Wow! What an experience! The Google Teacher Academy had simply been a goal on a piece of paper hanging on my refrigerator for two years. Conferences, trainings, sessions and surfing the internet to learn more and more about the tools for me to share with the teachers in Kentucky kept pushing me to the ultimate conference in Austin, Texas on Dec. 2 - 3, 2014.
When I received the email on Oct. 22nd that I had been accepted, my life quickly switched to high gear. The Hangouts, Voxer chats, Google+ notifications, emails, and more began flooding my computer. I quickly saw that I was going to be introduced to some of the most amazing educators in the world! And was I ever right!
The two days spent at the academy were just what I needed at just the right time. The positive energy filled the rooms and the leaders filled our minds with their wisdom. I left the conference with confidence that my goal in life
"to engage students in learning at high levels and connect the power of technology
to prepare them for their future, to integrate technology in classrooms in
order to enhance instruction, and to provide training and support to faculty and
staff on the ever-changing technologies"
is what I am meant to do. The task is a big one since I work at the state level and have the opportunity to touch all teachers but I am ready for the challenge. My plan is to influence teachers to differentiate/personalize instruction in order to engage and empower students' achievement.
This group of amazing people changed my life forever! Their knowledge of technology integration is mind-boggling and their enthusiasm is contagious... I am so grateful for their support and friendship!
I made it!!
(A huge thank you to Donnie Piercey for your years of Pre-GTA training and to Kevin Hodges for that final "push".) 
