Every two years or so Apple opens applications to the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) programme. Applications have just opened for the next intake of into the programme.
Like anything in education, the programme is not without its critics. However in my experience so many of the teachers selected into the programme describe their acceptance into the programme as a life-changing event for good reason.
The ADE programme continues to push my teaching practice in new and creative ways. I’m always pinching and remixing ideas from my fellow ADEs to implement in the classroom.
Becoming part of the programme was a catalyst for me taking the plunge into the world of international teaching.
What really makes the ADE programme are the fellow members of the programme. They will make your sides hurt from laughing so hard one minute and then your jaw drop the next as they showcase some awesome thing they did in the classroom.
At the risk of sounding like a cliche, so many of the participants from this journey have made lifelong friends during the shenanigans, tomfoolery and general high jinks that accompany the action-packed ADE institutes. You can read more about my experience of the legendary Bali 2013 institute here and the 2014 global institute in 2014 here.
So if you are a teacher who is
- Passionate about learning
- Enjoys using apple products in the classroom
- Loves to innovate
Then I encourage you to apply. Too often awesome teachers, particularly women, don’t put their names forward for stuff like this because they think there are people far cooler and more knowledgeable out there. You know what there probably are. And there were probably other applicants for your current position. We all suffer knock backs but the biggest knock back of all is giving up without trying.
Don’t worry if you are lacking in teaching experience of only have a few iPod touches in your classroom. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have someone awesome to share and celebrate. Look at the application as a chance to show off what you do. The worst they can do is say no.
And they might decide to say yes… and then the fun begins!
Teaching the Teacher 
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