With the new year rolling around, there are a few things that are pretty much guaranteed to see coming across your social media news feeds. New year’s resolutions (still working on some of mine for the new year!), announcements related to personal and professional milestones and exciting new chapters.
Well, I do have some news I would like to share w/ you all as well!
I have been named officially as an Adobe Education Leader.
I am truly honored and thrilled to be part of this program. Adobe has been one of my favorite brands to work with these past few years. Whenever I talk to friends and colleagues about my favorite brand, Adobe is at the top of the list!
Adobe not only has great products and services they offer to their community, but it’s the people who are behind the brand who really make it a special place to be at. I have been so grateful for their support and investment towards education, and the kindness they have shown to other educators and students as well.
What does it meant to be an Adobe Education Leader?
The Adobe Education Leaders (AEL) program has been around for a while now, and it is a collection of educators from around the world at all different types of levels who come together to work, collaborate, and brainstorm ideas with Adobe on how to utilize Adobe products in their classes.
What is really cool is the fact that 1) this program has all levels of educators who are part of this program and 2) it’s very integrated in terms of what AELs are asked to do. For example, AELs are tasked to be able to conduct and participate in conferences, conduct workshops and contribute to blog posts on what they have been able to do with Adobe products in their classes.
In addition, we are also able to beta test new products and tools and provide insights back to Adobe on this. I had the opportunity to be part of the pilot program for Adobe Premiere Rush this fall semester for my PR class with The Breeders’ Cup (which I highly recommend you all to consider and take advantage of here for the spring semester!).
What does this program offer?
While I am still at the beginning stages of this program, I am very excited to see what the upcoming year has to offer. There were of course a few things that have been done already to make it “official” for me.
First, I got notified there is a badge we can actually get to add to our LinkedIn and other social media profiles to acknowledge we are part of this program. I am a big fan of certifications and badges, so I was thrilled to be able to update my LinkedIn with this.
Second, there is a designated group for AELs to network and collaborate with each other. I think that’s great to see here – we all need to bounce around ideas on what we are doing, what is working, and provide insights for everyone to grow and flourish in the education space. I am excited to learn from my fellow colleagues in the AEL program.
How to get involved in the program?
Okay, you may be thinking:
Karen, this sounds amazing and would love to get involved! How do I learn more about this program?
I have to thank my good friend Jim at Adobe for not only talking to me about the program, but supporting my application for the program. Yes – there is a formal application and interview process you have to go through to be part of this program. Thank you, Jim! I am forever grateful to you for this amazing opportunity!
I’d be happy to chat with you about the process if you are interested. Feel free to reach out to me. In the meantime, I’d strongly recommend you check out the great resources Adobe offers for educators on their Adobe Education Exchange site. Make sure to follow Education at Adobe as well on social media, and participate on Twitter using their hashtag #CreateEDU.
Thank you Adobe (especially Clara and Leona!) for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started and be part of the AEL program! Stay tuned for more updates!
Hope you all are having a wonderful day.
Best Wishes,
