Blended learning integrates technology into daily instruction, differentiates instruction based on the needs of individual students, and allows for student empowerment to take some control over their own learning. These strategies have been, and continue to be, thoroughly researched and proven to be highly successful educational practices.
The Diocese of Orange is pleased to have the second cohort of ABLE Fellows. ABLE Fellows are teacher coaches in our diocese who are well-trained in blended learning practices. The ABLE Fellowship was made possible through a generous grant from the Orange Catholic Foundation. This project is part of a joint partnership with the Highlander Institute in Rhode Island.
Chelsea Campbell of Our Lady of Fatima Academy, San Clemente
Chelsea Campbell is a Language Arts and History teacher. Her goal as a teacher is to inspire her students. Campbell claims her “educator superpower” to be her ability to bring her flair for the dramatic into her lessons; whether that be dressing up in character, breaking into song, facilitating a mock trial, holding a poetry slam, or organizing her own classroom version of Survivor. She loves to get her students out of their seats and excited to learn!
Danielle Ekno of Saint Joseph Catholic School, Placentia
Danielle Ekno teaches second grade students at Saint Joseph. Ekno is happy to have the opportunity to mentor other teachers this year, as she was an ABLE OC mentee last school year. Ekno believes that her educator superpower is “Elasti-Teacher.” She can do whatever a classroom requires – differentiated instruction, grading, communicating with parents, and implementing new teaching tools and techniques.
Gina Hoover of Christ Cathedral Academy, Garden Grove
Gina Hoover teaches kindergarten at Christ Cathedral Academy. Hoover believes that blended and personalized learning can truly help student progress. She looks forward to helping other teachers making the transition smooth and achievable. Her educator superpower is to have the ability to transform a blank wall into a learning station.
Lynne Pantano of Saint Junipero Serra Catholic School, Rancho Santa Margarita
Lynne Pantano is the Director of Testing and Analysis and Advanced Plus English Language Arts teacher at Saint Junipero Serra Catholic School. Pantano’s educator superpower is in identifying what is standing in the way of a student’s mastery of a skill or concept.
Maggie Steiss of The Parish School at St. Edward, Dana Point
Maggie Steiss grew up attending Catholic schools. She is a third-grade STEM teacher at The Parish School. She is a strong proponent of blended learning because of its capacity to personalize education for students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic status.
Teresa Vidergar of Saint Irenaeus School, Cypress
Teresa Vidergar is a fourth-grade teacher at St. Irenaeus School. Vidergar enjoys learning about teaching styles that give fabulous results for student achievement. Her educator superpower is understanding individual student needs, differentiated instruction, and a willingness to try and learn new things.