Annunciation Catholic School teacher Derik Thompson has been recognized by PBS LearningMedia as a 2016 PBS Digital Innovator.

The program, which is in its fourth year, recognizes tech-savvy K-12 educators who are serving as leaders in the education technology space and incorporating digital media in classrooms.

Thompson is a technology coordinator and computer/media teacher. His expertise in technology and its uses has allowed him to integrate iPads and Chromebooks into every class at ACS, for students to share their thinking, critique others’ work and share collaborative lessons.

He has spearheaded ACS to shift into technology rich curriculums. Thompson’s involvement with Google Apps for Education allowed him to coordinate a visit from Google themselves to test a new product this past December. Due to the extensive push for technology, ACS had to upgrade its networking and move to Fiber internet to handle the increased bandwidth this year.

Thompson is currently studying to become a Google Certified Educator, working towards his masters degree, and is currently incorporating 3D printing, Virtual and Augmented Reality Lessons, and MinecraftEDU lessons at ACS. Innovation is definitely taking place at ACS.

PBS LearningMedia received hundreds of applications from leading teachers throughout the U.S. and its territories. Judges selected the 100 educators based on submissions of videos and written essays that addressed how they are creatively using digital technology and tools in the classroom to drive student achievement.