2013 iNACOL Innovator Awards Highlight Leaders in Blended and Online Learning

Winners announced in areas of innovative practice, research and individual achievement

Winners of the 2013 iNACOL Innovator Awards were announced Sunday evening at the iNACOL Blended and Online Learning Symposium in Orlando, FL. The awards are presented annually by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) and recognize innovative learning practices, cutting edge research and individual achievement in the field of blended and online learning.

The 2013 winners include:
Innovative Blended and Online Learning Practice

• Chris Haskell, Clinical Assistant Professor, Dept. of Educational Technology, Boise
  State University
• Verena Roberts, The Open Classroom (Alberta Distance Learning Centre)

Research Award

• Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (a division of Michigan Virtual University)

Outstanding Individual Contribution to K-12 Blended and Online Learning

• Scott Benson, Program Officer, Next Generation Learning Models, Bill & Melinda
  Gates Foundation

Susan Patrick, President and CEO of iNACOL, said, “The peer-nominated winners of this year’s iNACOL Innovator Awards are selfless leaders dedicated to pushing the field of blended and online learning to maximize its potential to personalize learning for all kids. Individually, their work inspires and enables countless others to transform education to student-centered learning. Collectively, they represent the best of the field, and it is fitting that they are being recognized by their peers through these awards.”

Two additional leaders were showcased at Sunday’s ceremony. Renee Citlau, Lead Online Teacher for the Annaheim Union High School District, was recognized as the 2013 National Online Teacher of the Year and Dr. Kemi Jona, a research professor and Director of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, was recognized for his service to iNACOL as a departing member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

For more information about the iNACOL and the Innovator Awards, please visit http://inacol.org.

About iNACOL
The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality blended and online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focused on research; developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access; developing quality standards for emerging learning models using online, blended, and competency-based education; and supporting the ongoing professional development of classroom, school, district and state leaders for new learning models.