Looking Back at the 2014 ConnectED Superintendents Summit

Dr. Christine Johns, superintendent of Utica Community Schools (UCS), received her doctor of education in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University. Over the course of more than a decade as superintendent for the Sterling Heights, Michigan, district, Dr. Christine Johns has established herself as a national leader in education.

Among a number of awards and distinctions, Dr. Johns was selected to take part in the 2014 National ConnectED Superintendents Summit at the White House in Washington, DC, an invitation extended to only 100 teachers, administrators, and other educational leaders, many of whom were recognized for their achievements in the area of digital learning. The nation's top 100 education professionals in America used the summit as an opportunity to engage with the Education Department and discuss ways in which technology can further enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students.

The summit was also attended by President Barack Obama, who spoke and took questions not only from attendees, but a national Internet audience. The President used his platform to discuss technological initiatives being undertaken by other countries, such as South Korea's goal of replacing all textbooks with digital materials, while outlining a brighter future for American students powered by new tools and technologies.

UCS Recognizes Grads with Prestigious Seal of Global Language

For more than a decade, Dr. Christine Johns has acted as superintendent of Utica Community Schools (UCS) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Through the office of superintendent, Dr. Christine Johns has assisted in the development of new student achievement awards such as the Seal of Global Language. 

As one of the top performing school districts in Michigan, UCS helps its students works towards successful futures by providing an education that fosters innovation and strong academics. In 2016, the district sought to further bolster student achievement by introducing the Seal of Global Language award. UCS bestows this accolade upon graduating students who have displayed oral and written skills in both English and at least one other international language. 

To earn the Seal of Global Language, students must achieve a score of at least three on their language AP exams and fulfill the requirements of either an International Baccalaureate or Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Language test. As such, this accolade not only recognizes academic achievement, but it also indicates that recipients are fully prepared to enter the global economy.

In its inaugural year, the Seal of Global Language recognized 150 UCS graduates. By 2017, this number increased by nearly 20 percent to include 174 recipients.