Two CCSD Educators Named 2025 WeVideo Ambassadors

We're ringing in the new year with an exciting announcement! CCSD technology facilitators Christina Amendola and Katie Kelley were recently accepted into the WeVideo Ambassador Program, which recognizes educators for their commitment to incorporating multimedia and interactive video in their teaching practices. With a 2025 class size of only eight professionals from across the country — bringing the cohort total to 41 — Christina and Katie's selections are not only huge personal achievements, but also reflect well on the important work we are doing as a District!

As ambassadors, Christina and Katie partner closely with fellow educators to help them identify ways to transform their instructional content that also allow for students to express themselves creatively through use of the program. A recent visit to Clarkstown High School South resulted in just that. After exploring a variety of science fiction short stories, Richard Bertrand's English class was inspired to craft their own. Eleventh graders were then introduced to WeVideo and how it can be used to produce podcasts — taking their literary analyses off of paper and onto a more digital, conversational platform.

Apart from using this technology to help them in the editing process, students were also able to record their podcasts using the classroom's in-house studio. Made possible through the Rockland Community Foundation's (RCF) Innovative Teaching Grant Program, Richard this past summer was able to secure the necessary equipment needed to help them carry out these projects. RCF, along with Verizon, supports educators who are engaging K-12 learners in exciting methods of STEAM-related instruction in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Congratulations, Christina, Katie and Richard! Your ability to leverage technology in the pursuit of getting our children future ready is truly commendable.