Gaston Digital - Catalyst Cohort

As we begin to engage in truly blended learning in our classrooms, we have started the Catalyst Cohort. They will come together to combine their content, technology, and teaching skills with the goal of creating reliable and downright inspiring mentors & coaches for all teachers by growing our own experts, maximizing their strengths.

We recognize the need to elevate good teachers and help them spread their passion for the craft across their building and our district. These teachers will attend a one-week training this summer and next centered around creating exemplary content for their teaching infused with technology.

Mary Bowen
2nd Grade
Pleasant Ridge

Brandi Bridgeman
6th ELA
Belmont Middle

Kristen Bullock
8th Math
Grier

Karen Cardenas
10-12th English
North Gaston

Rachel Drake
9-12 SS/History
GVA

Carissa Ervin
4th Grade
North Belmont

Lane Graves
5th Grade
North Belmont

Megan Guyton
5th Grade
Pinewood

Barbara Hall
4th grade
Lowell

Kayla Hatcher
Content Teacher
York Chester

Andrea Miers
7th ELA
Cramerton Middle

David Jones
9-12th Science
GEC-Med. Sci.

Allie Kleinheinz
Content Teacher
North Belmont

Amber Manoff
5th Grade
Catawba Heights

Jenna Markwith
4th Grade
Hawk's Nest

Amanda Matz
3rd Grade
North Belmont

Charli Mims
3rd Grade
Robinson

Rebecca O'Bryon
Content Teacher
Pinewood

Tanya Price
5th Grade
New Hope

Tommy Ramkissoon
9-12 SS/History
GEC-Med. Sci.

Britnee Reid
6-8th Science
GVA

"Thank you! Seriously, you guys worked so hard on this and it is obvious that your hearts are in it for the right reasons. I believe you all will make me a better teacher and I thank you for that."
"Thank you so much for all of the information. This was the best PD I have been apart of in my 18 years and I feel the most empowered that I have ever felt leaving a Professional Development session. "
"I am excited to meet with my coach about my challenge for myself and any artifacts that I create. I feel like this is the kind of Professional Development that more teachers need and would love. Thank you for putting the effort in to make it great! "
"WOW! This was such a beneficial opportunity for me and packed full of information that I am excited to take back to my school and my fellow teachers. I was challenged with new things and outside of the box thinking that I had found myself getting into a deep rut doing. Even though my brain is tired, I am taking that as a good thing because I feel like a more confident teacher in my abilities and ready to kick start things back at my home school. I have also loved getting to know new people who are in this for the same reasons and that is to grow as a benefit to our students and to have their constant support. I am so looking forward to what the rest of this opportunity will hold!"
"I just want to say thank you to the entire team for making me feel welcome and taking the time to engage, listen, and offer thoughtful questions/suggestions/dialogue. I felt like I belonged and it was great to meet "my people"! I am honored and excited to be a part of Catalyst and continue to get to know my fellow Catalyst members as well as the ITFs!"
"Thank you so much! This was amazing and I can't wait to get started planning and sharing with my team at school. :)"
"I learned a lot! My brain hurts, and I am really tired now, and I need summer break, but I will be really excited about this for the fall (even though I am really nervous about the fall for a lot of reasons). I 'can see how hard the ITFs worked to make this a meaningful experience for us, and I really appreciate all the time and effort that went in to this. Dr. K's presentation was beneficial and fun, and I am glad we did that on the last day because even though my brain had to work really hard, it was fun so it didn't seem like learning or work."
"This was awesome guys! I want to be a teacher in August. I didn't know if that was the case at the beginning of June. Can't wait to be back in my classroom!"
"This was actually the best PD I've had. Good job, guys."
"You all did a fantastic job! Thank you for treating us so well and sharing so much! The planning in this was evident and it did not feel like work or training. I looked forward to coming everyday. :)"
"Loved this week, exhausting, but very informational and exciting as we reflect and grow as teachers in this crazy world!"
"Thank you so much! I have learned so many new things & I am really excited for August (and it is only June)."
"This really was a great week where I felt supported in my journey with this. I learned a lot and enjoyed being with like minded people. It was great that we got to mingle with elementary and secondary teachers as well as creation time. I appreciated the flow of the days and I felt that time was valued and we got to accomplish many tasks."
"This was an incredible week and I am so excited to begin this journey with you all! Thank you for everything I have a lot of plans for this summer to try out new things."
"Thank you so much for everything. This has been so much more than I expected in the best way. We appreciate you. "