With three decades in edtech and two in the Discovery Educator Network, Rita Mortenson offers a front-row view of how connected communities drive change.
INTERVIEW | by Victor Rivero
KRISTIN FURDAK SMART / DISCOVERY EDUCATOR NETWORK MIDWEST REGIONAL INSTITUTE
This year, the Discovery Educator Network (DEN)-one of the oldest professional learning communities in edtech-celebrates its 20th birthday. Among the earliest members of the DEN, which is supported by Discovery Education and connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration, was Rita Mortenson.
‘I believe there will always be a need for in-person meetups—that’s what makes conferences so valuable. It’s like asking why do people go to the movies when they can stream videos at home?’
An educator with over 30 years of experience in the field, Rita currently serves as a high school Educational Technology Coach for Wisconsin’s Verona Area High School, where she works with about 1,800 students and 200 staff members on a variety of technology topics. Rita is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Innovator, an ISTE certified Educator, and a DEN Star.
Recently, EdTech Digest sat down with Rita to learn her thoughts on professional learning communities.
Good morning Rita and great to meet you. So, take us back 20 years ago to the founding of the DEN. Why were professional learning communities like the DEN needed? How was it formed?
Twenty years ago, Coni Rechner, who is now Discovery Education’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Relationships, led a small team with the vision and foresight to create the Discovery Educator Network. They recognized what so many of us didn’t even realize we were missing: a chance to be a part of something bigger – a community where educators could share experiences, connect with passionate, like-minded people, and build lasting friendships that would extend far beyond the classroom.
The earliest DEN Institutes were regional events, taking place across the U.S that same summer. I chose to attend the one in Chicago, as it was only about a 2-hour drive. At the time, I wasn’t sure what this would really be about. Little did I know that this would be truly life- changing. I’ll never forget walking into that large room with more than 100 educators. The energy was unbelievable – it felt like a celebration just for us. I had never experienced anything like that before. To be welcomed, honored and celebrated in that way was not just fun – I felt so special.
‘They recognized what so many of us didn’t even realize we were missing: a chance to be a part of something bigger – a community where educators could share experiences, connect with passionate, like-minded people, and build lasting friendships that would extend far beyond the classroom.’
What is the unique value of participating in a professional learning community to teachers?
What made the DEN truly unique wasn’t just professional learning – it was the people and the spirit of the community.
Unlike other PLC’s, the DEN created a global network where educators could connect, collaborate, and support one another. I remember countless times when I, or someone else- would post a question or challenge, and within the hour, responses would pour in from all over the country.
The collective wealth of knowledge from people near and far was amazing. There was always support and encouragement. We all wanted each other to succeed, and you could really, really feel that support in the DEN. The knowledge-sharing was impressive, but the empathy and genuine desire to see others succeed made the DEN special.
That kind of trust, responsiveness and connection is what made the DEN stand out – and what continues to make it unlike any other learning community I’ve ever experienced.
You participate in several learning communities. How do they differ? How did you select which ones to participate in?
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some truly exceptional learning communities – each among the best of the best. What makes them so powerful is that each has offered something uniquely meaningful, both personally and professionally.
As an Apple Distinguished Educator, I had the opportunity to elevate my expertise within the Apple ecosystem – exploring innovative tools, creative strategies, and meaningful ways to enhance teaching and learning.
Similarly, as a Google Certified Innovator, I dove into the Google tools collaborating with educators who were passionate about reimagining learning and leading change.
As an ISTE Certified educator, the focus broadened beyond tools for pedagogy, purpose and impact.
Each of these communities pushed me to grow and inspired me to lead and connect with educators around the world.
How have professional learning communities changed since the founding of the DEN 20 years ago? What has stayed consistent?
I think that the evolving digital platforms have allowed us to stay connected throughout the year. With video conferencing platforms, collaboration can happen at anytime, anywhere. What has stayed the same is the core principle of the PLC – bringing educators together to learn, grow, connect, and share information.
‘What has stayed the same is the core principle of the PLC – bringing educators together to learn, grow, connect, and share information.’
This July you will attend the Discovery Education Summer Institute again in Chicago for a few days of in-person learning. Why is connecting in person so important for educators in that sort of setting so important post-COVID?
When I first learned that the DEN Institute would be back in person, I was so excited. We’ve been eagerly awaiting this day since Covid-19. It is truly one of the highlights of my summer and an experience that is hard to describe unless you have participated. Next year marks my 39th year in my district and I am just as excited now as I was nearly 20 years ago attending my very first DENSI. There is something so special about attending a Summer Institute. Being together and learning and exchanging ideas is so fun.
With the rise of AI and its ability to generate answers to any question, will professional learning communities like the Discovery Educator Network survive?
Most definitely. While I love learning in all kinds of formats, nothing can truly replace the power of connecting in person. There is something special about sharing a week, or a few days in a dorm with 100+ other engaged educators – living, learning and laughing at silly things. Some of my closest friendships were formed through the DEN. These friendships have lasted over the years. I still travel with them and attend conferences even though we live in different cities and states. You can’t replicate the DEN Summer Institute with an online experience.
What is the biggest professional lesson you learned from your participation in professional learning communities?
To always stay curious and never stop learning. When you gather in person with so many passionate, talented and inspiring educators, it reignites your excitement for teaching. You want to bring back those ideas and try them.
How about the biggest edtech lesson?
I still remember those late nights in the dorms, with our laptops out, sharing our favorite Web 2.0 tools. We were so excited, sharing online crossword puzzle generators, sites with free clipart graphics or other resources we couldn’t wait to try out with our students and teachers.
What is the future of professional learning communities in edtech?
I believe there will always be a need for in-person meetups—that’s what makes conferences so valuable. It’s like asking why do people go to the movies when they can stream videos at home? In-person gatherings offer more than just learning about new tools or strategies. It is the connection with people – the energy and the motivation that comes from meeting face to face. The learning and information shared is meaningful, but the conversations and friendships made are life changing. I’d like to thank Discovery Education for bringing back the in-person DEN Summer Institute. I’m so excited to learn alongside passionate educators. I know it is going to be so much fun!
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Victor Rivero is the Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest. Write to: victor@edtechdigest.com
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