Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon was recently named as an Apple Distinguished Educator and traveled to Texas to deliver a showcase speech during the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
“The ADE Institute was the most amazing, innovative and teacher-centered conference I have ever experienced,” McCutcheon said. “From the welcoming introduction to the hands-on workshops, showcases, connections with other innovators and educators and to the food and fun, it was all great.”
Out of more than 500 submissions, McCutcheon was one of only about 50 people in the United States to be named to the Apple Distinguished Educators Class of 2023. She joins two other ADEs at Herkimer Central School District: Herkimer Technology Coordinator Ryan Orilio from the ADE Class of 2009 and Herkimer technology integration specialist Richard Mathy from the ADE Class of 2007. McCutcheon also is the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Arts in Education coordinator.
“Apple is pleased to welcome Heather McCutcheon to the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2023,” Apple released in a statement. “In 1995, Apple created the ADE Program to recognize K-12 and higher education pioneers who are using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways. Celebrating 28 years, the program has grown into a worldwide community of visionary and innovative leaders in education, helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac.”
The ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas took place from July 10-14. McCutcheon submitted an idea for a showcase speech and was one of the educators selected to present at the conference.
McCutcheon said her showcase speech, titled “Consumer to Creator,” went well. It was the first day of the conference, so she was nervous, but she managed to keep the speech to exactly the three-minute limit.
McCutcheon also received an ADE award, two shirts and a jacket – in addition to meeting ADEs from across the country.
“I have lots of new connections and ideas to share with everyone,” McCutcheon said, “and I am just so grateful for that experience.”
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who was named an Apple Distinguished Educator, on stage for her showcase speech during the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who was named an Apple Distinguished Educator, gives her showcase speech on stage during the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon and other members of the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2023 pose together at the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon and other Apple Distinguished Educator showcase presenters pose together at the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon holds up her Apple Distinguished Educator award at the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who was named an Apple Distinguished Educator, wears her new Distinguished Educator jacket at the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon’s Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2023 award.
Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon’s Apple Distinguished Educator shirts and jackets she received at the ADE Institute 2023 Americas event in Dallas for being named to the ADE Class of 2023.
