KCI Cast

In Episode 10, we chat with KCI OBI and MERIT alumnus, Katie McNamara, about her work as a Teacher Librarian and how her commitment to making learning more pleasant for students and teachers. As she explains, “gone are the days where libraries are just books.” Katie’s passion for educational technology and instructional design sets her apart from so many other educators, and she holds this space for all the teachers in her district and at her site to help them curate and create meaningfully with technology. She also shares her aha moments associated with Jennifer Gonzalez’ Single Point Rubric and the importance of empowering every student to succeed. Join us as we get to know Katie and her work that much better!

In Episode 9, we get to hang out with Cristina Bustamante and Ed Campos of the KCI STEAM Leadership Program. These two rascals designed the STEAM Leadership Program in the summer of 2021 in response to the growing need for integrated practices, leadership and voice in equity and identity, and FUN in K-12 classrooms. As Ed said, they built the program to “hold space for excellent educators” who are looking to find a pathway and inspiration to make lasting change happen in their schools and districts. Cristina points out, “it’s not enough to just teach kids to code. Instead, we need to think about ‘to what end?’” What’s the bigger reason for STEAM instruction in K-12 classrooms and what role does someone’s personal story and experiences play in that plan?

In this episode, Cate interviews Kristin Oropeza as she shares about her MERIT 21 experience. Kristin shares her unique skills as a Special Education teacher, Technology TOSA, professional learning leader, content creator, and social media marketer. Her calm energy and persistent curiosity inspire her peers and affiliate members, and you will love to get to know Kristin on a more personal level!

In this episode, Cate interviews Christina DeGregorio, a #MERIT21 scholar, middle school Science and Forensics teacher, and health and wellness advocate from Burlingame Intermediate School. Christina shares more about her schoolwide commitment to social-emotional learning with both her students and peer teachers. Check out some resources below and get to know Christina on a more personal level!

In this episode, Cate interviews Stacy Kratochvil, a #MERIT21 scholar and passionate tech enthusiast in the spaces of teacher leadership and physical education. Stacy stepped into the role of EdTech TOSA in February 2020 and details her journey into teacher leadership managing relationships during and through the pandemic. Check out her favorite resources and get to know Stacy on a more personal level!

As part of our commitment to ongoing and responsive innovation, the KCI has fast-tracked a program to support educators in their current efforts in online and blended teaching. In partnership with the CA State Department of Education, the KCI has brought in educational experts, practitioners, and innovators to design a one-of-a-kind certificate program that prioritizes CA teachers and administrators looking to sharpen their skills in real time. Join Kas Pereira, Cate Tolnai, and Kim Randall as they provide the details and inspiration behind this program and the exciting changes happening at KCI!

What makes the KCI such a vibrant, inclusive learning space for educators and leaders? Some say the instructors, others say the topics, and most attribute the vibe to the vision and community that embraces you the moment you step on campus. It's no accident that anyone who chooses to grow and learn at the Krause Center for Innovation in Los Altos Hills, CA comes back again and again. In large part, the "magic sauce" of the KCI starts and continues with Gay Krause, Executive Director and Founder of the KCI> 

Gay Krause has been influencing educators and leaders since July 1999. Prior to July 1999, Gay served as both an elementary and middle school principal in the Mountain View Whisman School District.  Gay also worked in this school district as a teacher, middle school counselor, and assistant principal for 20 years prior to assuming the Executive Director role at the KCI, Foothill DeAnza Community College District.