Karen Cator

“I am a social learner (just ask my 8th grade teachers!); I prefer to learn with and from people. I believe many minds create better ideas and that social interactions incent action. I am increasingly interested in how online interactions can be designed to improve learning opportunity, regardless of location.”

Bio
Karen Cator is President and CEO of Digital Promise and a leading voice for transforming education through technology, innovation and research. From 2009-2013, Karen was Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, where she led the development of the 2010 National Education Technology Plan. Prior to joining the department, Cator directed Apple’s leadership and advocacy efforts in education. She began her education career in Alaska as a teacher, ultimately leading technology planning and implementation and she served as Special Assistant for Telecommunications for the Governor of Alaska. Cator holds a master’s in school administration from the University of Oregon and recently received the 2014 College of Education Distinguished Alumni award. The American Association of Publishers awarded Cator with the 2014 Visionary Award. She received her bachelor’s in early childhood education from Springfield College and received the alumni award in 2017. She is a member of the Aspen Pahara Fellows and past chair for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. She currently serves on the boards for ACT and Enlearn. You can reach Karen at: karen@digitalpromise.org.