If we don’t close the gaps of professional learning with hands-on, research-based, and job-embedded practices, then we are widening the equity gaps of classroom learning for our students.
Cate Tolnai
Inside every educator is a curious learner, passionate caregiver, and blossoming risktaker. When provided with support, trust, and resources, anything is probable and everything is possible.
Cate Tolnai supports educators, administrators, and teams as they design and execute excellent online and blended instruction to meet the needs of every learner and caregiver they serve. She also teaches online courses and designs statewide educational technology professional learning programs as an instructional team member at the Krause Center for Innovation, Foothill College
areas of Expertise
ONLINE
LEARNING
Students need access to digital resources that meet their individual skillsets and curiosities. In order for that to happen, educators needs that same access as well.
PROFESSSIONAl
DEVELOPMENT
Excellent instruction starts in the professional learning center – whether in-person or virtually. Creating moments of real growth for educators and school leaders positions them for success in the classroom.
instructional
design
By leveraging research, practical application, and learner experience, educators can design engaging learning experiences and celebrate formative growth in real time.
EVERYTHING CHANGED IN 2014
I had the distinct honor of attending the Google Teacher Academy (now known as the Google Certified Innovator Program) in December, 2014. This video was a part of my application and captures my transformation from classroom teacher to professional learning leader in Loomis, CA. Since this experience, my perspective on educational leadership and empathy for professional learners has never been the same.
Students must have access to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. There is no more waiting. Educators who prioritize these subjects are advocates for truly inclusive and accessible learning for all.
Cate's Publication
Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay
Co-Author (ISTE, 2019)
With a uniquely engaging style, Power Up Your Classroom helps educators understand the benefits of gamification and game-based learning, and empowers them to design learning experiences that leverage gameplay to increase motivation & engagement and build classroom community.
questions to explore together
Great solutions take shape through the hard work of collaboration and conversation. Asking the right questions makes or breaks the process and sets the team up to plan, measure, and iterate upon solutions. Explore several examples below of inquiry-driven conversation starters that have a major programmatic impact on team members and stakeholders.
Instructional Tech
What tools are the right fit for your students? Does the cost and time commitment match the return on investment? Will the teachers use the solution? Will the students and their data be safe? Does the solution integrate with curriculum and instruction already in place? Can our infrastructure handle our solutions?
Strategic Planning
How S.M.A.R.T. are our goals? What is our objective? Who needs to be brought into the conversation and at what point? Are we measuring for success during the project as well as at the end? Is there room for iteration? How can we collaborate to explore solutions together?
Implementation Science
Who needs to know that this is happening? When do we expect to see outcomes? Are we preparing our district and site leaders as well as the classroom teachers? How informed are the caregivers? Is our process flexible enough to sustain projected and unforeseen changes? How will we measure success equitably?
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH CATE?
Learning about break-out rooms was awesome! I loved her ability to take the sessions where we needed it to go. I think not expecting perfection is paramount for me professionally at this time.
Survey Submission
"Google Classroom For Littles"
I know new resources can be overwhelming, but this course was simple and straight to the point. Easy to digest in new tools for education.
Julia Lee
Middle School Teacher
You two are the dynamic duo. I thoroughly enjoyed your Learning Lab and will seek out future labs with you. Thank you!
Courtnie Wallace
Elementary Teacher
