Nagler Selected for National Connected Superintendents Summit

Submitted by Mineola School District

Superintendent Michael P. Nagler, Ed.D. and the Mineola Union Free School District were part of the first-ever National Connected Superintendents Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 19. Dr. Nagler was chosen to participate in this prestigious summit based upon his role in helping Mineola transition into the world of digital learning. He joined other exemplary superintendents who are using technology to create personalized learning environments for their students.

During Dr. Nagler’s tenure as superintendent, the district has fully integrated Apple iPads at a 1:1 ratio for grades 3-9. He has made it a priority to transform the classroom into a virtual world of differentiated learning that extends beyond the four walls of the school building. Dr. Nagler is passionate about technology and the opportunities it affords all students, regardless of their economic status or academic ability. Technology has been instrumental in the district’s rollout of its STEAM initiative, as well as its development of college- and career-ready individuals.

The summit provided an opportunity for leaders to share plans of action with each other and with the Department of Education in order to help disseminate proven approaches across the nation.

In addition to the White House Summit, Dr. Nagler participated in a series of 12-15 regional summits that focused on the digital progress both made and possible by local school districts. To help spotlight the value of technology in schools, the Education Department is also sponsoring a Future Ready Initiative aimed at showcasing outstanding school leadership and strategies.

According to the organization, “future ready” superintendents had to demonstrate an effective use of technology in some of the following ways: fostering and leading a culture of collaboration and digital citizenship; empowering educators with professional learning opportunities; accelerating progress towards universal access to quality devices; providing access to quality digital content and offering digital tools to students and their families that will help them prepare for success in college.

As part of his participation in the summit, Dr. Nagler signed a Future Ready District Pledge, which is a commitment made by superintendents to work with educators, families and community members to help achieve a district of Future Ready schools. As per the Future Ready website: “The Future Ready District Pledge is designed to set out a roadmap to achieve successful personalized digital learning for every student and to commit districts to move as quickly as possible towards our shared vision of preparing students for success in college, careers and citizenship.”

Image: Michael P. Nagler