Page 9 - Dinuba Sentinel 2-7-19 E-edition

The Dinuba Sentinel Community Dinuba Uni ed's Akins named
'Illuminator of the Year'
Program recognizes outstanding educators and administrators who are making a significant difference in their communities
Contributed
Local Director of Educational Technology and Instructional Program Analysis Michael Akins has been named an ‘Illuminator of the Year’ for his notable contributions at Dinuba Unified School District. The honor, bestowed by leading K-12 student achievement solution Illuminate Education, is awarded to a select group of educators and administrators committed to increasing the power of teaching and the delight of learning.
Akins has been recognized for his instrumental role in improving student achievement through the implementation of IO Education, an assessment software that aids in the monitoring and success of district common assessments.
All six Illuminator of
the Year 2019 honorees were recognized in at the Illuminate Education Annual User Conference (IEUC) in San Diego. This event brings together 1,600 educators for two days of comprehensive professional development, sessions and networking.
“The Illuminator of the Year program gives us the opportunity to recognize amazing educators and administrators who are accelerating the teaching and learning process for all students,” said Christine Willig, CEO of Illuminate Education. “It brings us great pleasure to honor Michael Akins at this year’s Illuminate Education User Conference for his tireless efforts in supporting teachers and students at Dinuba Unified School District.”
Akins has been with Dinuba Unified since 1994 persevering to
help the district use technology to help improve student achievement. He has been instrumental in navigating the changing assessment system industry to implement what works best for Dinuba. He has helped in the development and implementation of quality district common assessments and monitors for next generation tools to help Dinuba students succeed.
“It is very humbling to be recognized as an ‘Illuminator of the Year,’” said Akins. “This honor reinforces all of the work we have done, from support staff to teachers to administrators, towards achieving Dinuba Unified School District’s vision of ’Ending Generational Poverty Through Education.’”
To learn more about the Illuminator of the Year program, please visit
https://www.illuminateed.
Thursday, February 7, 2019 | A9
Dinuba Unified School District's Michael Akins, who serves as the district's Director of Educational Technology and Instructional Program Analysis, was recently named 'lluminator of the Year' by Immuninate Education.
com/blog/2019/01/illuminator- of-the-year-2019-winners/.
About Illuminate Education
Illuminate Education is the leading provider of integrated K–12 technology systems. Illuminate’s innovative tools
bridge the gap between instruction, assessment, and data analytics, transforming the potential of teaching and learning. With all the data available within a single platform, teachers can assess learning and link to the right
resources, while district leaders can receive a holistic view of students. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Illuminate’s team of experienced educators and technology specialists serve 12 million students across all 50 states.
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Teacher Continued from Page A1
coaches and teachers, Kalashian is one of five nominees vying for the prestigious award.
“There was 2,000 schools representing 4,000 students at last year’s national finals, it’s the largest academic competition in the world,” Kalasahian said. “Those people are opening their email that morning and only looking at five names and five schools and they see Orosi High School, so that made me happy.”
NSDA Executive Director J. Scott Wunn stated, “These educators go above and beyond to provide speech and debate education for their students. Through their dedication and passion for this activity, they
have changed the lives of thousands of young people. I’m honored to recognize them for their outstanding service.”
The finalists were nominated for the NSDA National Educator of the Year award by fellow educators, administrators, school board members, and parents across the country. The NSDA selection committee will determine the National Educator of the Year recipient, who will be announced on National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 1.
Additionally, the winner will be invited to serve as a keynote speaker in August at the NSDA National Speech & Debate Conference in
Orosi High School Speech and Debate teacher Karson Kalashian (right) is one of five teachers in the nation as a finalist in the NSDA National
Photo by George M. Villagrana
Educator of the Year Award.
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