CIESC would like to welcome a new member to the Professional Learning Team.  Lena Darnay is the new Professional Learning Specialist with a focus on Digital Learning.

Lena Darnay is an experienced educator, technologist, and librarian. Driven by a passion for innovation and creative problem solving, she takes pride in helping teachers create engaging and authentic learning experiences using technology, inquiry, and project-based learning techniques. She is an avid learner and researcher holding a BA in Marketing, Masters of Library and Information Science, and, most recently, a Masters of Education in Learning and Technology with a focus on adult education principles.  She is also an ISTE Certified Educator, a Canvas LMS Advocate, and a Google Certified Trainer. 

As the District Instructional Technology Specialist for Pike Township Schools, she developed a technology integration framework and professional learning events to support a district-wide technology integration initiative. Over her three years in the role, she also built a Digital Learning Teacher Leader cadre of educators. In the rapid implementation of remote learning as part of the COVID response plan, she was able to activate these teachers to organize and implement robust professional learning support in the spring and summer of 2020. 

Her passion for and commitment to collaborating with teachers to create powerful learning experiences was celebrated when she was recognized as a Top Ten Indiana Teacher of the Year in 2018. She continues to serve the youth of Indiana as a 25+ year volunteer for Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) International and as a Corporate Board member of the HOBY Indiana State Leadership Seminar.  

She is excited to join the CIESC Professional Learning Team and looks forward to innovating and collaborating with the educators of Indiana as we shape the ever-evolving future of teaching and learning. 

Welcome to the team, Lena!