CarbajalOpening1

=Keynote Panel: Why Online Teaching Matters= //Grand Ballrooms 5-10//

Cindy Carbajal, Master Teacher, Capistrano Connections Academy Kristin Kipp, English Teacher, Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy Jeff Pittman, Science Teacher, Florida Virtual School Bonita Walker-Jones, Co-founder V.O.I.S.E. Academy High School

At the core of any successful online or blended learning program are quality online teachers. In this keynote panel session, four online teachers will share what it means to be an online teacher, reflect on how teaching online has improved their careers, and highlight the rewards and challenges of online learning. The panel represents a diverse set of online teaching experiences:

• Cindy Carbajal teaches at a full-time virtual charter school at the elementary level. • Kristin Kipp, is the 2011 National Online Teacher of the Year and teaches at the high school level for a district online program that has full-time offerings for grades 9-12 and part-time offerings for grades 7-12. • Jeff Pittman teaches at a state virtual school and also serves as a virtual learning lab teacher. • Bonita Walker-Jones, is a co-founder of a district blended learning high school.

Despite the diversity of their online teaching experiences, you will hear common themes regarding the importance of the online teacher to the success of their program as well as the personal and professional rewards of being an online teacher.