Two Fallbrook teachers selected for prestigious Bridgepoint Fellowship

SAN DIEGO – Fallbrook teachers Bennielyn Verrett (Oasis High School) and Emily Toone (Fallbrook High School) have each been awarded a prestigious Bridgepoint Fellowship, allowing them to participate in the Leading Edge Certification program through the San Diego County Office of Education.

Bridgepoint Fellows receive a scholarship to participate in the Leading Edge Certification, a national program to prepare instructional leaders for online and blended learning. Launched in 2011, the certification guides educators through rigorous and engaging curriculum based on the national standards for online teaching.

“In most school districts, budgets for professional development opportunities have been cut significantly, and many teachers are faced with the dilemma of spending personal funds on professional development or simply going without,” said County Superintendent of Schools Randy Ward. “The Bridgepoint Fellowships remove the major funding obstacles for teachers and districts, and we’re very grateful to that organization for stepping up.”

In San Diego County, almost every school district is working to incorporate online and blended learning into their programs. School leaders are recognizing that education, like business, is not limited by location, but can be enhanced by the Internet and online programs. As school districts transition a portion of their curriculum delivery from the traditional school model to 24/7 online and blended models, the need for professional development becomes critical.

The Leading Edge Certification aims to fill this gap. This certification was developed by the San Diego County Office of Education in collaboration with leading technology professional organizations such as the International Association for Technology in Education (ISTE), International Association for K-12 online Learning (iNACOL), and Computer Using Educators (CUE).

With the generous support of Bridgepoint Education, even more San Diego County teachers will be able to learn methods and strategies to effectively leverage technology and engage today’s digital learners.