“Distance learning has definitely made me a stronger educator”

By: Kenrya Rankin
Author

Louisville teacher goes all in on tech during pandemic

Full Transparency

Our editorial transparency tool uses blockchain technology to permanently log all changes made to official releases after publication. However, this post is not an official release and therefore not tracked. Visit our learn more for more information.

Learn more

Teacher Kori Rogalinski works on a new puzzle.

Not only does Verizon Innovative Learning change students’ lives, but it can crack open the world for teachers in search of new ways to engage with their students—particularly in challenging times. Kori Rogalinski, a sixth-grade science teacher at Newburg Middle School in Louisville, Kentucky, is one such educator.

A 21-year teaching veteran, Rogalinski knew that shifting to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic would be challenging. But she credits Verizon Innovative Learning with easing the transition. A key part of the Citizen Verizon initiative in support of digital inclusion, the program gives under-resourced schools professional development for their teachers, an advanced learning experience that centers on next-generation technology, and free devices and data access for school and home use.

But beyond helping her reach students, Rogalinski, who tackles jigsaw puzzles when she needs to de-stress, told us that working during the pandemic reignited her love for teaching science. “That challenge of distance learning has definitely made me a stronger educator,” she said. Rogalinski was even moved to pursue a new master’s degree in STEAM teaching education via a virtual program at Bellarmine University.

Now that fall remote learning is in full swing for Newburg, Rogalinski has one major wish: “What I’m most looking forward to is getting back into the building and actually seeing my kids.”

Watch and learn how having access to outstanding resources during the coronavirus pandemic has renewed Kori Rogalinski’s passion for preparing students for the future.

Related Articles

04/02/2020
24/7 tech access helps keep Verizon Innovative Learning students engaged and safe.
10/08/2020
It’s hard enough to learn in a second language without a pandemic keeping you out of the classroom.