Karen Cator

Spark NS, where I served as an education advisor, is doing important work in translational research. Founded in 2023, SPARK NS is an independent non-profit dedicated to efficiently advancing promising neuroscience discoveries from the lab to the clinic. Through disease-specific 2-year programs, SPARK NS provides academic researchers with funding, education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to close gaps in knowledge and know-how and eliminate barriers that slow or prevent promising… Show more

Spark NS, where I served as an education advisor, is doing important work in translational research. Founded in 2023, SPARK NS is an independent non-profit dedicated to efficiently advancing promising neuroscience discoveries from the lab to the clinic. Through disease-specific 2-year programs, SPARK NS provides academic researchers with funding, education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to close gaps in knowledge and know-how and eliminate barriers that slow or prevent promising discoveries from directly benefiting patients. Show less

Digital Promise is a bipartisan independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress “to support a comprehensive research and development program to harness the increasing capacity of advanced information and digital technologies to improve all levels of learning and education, formal and informal, in order to provide Americans with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the global economy.”

Served Digital Promise through its expansion from 2013 – 2020, creating… Show more

Digital Promise is a bipartisan independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress “to support a comprehensive research and development program to harness the increasing capacity of advanced information and digital technologies to improve all levels of learning and education, formal and informal, in order to provide Americans with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the global economy.”

Served Digital Promise through its expansion from 2013 – 2020, creating networks of schools (Verizon Innovative Learning Schools) and districts (League of Innovative Schools), advancing innovation in adult learning, pathways, and credentials, launched a world class research team, designed the Center for Inclusive Innovation, and more. Show less

Served as chief policy advisor for the US Secretary of Education.

Designed comprehensive strategies for transitioning from print to digital.

Led the development and broad dissemination of the 2010 National Education Technology Plan - Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology.

Launched the National Center for Research on Advanced Information and Digital Technologies (Digital Promise) - a public private partnership for advancing research, development… Show more

Served as chief policy advisor for the US Secretary of Education.

Designed comprehensive strategies for transitioning from print to digital.

Led the development and broad dissemination of the 2010 National Education Technology Plan - Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology.

Launched the National Center for Research on Advanced Information and Digital Technologies (Digital Promise) - a public private partnership for advancing research, development, innovation and leadership for improving the opportunity to learn lifelong and life wide.

Designed and implemented the Connected Educator project - research and advocacy for educators learning together online for professional advancement.

Designed and published Expanding Evidence Approaches for Learning in a Digital World, presenting educators, policymakers and funders with an expanded view of evidence and new sources and uses of data combined with strategies for research that provide actionable information about learning, teaching and successful interventions. Show less

Provided strategic leadership for the education division.

Developed policy positions and maintain national external relationships.

Built advocacy programs with education constituents.

Applied research and best practices to designing technology infusion for student engagement and increased achievement.

Designed and led the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow - Today (ACOT2) project:
- Articulated the design principles for a 21st Century High School Program.
-… Show more

Provided strategic leadership for the education division.

Developed policy positions and maintain national external relationships.

Built advocacy programs with education constituents.

Applied research and best practices to designing technology infusion for student engagement and increased achievement.

Designed and led the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow - Today (ACOT2) project:
- Articulated the design principles for a 21st Century High School Program.
- Designed Challenge Based Learning - a multidisciplinary project approach to engage students and develop 21st Century skills.
- Implemented pilot project with high schools across the country.
- Produced and published research, video and white paper documentation.

Developed comprehensive strategy for 1 to 1 Learning, including digital content, research, evaluation and assessment, professional development, leadership development and strategic relations.

Redesigned the global Apple Distinguished Educator program engaging topnotch educators to provide advocacy, advisement, content development and thought leadership throughout the education sector.

Contributed to design team for iTunes U - for the distribution of academic content to learners of all ages.

Provided keynotes, executive presentations and facilitation for briefings, conferences and summits. Show less