JCPS hosts Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Leader Summit

Educators from across the country visit JCPS to see technology initiative in action

Educators from across the country are visiting Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) this week to get a firsthand look at how technology and the Verizon Innovative Learning schools initiative are helping students build the skills they’ll need to become tomorrow’s innovators, and succeed in a digital world.

The Verizon Innovative Learning schools Leader Summit is bringing technology coaches, principals, and technology staff to JCPS for a three-day onboarding of the 52 new schools from 15 districts joining the Verizon Innovative Learning schools initiative this fall. Through Verizon Innovative Learning schools, underserved middle schools across the country are exposed to hands-on immersive technology and innovative curricula.

JCPS was selected from school districts across the country to host one of two summits this year to welcome the program’s sixth and largest cohort to date.  The three-day event showcases the impact of the project’s first year of implementation at the district’s five Verizon Innovative Learning schools—Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North, Lassiter Middle School, Newburg Middle School, The Academy @ Shawnee Middle School and W.E.B. DuBois Academy.

In partnership with Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization working to spur innovation in education, Verizon Innovative Learning equips every student and teacher at underserved middle schools across the country with a device and up to a four-year data plan. In addition to free technology and access, schools receive extensive professional development and support toward powerful teaching and tools that empower students to be content creators, adept problem-solvers, and responsible consumers of digital media and learning resources.

Summit participants – coaches, principals, and technology staff from the new cohort – will hear from JCPS Verizon Innovative Learning coaches, IT managers, and principals, as well as Digital Promise and Verizon leaders, about the district’s progress in implementing the STEM education initiative.

“We are welcoming our largest cohort ever in the fall and Jefferson County is a wonderful district to host the new schools,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, director of corporate social responsibility at Verizon. “The Verizon Innovative Learning schools within JCPS have shown great progress and exemplify what success of this program truly looks like.”

During the three-day summit, participants also have the opportunity to visit JCPS’ five Verizon Innovative Learning schools to experience the program and curriculum in action.

“We’re proud to showcase the exciting opportunities our students have as a result of the VILs initiative, which has improved our students’ access to technology and helped our teachers create highly engaged learning environments,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent.

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