PBS Announces Educators Selected For 2022 Class of DigitalInnovator All-Star Program

PBS announced the 2022 class of educators selected for the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program – honoring classroom changemakers who offer fresh ideas and bold approaches to supporting their students’ growth and learning. Nominated by their local PBS stations, 20 educators were chosen from across the country.

The PBS Digital Innovator All-Star program brings together a community of PreK-12th grade educators who are innovators and leaders both in and outside of the classroom. Specifically, Digital Innovator All-Stars are selected from a cohort of educators who are doing extraordinary work supporting student learning by integrating media and digital technology in their teaching environments and inspiring students to use these tools in responsible, effective and empowering ways.

“We are thrilled to recognize these 20 teachers for their extraordinary work and dedication to their local communities,” said Lori Brittain, Vice President of PBS LearningMedia. “Each of the new PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars have worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of their students, all while navigating another challenging school year. It is an honor to elevate their powerful stories and thank them for the passion, creativity and grace they bring to their classrooms every day.”

PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars will spend the 2022-2023 school year deepening engagement among students, families, educators, schools and their local PBS stations.

Below is a list of the 2022 PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars and their local PBS stations; their profiles and photographs can be found here.

• Katie Mason, Idaho (Idaho Public Television)
• Andria Rogers, Montana (Montana PBS)
• Katherine (Kat) Baxter, Alabama (Alabama Public Television)
• Rodney Porterfield, Alabama (Alabama Public Television)
• Julie Ornelas, New Mexico (New Mexico PBS / KNME)
• Emmanuel Smith, Michigan (Detroit Public Television)
• Cara Pekarcik, Massachusetts (GBH)
• Chris Tyson Renshaw, Kentucky (KET)
• David Upegui, Rhode Island (Rhode Island PBS)
• Jennifer Sarmento, North Carolina (PBS North Carolina)
• Christian Wrabley, Pennsylvania (WQED)
• Jennifer Rayson, Missouri (Nine PBS)
• Darnell Williams, New Jersey (The WNET Group)
• Bob Kelly, California (Valley PBS)
• Ken Kusactay, California (KQED)
• Jim Bentley, California (KVIE)
• Fred Edwards, North Dakota (Prairie Public)
• J’Neil Gibson, North Dakota (Prairie Public)
• Lekena Ackerman, South Carolina (SCETV)
• Michelle Carton, Alaska (Alaska Public Media)

About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 126 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.