Bethpage Union Free School District has once again been recognized as a Google for Education Reference District, reaffirming the district’s commitment to innovation in using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Bethpage was the first school district on Long Island to earn the Google Reference District designation, recognizing its pioneering use of Google tools, including Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks. Since then, the district has continued to expand the role of technology in the classroom, giving students and staff access to tools that support collaboration, creativity and real-world learning.
Google recently refreshed the initiative as the Google for Education Reference Program and introduced a new recertification process that requires participating schools and districts to demonstrate continued use of Google tools through a case study. JFK Middle School Computer Literacy teacher Shannon Tedesco led Bethpage’s recertification effort, which resulted in the district successfully retaining its status as a Google for Education Reference District.
The designation recognizes Bethpage’s exemplary use of Google for Education tools and places the district within a select community of Reference Institutions. As part of the program, Bethpage will have opportunities to participate in beta testing of new tools and provide direct feedback to Google on features, programs and products under development.
Superintendent of Schools David Schneider has long championed the district’s partnership with Google. Before becoming superintendent, Mr. Schneider served as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, where he oversaw the implementation of Bethpage’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative and the introduction of Google G Suite for students and staff. He also helped bring Google ExploreEDU to Bethpage, giving school technology professionals an opportunity to explore emerging tools and their applications in the classroom.
Bethpage looks forward to continuing its partnership with Google and exploring new ways technology can enrich instruction, expand learning opportunities and prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.