Westminster Becomes Only School in the U.S. to Earn Microsoft Showcase Title for Six Consecutive Years
Westminster continues to hold the title as the school with the most Microsoft Showcase awards in the country. For six consecutive years, Microsoft has recognized Westminster as a Showcase School, an elite title designated for schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today. This year, only 42 schools received the designation nationwide.
"I want to commend Westminster's faculty, staff and IT department for their hard work, and for ensuring that the latest Microsoft technology is used daily in the classroom. Our job is to provide our students and community with the best of the best and we have been able to accomplish just that," said Omar Valerio, CIO, CTO and IT director at Westminster.
Microsoft defines Showcase Schools as educational institutions that amplify the use of technology to drive school-wide digital transformation and efficiencies. Microsoft Showcase Schools also emphasize personalized learning for their students through the use of 1:1 learning devices and learning with current technology such as Microsoft Teams, Office 365 Education, OneNote, and more.
In addition, Microsoft has named Omar Valerio as well as four of Westminster's outstanding teachers as MIEE (Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert). Microsoft's MIE Expert program is aimed at teachers and administrators who have recognized the didactic potential and relevance of digital technologies and who use them innovatively in their lessons. Three of Westminster's employees have also received the MCE title, or Microsoft Certified Educator. These employees are:
Claudia Pastrana
MIE Expert (2 years), Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)
Arlene Castellano
MIE Expert (2 years)
April Sharpe-Shirk
MIE Expert (2 years)
Loralyn Pybas
MIE Expert (1 year)
Manya Glavach
Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)
Jesica Barboza
Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)
Kevin Lopez
Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)
Omar Valerio
Microsoft MVP (5 Years), MIE Expert (4 years), MCE
Westminster Christian School, located in Palmetto Bay, Florida, is a private, college-preparatory school for children from preschool through twelfth grade.