Source: http://www.lcsystemcorp.com/images/pos/system1.jpg

Standing at the grocery store checkout stand in the early years of my marriage, I never quite knew if when I slid my card through the “swiper,” if the message I wanted would come back. You know, “TRANSACTION APPROVED.”

I always figured, hey, why wouldn’t they approve my transaction? I’m a teacher making enough to get by but not enough to get ahead, and they’ve got me hooked eternally! Then, part of me says, “Hey, who the heck are they to approve of me?” Of course, it was just a credit card transaction. Now, like a speaker at a religious education retreat–I served as a Catholic School educator for a short time in my career, the most rewarding faculty meetings…I mean, where else at work can you start and end a faculty meeting with a prayer? Puts it all in perspective–I “approve” my own work, and my actions. Sometimes, I’m tougher on me that need be, but that’s part of striving for balance.

Earlier today, in fact, while I was about to start the car before running an errand, I checked my email on my new Android phone (it’s darn awesome). And read this email with a sense of disbelief, not unlike the “Transaction Approved” message at the checkout stand when I was a young married teacher with not much coming into my direct deposit (you know, $11K annually is what they paid me when I was teaching private school).

Congratulations!

You have been selected to participate in the Google Teacher Academy for Administrators. After reviewing your application, we believe that you have the experience and passion necessary to positively impact education in your region, and we are excited to have you join us on Friday, March 5th at the Marriott Plaza in San Antonio, TX.

So, what’s next?

First, here are some important details to keep in mind:

Google Teacher Academy
Friday, March 5th, 2010
8:00am – 7:30pm
Marriott Plaza San Antonio Hotel
555 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Yes, it’s a FULL day. There’s just so much to share that we need the full day to accomplish everything. This is especially important to our community-building efforts. Of course, you can’t think on an empty stomach! So, we’ll provide three great meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all on us. Also, remember that you need to provide your own transportation to and from the event. We’ll send you specific details on parking in our next email. We’ve created a Google doc with travel information; it can be found at:…AND… we are excited to announce that this Google Teacher Academy for Administrators includes a special OPTIONAL opportunity for you to network with colleagues, Googlers, and many of the educators who lead sessions at a reception on Saturday, March 6th. This networking time will run from 5:30pm to about 7:30pm, and will include light hors d’oeurvres and refreshments. We hope that you’ll be able to take advantage of this opportunity to “sleep on” all that you’ve learned and to spend time digging deeper into a few things that interest you.

It’s kinda funny, but they even sent a link to a “do it yourself” press release, shared below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Educator to Become ‘Google Certified’ at Google Teacher Academy for Administrators

Walnut Creek, CA, February XX, 2010 — Google ^tm has selected MIGUEL GUHLIN as an attendee at the next Google Teacher Academy for Administrators, to be held in San Antonio on March 5, 2010.

The Google Teacher Academy for Administrators is a free professional development experience designed to help K-12 educational leaders get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google’s products and technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, and receive resources to share with colleagues. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond.

MIGUEL GUHLIN is thrilled to be among those selected, stating “I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn from others participating in this event. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with fascinating educators selected to participate and contribute a thread to the rich tapestry of colorful learning. It is my intent to share as much as I can about the GTA for Admins with others as I go through it.”

Google Certified Teachers are exceptional K-12 educators with a passion for using innovative tools to improve teaching and learning, as well as creative leaders and ambassadors for change. They are recognized experts and widely admired for their commitment to high expectations for students, life-long learning and collaboration.

The Google Certified Teacher program was launched in 2006 with the first Academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since held several academies across the US, expanding the ranks of Google Certified Teachers. This is the first Google Teacher Academy focused exclusively on educational leaders. The Google Teacher Academy is produced by Google, in collaboration with CUE and WestEd, both educational non-profit organizations.

Contact Person: Dr. Mark Wagner Company Name: Computer-Using Educators (CUE, Inc.) Telephone Number: 949.639.9743 Email Address: mwagner@cue.org Web site address: http://www.google.com/educators/gtaforadmins.html

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure