LOWELL — Jay Blackman, director of Educational Technology for Tri-Creek Schools, has been named an Apple Distinguished Educator for the class of 2017.

The annual program honors “education pioneers” who are using a variety of Apple products to change teaching and learning in substantial ways.

Blackman has been with Tri-Creek for six years, and, in that time, he has overseen the adoption of collaborative project-based learning as a primary instructional focus as well as the 1-to-1 program for kindergartners through seniors.

Blackman has also been named one of “20 To Watch in Educational Technology” by the National School Boards Association and as the 2011 Illinois Computer Educators Technology Administrator of the Year when employed in Glenwood.

Tri-Creek School Corp. is a New Tech Network partner district.The school system has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program.