After 29 Years In Traditional Classroom, Beloved Teacher Awarded For Embracing New Technology

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Even a seasoned teacher with years of traditional classroom experience can learn to embrace emerging technologies.

Westhampton Beach High School teacher Susan Kearns is a vibrant example of that life lesson: She was recently recognized by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies with the 2017 Bright Lights Award.

The high school special education teacher earned the award for “inspiring and innovating digital curriculum and integrating technology into teaching and the learning process," a release from the district said.

“It goes to show you can teach an old dog new tricks,” said Kerns, who has been teaching for the past 29 years. “I was honored to be acknowledged, not only for my own use of technology in the classroom, but for utilizing the Teacher Center of the Western Hamptons grant to promote and encourage the use of technology by teachers."

In her English II and U.S. History classes, which she co-teaches, she says she tries to use Google Classroom, which allows students to collaborate. She has also added new and engaging apps, including Kahoot! and Padlet.

“Ms. Kerns’ level of understanding about the role of technology is evident in her classroom and her leadership in Teacher Center helps to provide numerous technology-driven professional development opportunities for our teaching staff,” Principal Dr. Christopher Herr said. “It comes as no surprise that she was presented with the Bright Lights Award.”

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District.