FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2021

Three Award Finalists from Combs Represent Arizona at National Digital Convergence Conference

SAN TAN VALLEY, ARIZ. - The J.O. Combs Unified School District is pleased to announce that three of its education professionals have been honored as award finalists at the 2021 National Conference on Digital Convergence (NCDC) hosted by Modern Teacher. Each of the finalists were nominated for their significant contributions and commitment to creating a learner-centered culture for all students and were as follows:


Diana Tabor, Teacher at Ranch Elementary School
Winner of Personalized Learning Classroom of the Year Award

This award goes to the teacher who has best implemented personalized learning strategies and created a learner-centered culture.


Santa Dunker, Principal at Ellsworth Elementary School
Finalist for Change-Management Principal of the Year Award


This award goes to the principal who has demonstrated effective leadership to bring the district Instructional Model to life in classrooms school wide.


Dorsey Middaugh, Professional Learning Coordinator at District Office
Finalist for Change-Management District Leader of the Year Award


This award goes to the district leader who has demonstrated effective leadership through second-order change using the Digital Convergence Framework.
The National Conference on Digital Convergence is hosted annually by Modern Teacher to share information on the methodology of districts who are working to achieve personalized, blended, and competency-based learning at scale. The Modern Teacher network consists of 192 districts and 790 schools within 26 states across the country. Combs has been working to transform its classrooms into learner-centered spaces for the last several years through its #Forward movement, and was recognized for these efforts in 2020 when they were recognized by Modern Teacher as a District of Distinction.

"We're immensely proud of the work that our district is doing empower our learners and provide a modern, personalized learning experience," said Dr. Greg Wyman, Superintendent. "To see Diana, Santa, and Dorsey recognized for their dedication and leadership on this national scale is well deserved, and a perfect demonstration of the incredible things happening at Combs."

For more information about J.O. Combs Unified School District, please call (480) 987-5300 or visit www.jocombs.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kayla Fulmer, Director of Marketing & Community Relations
J.O. Combs Unified School District
O: (480) 987-5322 | M: (480) 252-4482
About J.O. Combs Unified School District
Located in San Tan Valley, Arizona, the J.O. Combs Unified School District is a community of learners collaborating to ensure maximum academic and social growth for all students. Combs utilizes research-based practices and strategies delivered by highly competent employees who are committed to excellence in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Through five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Combs proudly serves over 4,400 students annually, offering a comprehensive college and career ready educational environment.
J.O. Combs Unified School District | www.jocombs.org