Microsoft Recognizes 40 CCSD Educators as Instructional Technology Experts

Microsoft Education has recognized 40 Cherokee County School District teachers, staff and school and school district leaders as among the world’s top instructional technology experts!

One of those Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts honorees, CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister, additionally has earned the prestigious Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow honor for the fifth consecutive year.  

The technology company selects top educators, support staff and school and school district leaders worldwide to earn this elite title awarded annually, which ranks honorees among the best globally at understanding how technology improves learning.  CCSD leads the way with the most Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts of any Georgia school district, claiming 40 of the 107 Experts named statewide.  Experts receive access to new instructional resources and can participate in an exclusive online group for sharing best practices.

In addition to being named an Expert, Ms. Hofmeister is one of only 27 educators in the U.S. and three in Georgia to be named an MIE Fellow.  This recognition honors demonstrated leadership and excellence by Experts through coaching, mentoring, leading professional development and presenting at conferences.  Fellows, considered by their peers as the best among all Experts at technology integration, are called upon to share their knowledge with other educators.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower congratulated CCSD Chief Information Officer Bobby Blount, who is a longtime MIE Expert, and his team for continued excellence. 

“Congratulations to our Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts and Fellow – we’re so proud of this recognition as it honors your dedication to educating the emerging generation,” Dr. Hightower said.  “Thank you all for your important service to our students and to your colleagues, who greatly all benefit from your instructional technology expertise.”

The Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower will recognize the honorees at the October School Board meeting.

CCSD’s 2023-24 MIE Experts:

Lauren Abrams, Indian Knoll ES
Danelle Anderson, Mountain Road ES
Kim Bennett, Office of Technology & Information Services
Bobby Blount, Office of Technology & Information Services
Kristen Brooks, Indian Knoll ES
Dr. Shannon Carroll, Office of Technology & Information Services
Kim Cerasoli, Indian Knoll ES
Jana Cervone , Bascomb ES    
Lee Coker, Etowah HS
Alyson Counts, Indian Knoll ES
Kristin Covington, Mountain Road ES
Lisa Darrow, Woodstock MS
Karina Dean, Hickory Flat ES
Frank Graham, Office of Technology & Information Services
Lauren Hagood, Office of Technology & Information Services
Dixie Harper, Office of Technology & Information Services
Jordan Hofmeister, Tippens EC
Merry Hofmeister, Office of Technology & Information Services
Morgan Hudson, Creekview HS
Samantha Karel, Carmel ES
Ashley Kelsey, Mill Creek MS
Chelsea Leming, Indian Knoll ES
Jennifer Lewis, Indian Knoll ES
Caitlin Lyons, Avery ES
Jennifer Mendenhall, Bascomb ES
Rebecca Moore, Indian Knoll ES
Tammy Owen, Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy
Andrea Pagano, Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy 
Lee Patti, Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy
Jeff Pence, Office of Technology & Information Services
Lauren Pittman, Woodstock ES
April Popham, Tippens EC
Afton Roberts, Indian Knoll ES
Heidi Sansone, Carmel ES
Lori Stuart, Office of Technology & Information Services
Tenille Turner, Macedonia ES
Jamie Vogan, Cherokee HS
Samantha Westerlind, Little River ES
Susanne Whitney, Little River ES
Marissa Williams, Hickory Flat ES

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