Martine Ellis, a lecturer in education and training at Guernsey College of Further Education and an education technology coach, has qualified as a Google certified trainer, the first person in the island to achieve the accreditation and one of only around 2,000 people worldwide to have attained the accreditation.

Certified trainers are education professionals with a desire to help others transform classrooms with technology, whether as an institution’s go-to technologist, a classroom teacher or a consultant.

The accreditation process is comprehensive and demanding. Before qualifying, Martine passed the Google Certified Educator exams, levels 1 and 2, completed the Google Certified Trainer (GCT) course and passed the GCT skills assessment. She also had to create a video demonstrating both her teaching style and technical skills and complete a detailed written application which involved providing considerable evidence and a case study relating to her technology for learning experience.

Louise Misselke, college principal said:

“This is fabulous achievement for Martine and an endorsement of her hard work and dedication within the college. We are continually developing our digital platform at the College with staff maximising the use of technology and digital tools, including G Suite for Education, across every aspect of learning. I would like to congratulate Martine and I look forward to her bringing her new expertise into the classroom for the benefit of college students.”

Lucy Witham, the States’ head of digital development added:

“As the use and importance of technology within education continues to grow, it is essential that education professionals are able to deliver the appropriate level of support for our students. This accreditation is fantastic news for Guernsey and a real achievement for Martine.”