Diana Rendina and Shannon McClintock Miller both received nods from their peers at the 2016 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference held in Denver from June 26–29. Each year, ISTE’s awards recognize individuals whose exemplary work provides a model for learning, teaching, and leading in the digital age. “Our 2016 award winners are creating innovative digital age learning environments for their students, transforming lives and expanding horizons,” said Jessica Medaille, ISTE chief collaboration officer. “We are excited to congratulate these visionary leaders and celebrate their achievements.”

Diana Rendina presiding over the maker space in her library

Rendina, well under the age cut-off of 35, nabbed the Award for Outstanding Young Educator. A media specialist at Stewart Middle Magnet School, Hillsborough County Public Schools, in Tampa, FL, since 2010, Rendina is also SLJ's 2015 Build Something Bold Award winner. "Diana is doing incredible things in her library and is always willing to share and educate other through her blog, webinars she does and more," said Elissa Malespina, president elect of the ISTE Librarians Network. Rendina said the principles and ideals of the ISTE standards play a huge part in learning in her school library and are particularly apparent at the annual Stewart Maker Fair. Working with the after-school Stewart Makers Club to plan and organize the event, Rendina’s students work both individually and in small groups, communicating and working collaboratively to prepare a variety of maker stations where parents, students and community members can explore STEAM. Rendina is a member of ISTE’s affiliate, the Florida Society for Technology in Education.

Shannon McClintock Miller

Miller, a Library Journal 2014 Mover and Shaker, picked up a Making it Happen Award. Since the award was first bestowed in 1995, more than 500 educators from around the world have been recognized for their "commitment to transforming education through innovative technology education." Miller began her career as a teacher librarian in a one-building K–12 school, but grew to become a speaker and consultant. She has been a leader in the ISTE Librarians Network, a conference presenter, and a contributing author for a number of ISTE publications. Her list of honors also includes 100+ Influential Learning Professionals to Follow from Edudemic, Faces of Innovation from Broadband for America, and Bammy Award finalist in the school librarian category. "As an ISTE Making it Happen Award winner myself, I can say that no one does a better job exemplifying the characteristics of the award than Shannon Miller," said Malespina. All ISTE honorees received complimentary registration for the 2016 conference, as well as a one-year basic ISTE membership, in addition to other prizes.