Congratulations to NCG’s Darrell Muir, who has been named a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Fellow, as part of the Microsoft for Education programme.
The Microsoft for Education programme offers numerous courses and self-development opportunities for educators around the globe. Through completing online courses, educators are able to connect with others in their communities, learning from each other and earning themselves the titles of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE).
Darrell was the first colleague at NCG to become an MIEE and there are now 13 across the Group, delivering training and helping to upskill teachers and support colleagues. NCG’s aim is to ensure there is an MIEE based at every college.
Now, following an application to secure one of just 20 roles in the UK, and one of the three in the North East, Darrell has been named a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Fellow.
According to Microsoft for Education, Fellows are ‘MIE Experts’ who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in the MIE Expert programme through coaching, mentoring, delivering presentations at conferences, and providing rich professional development to other educators, and are considered an expert in technology integration by their peers.
Being named an MIEE Fellow means Darrell’s innovative approach and passion has been recognised by Microsoft for Education and gives her a greater mandate to mentor and inspire teachers across NCG and the wider FE sector to use and implement the Microsoft tools and technology in their teaching and learning.
Darrell commented: “My background is in computing but my real passion is how technology can help unlock the potential of all of our learners, such as those with autism or those who aren’t comfortable asking questions in the classroom.
“Using technology in lessons really helps learners to engage and make it easier for them to communicate, and I’ve seen first hand the impact this can have and the difference it can make to the success of learners.
“Being named an MIEE Fellow means I can work with colleagues right across NCG to improve digital skills across all curriculum areas and make sure that staff and students have access to the technology that will enhance their teaching and learning.
“We’re always looking for new MIEs and right now we’re looking for representatives from Newcastle Sixth Form College and Lewisham College to join our community."