Making Connections to Empower Educators
Success Stories
How the Discovery Educator Network is Transforming Education Through Professional Growth Opportunities
Navigating the dynamic and innovative education landscape today can bring unique challenges for educators, which is why professional learning communities (PLCs) are so essential to their growth. These communities foster meaningful connections that lie at the heart of professional development. By coming together, educators can exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and ultimately create more engaging learning experiences for their students.
The Discovery Educator Network (DEN), established in 2005, was built with a clear vision to expand these connections. While local PLCs are great for collaboration within schools or districts, the DEN took things a step further by creating a national network, allowing educators to connect across regions.
Since its inception, the DEN has grown into a global hub for educators. More than integrating Discovery Education tools, it supports educators holistically in their work and nurtures a real community where every interaction strengthens collective wisdom.
The DEN also exemplifies how partnerships between edtech providers and educators drive PLCs forward. These relationships ensure that educational technology is aligned with the real needs of teachers and students and supports effective, engaging learning experiences.
Professional Growth is Core to the DEN’s Success
How does the DEN do it? The driving force behind its success and that of its members is the carefully curated professional growth opportunities—ranging from influential webinars to exclusive feedback sessions—that enable educators to grow both personally and professionally.
For many educators, joining the DEN is more than just another perk—it’s a turning point in their professional development. The DEN elevates their voices, open doors to meaningful collaboration, and give teachers a seat at the table where ideas spark innovation at DE. As one member describes this unique professional learning community, “. . . it’s flexible, self-paced, and there’s always something to gain from it.”
Leadership Opportunities Elevate Teacher Voices
The DEN provides its members with powerful opportunities to sharpen their leadership skills and amplify their presence within their community. Through initiatives such as contributing blog posts, writing articles, and presenting at conferences and webinars, educators gain the confidence and skills to turn challenges into growth opportunities.
McKenna Akane, a K-8 STEM Educator from Alberton School District in Montana, was recognized by the DEN for her excellence in teaching by receiving the Discovery Education Educator of the Year award. This opened new doors for her to grow as a thought leader and take advantage of opportunities to share her expertise, such as guest writing articles and speaking at other events.
The DEN helps district leaders set the stage for local professional development to address the unique needs of teachers and students in their community. Shirley Alulema, an Instructional Media Specialist from The Diocese of Brooklyn in New York, was inspired to create her own district-level professional development sessions modeled after the DEN’s VirtCon. She took what she learned from DEN opportunities and saw a chance to lead her teachers in ensuring student needs are met.
Unique Professional Learning Events for DEN Members
One highlight of DEN membership is professional development events like VirtCon and DEN Summer Institute (DENSI). These no-cost virtual conferences are designed to give DE educators a place to explore innovative ideas, best practices, and creative solutions to unique challenges faced in the classroom.
DEN members have consistently relied on events like VirtCon and DENSI each year as a go-to for how to elevate their use of DE in their classrooms and strengthen their connections. “My go-to resources are DE’s fall VirtCons and their webinars,” notes Rita Mortenson. “They’re packed with insights from exceptional educators worldwide. And the best part? These sessions are recorded and shared in the DEN, so you can learn anytime.”
Leia DePalo, an Elementary STEM Teacher from Northport-East Northport Union Free School District in New York, shares her perspective, saying, “The workshops and virtual events aren’t just about new tools; they’re about mindset shifts… For example, I have a whole new approach to using data to differentiate my students’ learning journeys. That is game-changing.”
Through opportunities like VirtCon and DENSI, the DEN continuously empowers educators to amplify their voices and become a leader in their district.
Teacher-Led Innovation at DE
Discovery Education also recognizes the pivotal role that educators play in shaping the future of edtech, ensuring students remain at the heart of its innovative products. For instance, DEN members can participate in beta testing programs, such as Career Connect—Discovery Education’s latest tool that connects K-12 classrooms to industry professionals to build career readiness. “I had the privilege of being part of the beta testing for Career Connect before it launched,” shares McKenna. “It’s a phenomenal tool for bringing professionals into my rural school, allowing my students to talk to experts in different fields. I often struggle with how to support rural and reservation communities, as they’re the most removed and in need of extra opportunities. Career Connect really bridges that gap for us.”
DEN members can join valuable feedback sessions that help enhance Discovery Education’s current offerings so that they easily meet their specific needs and address diverse student needs. As Rita explains, “Recently, we organized a Virtual Field Trip for our culinary and veterinary science students with an elementary school. The level of detail DE includes in these trips is incredible! I’ve also recommended the activity calendars in Experience to a staff member who faced challenges supporting her students. They’re ideal for modifications and personalization, especially with auditory and visual aids.”
Shirley Alulema easily sees the DEN as an invaluable resource that helps teachers in her district keep students at the center of their efforts by understanding how best to use DE in their instruction.
Inspiration Through Connection and Collaboration
Every educator has encountered challenges that felt overwhelming. Within the DEN, however, those challenges spark creativity and solutions. Members come together to solve problems, connect with peers they might never have met, and find inspiration. Virtual conferences, online forums, and in-person events turn ideas into actionable strategies.
Rita describes it best: “I didn’t just exchange ideas; I found my people. These are some of the most passionate and supportive professionals, and some of my closest friends are people I met through the DEN. Hearing about other educators’ challenges and successes across the country has really opened my eyes.”
The DEN goes beyond sharing strategies—it builds a sense of camaraderie, reaching educators everywhere, from rural towns to bustling cities, uniting them in a mission to make learning irresistible. McKenna highlights this impact, saying, “One of my favorite moments was when I shared a lesson plan I created with augmented reality tools, and it ended up sparking this incredible collaboration. Someone in the community took that idea and ran with it, creating a whole series of activities that I never would have thought of alone.”
Leia DePalo shares, “One of the most rewarding parts of being part of the DEN is having the chance to connect with other like-minded educators. These are teachers who aren’t content with repeating the same routines—they’re joining book clubs, collaborating with professionals, and leading innovative projects.”
The Discovery Educator Network thrives because of its vibrant, collaborative spirit, where educators inspire and empower each other to dream bigger and teach bolder. It’s a space where every shared idea has the potential to ignite creative breakthroughs, transforming classrooms and impacting students worldwide. With a community like this, the possibilities for innovation are endless—and together, we’re shaping the future of education, one connection at a time.
Quick Facts
Discovery Educator Network (DEN)
- Started in 2005
- Nationwide reach
- Opportunities include:
- monthly touchpoints with timely information
- Virtual and in-person meetups
- Feedback sessions and research cohorts
- Get published in EdTech media outlets
- Exclusive PD growth opportunities
- Invitations to present at events and conferences