Concord Elementary Teacher Set to Become 'Google Certified'

Concord Elementary School teacher Tracy Purdy is headed back to school.

The fourth grade teacher has been selected and is set to attend the next Google Teacher Academy, being held in Mountain View, CA on Dec. 5. The Google Teacher Academy is a free professional development experience tailored to helping K-12 teachers get the most out of innovative technologies.

The Academy takes place over a single day, offering instructors hands-on experience with Google's products and technologies. Attendees learn about innovative instructional strategies and—upon completion—become Google Certified Teachers who can share what they've learned with fellow educators.

Purdy is thrilled at the chance to become a Google Certified Teacher, which she said will allow her to broaden her professional network and "make connections with like-minded, passionate people."

"The Google Teacher Academy will provide me the opportunity to truly collaborate with some of the most forward thinkers in technology education," Purdy said. "This training and the connections that result from it will greatly improve my ability to make positive impacts within my classroom, school, district and community."

The Google Certified Teacher program first launched in 2006, with the first Academy held at Google headquarters that same year. The program has since held several academies across the U.S., further expanding the ranks of Google Certified Teachers. It's put on by Google, in collaboration with educational nonprofit Computer-Using Educators (CUE).

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