Pearson Selects Finalists for Online Learning Excellence Awards

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 12/08/15

Pearson has chosen 20 finalists for its 2016 Online Learning Excellence Awards.

Given to outstanding leaders working in online or blended learning environments in K-12 and higher education, "the awards honor educators and administrators who have demonstrated measurable best practices and innovation in online education," according to a news release.

Administrative finalists include:

• Patricia James, executive director at the California Community College Online Education Initiative;
• Bruce Kauss, e-learning coordinator at Blue Mountain College;
• Krista LeBrun, dean of e-learning education at East Central Community College;
• Sandra Muhr, director of faculty at Wentworth Institute of Technology;
• Ephraim Ross, director of instructional innovation at American College of Healthcare Sciences;
• Seith Bedard, director at Peabody Learning Academy;
• David Cline, principal at Hart-Ransom Academic Charter School;
• Byron Fairchild, business director at Orange County Department of Education;
• Andrew Hulbert, executive director of virtual learning at Oxford Community Schools; and
• Victoria Stroud, instructional specialist at Mountain High Education Charter High School.

Teaching finalists include:

• Matthew Bruder, professor at DeVry University, Chicago;
• Sean Nufer, e-learning specialist & adjunct professor at Chicago School of Professional Psychology;
• Darren Walsh, assistant vice president of learning and academic support services at Excelsior College;
• Katherine Wesley, assistant professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
• Teri Yamada, chair and instructor, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies, California State University, Long Beach;
• Sarah Allen, first grade teacher at Indian Creek School;
• Teena Atkins, teacher at Mountain Education Charter High School;
• Kathryn Grimes, teacher at Riverchase Middle School;
• Diane Hardy, lead mathematics instructor at Mountain Education Charter High School; and
• Stephen Roth, upper school STEM teacher at Indian Creek School.

Two winners will be selected in each category February 10 and each winner will receive a $1,500 donation to the scholarship fund of their choice.