Every year, we celebrate teachers, leaders, and schools within the New Tech Network. The New Tech Annual Awards recognize groundbreaking teacher and student work, entrepreneurial leadership, and schools who are closing the opportunity gap for underserved students.
Created in 2009 to honor Susan Schilling, former New Technology Foundation CEO, and her contributions to the Network and the broader education field, the Susan Schilling Legacy Award recognizes entrepreneurs in education who demonstrate leadership and contribute to the innovation and sustainability of the Network of nearly 200 schools in the United States and Australia.
This year, Donna Drago, Principal at Napa Junction Elementary, will be the first elementary leader to receive this award. Donna has been an elementary principal for over 20 years and came to Napa Junction to help transform the school to an innovative STEM PBL school.
In its fourth year as an NTN school, Napa Junction Magnet School (NJMS) has been committed to developing a community of learners through its STEM-based, Project-Based Learning (PBL) program. The mission of the school is “to foster social and emotional growth, 21st-century skill development, and academic progress within a STEM-focused curriculum.”
NTN staff noted that Donna is forward looking and always attentive to adapting to better serve the needs of their students. She has led innovation in the elementary space in her district. One of her goals was to ensure adult learning culture mirrors the student learning culture. To this end, individual learning goals are made public and every teacher participates in a committee dedicated to their school-wide focus.
In December, Napa Junction Magnet School was selected as a National Demonstration Site.Thanks in part from leadership, Napa Junction has demonstrated successful implementation of the New Tech school model so that students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow.
Congratulations Donna!
Congratulations Donna and we look forward to learning from you at NTAC.
Read more about Napa Junction here