By Merrilee Embs
BEAVERCREEK — Innovating youth is something Beavercreek City School administrator Kevin Cornell loves to do — so it only seemed natural he has been named the 2016 PBS Learning Media Lead Digital Innovator for Ohio.
As a 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator, Cornell will be awarded year-long professional development opportunities, virtual trainings, exclusive resources from PBS LearningMedia, a free PBS TeacherLine professional development course, networking opportunities and more.
Cornell, the district’s curriculum supervisor, has a unique teaching philosophy of bringing music to the education process. He explains that its not like a music class per se but getting children to engage in the education process with song and rhythm.
“I’m also the host for Science Saturdays Live Science Show on Think TV,” he said. “I want to provide a unique and fun way to engage kids. I do this with the power of music.”
Cornell loves to inspire children to learn.
“The art of learning is something very special,” he said. “It’s how we teach them; that’s what’s super critical, regardless of the standards.”
Working with PBS provides a platform for education, and this opportunity will be a chance to connect with other innovators in education.
“I think for myself this kind of recognition brings attention to educators in general,” Cornell said. “My goal is to share my love and passion for education.”
In addition, Cornell will receive an all-expense paid trip to Denver, Colo., to participate in the 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Summit and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference.
“Kevin is an asset to this district because his innovative use of technology creates a better learning environment. Now, the entire country will find out how he engages students to help them excel in the classroom,” said Beavercreek City Schools Assistant Superintendent Susan Hayward Ph.D.
Cornell is Mister C on PBS — a character he developed to help make learning fun using online music videos and community events to help kids experience the world through science — and he encourages teachers to embrace technology through professional development opportunities. Mister C and ThinkTV, public television in the greater Dayton area, have teamed up in support of Science Saturday events. More information is available online at Science Saturdays.
“ThinkTV is proud and pleased that Kevin Cornell has been named Ohio’s 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator,” said ThinkTV Learning Services Manager Diane Kroplin. “Using the resources and tools available from PBS LearningMedia educators like Kevin ignite learning and engage students with innovative digital content.”
Cornell has been an educator for more than 14 years. His experience includes teaching and administration.
“I want my students to see the world from multiple lens,” he added. “I want them to enjoy and connect with learning,” he added.
When he’s not educating youth he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter who are both involved in Science Saturdays as well.
Learn more about Cornell and Science Satureadys www.learningscienceisfun.com and www.thinktv.org/education/science-saturdays or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sciencesaturdaysmisterc.
PBS LearningMedia is a free on-demand service that offers more than 120,000 digital resources for teachers, is honoring educators from across the country who exemplify excellence in using technology and digital media in support of student learning. A panel of esteemed judges selected 52 educators from throughout the U.S, its territories and the District of Columbia, as Lead Innovators, representing almost every state and Washington D.C., a first in the program’s history.
