Brissie teachers among world's best tech educators

The Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert Program is a big deal; it recognises educators globally who have used technology to realise better student outcomes.

Sheldon College Year 4 Teacher Vanessa Tierney and STEAM Coordinator Years 1–6 Jade Frewin have been given the nod for their clever use of technology in teaching and will join an elite of about 7600 educators worldwide.

Tierney has successfully supported Sheldon College Students to gain about 40 Microsoft Certificates and has earned about 40,000 points in the Microsoft Educator Forum among research and investigation around the significant journeys of the age of exploration and the effect this new knowledge will have on shaping the world.

“The Year 4 students used Microsoft OneNote to capture their research and they also created 3D images using Paint and Microsoft PowerPoint to create museum holograms,” she said.

“I worked with teachers to implement a virtual modelling project and another cross curriculum STEAM project incorporating Minecraft Education.

“Recently I facilitated a hands-on workshop and discussion to more than 60 educators from various education sectors providing guided practical activities for the implementation of Minecraft in other schools around Australia.”

STEAM Coordinator Frewin said his passion has led him to obtain almost 60 Microsoft badges, gain more than 40 Microsoft Certificates online and earning more than 30,000 points for the Microsoft Educator Forum.

“I led the Year 4 Teaching Team to implement a unit of work whereby the students created and exhibited a unique interactive living museum,” he said.

“The MIE Expert badge offers new pathways to collaborate with peers on a global level and develop current and future trends for Sheldon College."

Sheldon College educates around 1500 students from 15 months through to Year 12 in the non-denominational co-educational College set on 56 acres in Brisbane’s Bayside.