained from this learning experience will increase her students’ engagement in their own learning, and better prepare them with the critical skills needed for college, careers and citizenship.”

During the DEN Summer Institute, Mulligan heard from a variety of speakers, including Adam Bellow, Founder and President of eduTecher and eduClipper; Dr. Lodge McCammon, noted educational consultant specializing in curriculum-based music composition; Greg Siers, Director of Live Production and Technology at Discovery Communications; and Wyatt Channell, Executive Producer of Science Channel.

In addition to hearing from speakers, Mulligan participated in workshops led by the Discovery Education team and DEN Gurus 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 her peers.  Mulligan, who is a member of the DEN Guru program, presented a session on digital storytelling.

After participating in the DEN Summer Institute, Mulligan will return to Buncombe County Schools in the fall with numerous classroom-ready multimedia projects as well as new strategies and techniques to integrate digital resources into curriculum and instruction to transform teaching and learning.

For more information about the DEN Summer Institute, visit

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/what-we-offer/community/connect-with-the-den/den-summer-institute.cfm.

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.