IPTV Announces Teacher Selected for 2017 PBS Digital Innovators Program

Cathi Miller recognized for game-changing integration of digital media in the classroom; Miller will partner with Iowa Public Television to build learning outcomes in Des Moines. Johnston, Iowa, April 21, 2017- Today, Iowa Public Television announced Cathi (Cate) Miller from Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) has been selected for the fifth annual PBS Digital Innovators Program. The 2017 PBS Digital Innovators are a passionate group of educators who are committed to changing the way students learn through technology and digital media. The program recognizes classroom change makers across the country: educators who skillfully approach education with a bold and fresh perspective, and who integrate digital media and resources into their classrooms in a way that sparks a love of learning for their students.  A panel of esteemed judges selected the 51 PBS Digital Innovators from across the US, representing each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Among those selected for the program were educators using 3D printers with their students to create prosthetic limbs; a technology coach whose classroom is a "STEM Bus" and co-teachers using technology to bring their students together, even though they are in classrooms miles apart. "We were struck by the creativity and passion of this year's applicants," said Sara Schapiro, Vice President of Education, PBS. "Education is at the core of PBS' mission and as a key partner with parents and educators across America, we're excited for the opportunity to learn from and work with these classroom change makers as they partner with PBS member stations to share content that truly engages and empowers students in every community."  Cate Miller is a DMPS Trailblazer, one of a corps of teachers coached by the district's Instructional Technology Coordinators to blend classroom instruction and learning with online resources, thereby expanding learning opportunities for their students. In Miller's class, students often do the teaching and the room is abuzz with conversation and collaboration. "A teacher does not need to be a digital ninja in order to be innovative. Teachers can meet the kids where they are and leverage the technology they are already using," said Miller. "Through a blended classroom, where lectures, notes and videos are online, teachers can leverage more time for guided practice, discussion and collaboration. Finally, PBS is a treasure trove of resources that bring ideas to life." Miller will serve as an education partner with IPTV throughout the year. PBS Digital Innovators participate in ongoing professional development, share ideas on PBS platforms and get access to exclusive resources from PBS LearningMedia.  Each receives a free PBS Teacherline professional development course and invitations to special events, including the 2017 PBS Digital Summit. This year's summit, in San Antonio, Texas, takes place directly before the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference.  "Iowa Public Television is proud to partner with Cate Miller to strengthen the connection between the educator community and the statewide public television network," said Ken Harrison, IPTV Director of Educational Services. "The PBS Digital Innovator program exemplifies best practices for technology in the classroom and fits our mission to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans by providing innovative, high quality educational services and digital resources. Cate will represent IPTV and the entire Des Moines community as she further enhances her skills with these one of a kind resources, tools and trainings from PBS LearningMedia."   The full list of the 2017 PBS Digital Innovators, their profiles and photographs can be found at pbs.org.  More than 100,000 digital resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, video content and more, are available through PBS LearningMedia for pre-K-12 classrooms. Teachers can access this content at www.pbslearningmedia.org. - 30 - About Iowa Public Television  IPTV is Iowa's only statewide television network. IPTV's mission to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans guides its quality, noncommercial programming that tells Iowa's stories like no one else can. Three statewide, public channels offer programs of lasting value to Iowans, regardless of where they live or what they can afford: IPTV (.1), IPTV LEARNS (.2) and IPTV WORLD (.3) on Channel 11, Des Moines; Channel 12, Iowa City; Channel 21, Fort Dodge; Channel 24, Mason City; Channel 27, Sioux City; Channel 32, Waterloo; Channel 32, Council Bluffs; Channel 36, Davenport; Channel 36, Red Oak. More information can be found at Iptv.org. About PBS LearningMedia As America's largest classroom, PBS offers digital content and services for teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS LearningMedia, a partnership of PBS and WGBH Educational Foundation, is a free and paid media-on-demand service offering educators access to the best of public media and delivers research-based, classroom-ready digital learning experiences to engage students in exploring curriculum concepts that align with National and Common Core State Standards. Nationwide, more than 1.8 million teachers and users have registered access to more than 100,000 digital resources available through PBS LearningMedia. More information about PBS LearningMedia is available at www.pbslearningmedia.org or by following PBS LearningMedia on Twitter and Facebook.