Shawn McCusker

“I like to get hands-on and learn by making mistakes, then figure out what works best. I think the best test of understanding is to ask, “Can you teach it?” That requires nuanced understanding.”

Before joining Digital Promise, Shawn spent 25 years as a classroom teacher and school leader in public, private, and alternative schools. In 2006, he was recognized as a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Shawn is passionate about using the power of technology to make storytelling a part of student learning. His creative lessons and student products have been highlighted in THE Journal, Educational Leadership, and The Huffington Post. An innovator in creating and organizing online learning communities, he has led the #sschat, #1to1techat, and #engsschat communities on Twitter, and served as the lead organizer for EdCamp Chicago. In 2016 he was named a Top Trailblazing Educator on Twitter by eSchoolNews. Shawn received his BA in History from Northern Illinois University and his MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. His column, “The Tech Savvy Classroom,” is featured in Digital Learning Magazine. You can reach Shawn at smccusker@digitalpromise.org.