Each summer at all of the Summer of Learning Conferences across the state, conference coordinators are asked to develop a process to nominate and select a winner of the Candice Dodson Award. The award is presented each year during the Tech InspirED Conference.
The Candice Dodson Award was established to memorialize the life and work of Candice Dodson. Candice Dodson was a passionate educator who worked tirelessly to promote and support digital learning for teachers and students throughout the Hoosier state and on a national level with her work at SEDTA. She made everyone she came into contact with feel important and seen. She listened, supported, and encouraged those around her. She influenced educational policy and laid the foundation for connected learning in Indiana.
Candice tragically passed away in 2020. The Office of Digital Learning started the Candice Dodson award in 2022 to honor her memory and support those of the same spirit. The annual Candice Dodson Influencer Award is a values-driven award. Nominees should demonstrate most, if not all, of the following qualities/traits:
has exerted a positive influence in education/edtech in a tangible way, or has empowered others to do so
possesses an authentic social media voice or visible online presence
contributes to creating content through high engagement (panels, podcasts, articles, attends events)
demonstrates principles of inclusivity
behaves as a consensus-builder and true collaborator
acts as champion for innovation & creativity
advocates for educators & is a champion for students
is committed to constant improvement through professional learning
