Author Profile
Cate Tolani | Director of Micro Credentials & Innovation Credential Strategy, University of Phoenix
Current Position and Past Experience
With more than 20 years in education, Cate Tolnai has developed expertise spanning classroom instruction, district leadership, and professional development. She is deeply committed to creating learning experiences that equip educators with practical strategies and engaging, hands-on approaches. In 2022, she was recognized as the California Blended and Online Educator of the Year by CUE, and in 2019, she co-authored the ISTE publication “Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay,” reflecting her advocacy for game-based learning.
In addition to her work in education, Cate has cultivated extensive experience in account management, client relations, project management, and strategic marketing, successfully leading campaigns and initiatives throughout her career. She currently serves as the Director of Micro-Credentials and Innovation Credentials Strategy at the University of Phoenix, a Digital Learning and EdTech Marketing Specialist at Tolnai Learning, AI and Online Learning Faculty Lead in the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University, Adobe and Education Creative Trainer at BrainBuffet Solutions, and Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Foothill College. Her previous professional experience includes leadership and instructional roles with Take Action Global, Avantis Education, Santa Barbara County Education Office, Krause Center for Innovation, CUE.org, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Loomis Union School District, and a decade of classroom teaching from 2003 to 2013. Cate also contributes at the state level as a leader in the 2023 Educator Workforce Investment Grant Program and the CISC Computer Science and Digital Learning Subcommittee, championing AI in education, computer science, and digital learning. She leverages credentials as a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, Adobe Creative Innovator, and CS SCRIPT Facilitator to integrate technology, creativity, and pedagogy across all grade levels.
Education, Honors and Achievements
Cate Tolnai holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and English Literature and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of San Francisco. She completed a Postgraduate Specialist program in Technology Integration at Boise State University and earned a certificate in Marketing Strategies and Business from Cornell University. Her professional accomplishments include being named California Blended and Online Educator of the Year by CUE in 2022 and co-authoring the ISTE publication “Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay” in 2019. She is recognized as a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, an Adobe Creative Innovator, and a CS SCRIPT Facilitator, demonstrating her dedication to blending technology, creativity, and education.
With more than 20 years in education, Cate Tolnai has developed expertise spanning classroom instruction, district leadership, and professional development. She is deeply committed to creating learning experiences that equip educators with practical strategies and engaging, hands-on approaches. In 2022, she was recognized as the California Blended and Online Educator of the Year by CUE, and in 2019, she co-authored the ISTE publication “Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay,” reflecting her advocacy for game-based learning.
In addition to her work in education, Cate has cultivated extensive experience in account management, client relations, project management, and strategic marketing, successfully leading campaigns and initiatives throughout her career. She currently serves as the Director of Micro-Credentials and Innovation Credentials Strategy at the University of Phoenix, a Digital Learning and EdTech Marketing Specialist at Tolnai Learning, AI and Online Learning Faculty Lead in the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University, Adobe and Education Creative Trainer at BrainBuffet Solutions, and Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Foothill College. Her previous professional experience includes leadership and instructional roles with Take Action Global, Avantis Education, Santa Barbara County Education Office, Krause Center for Innovation, CUE.org, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Loomis Union School District, and a decade of classroom teaching from 2003 to 2013. Cate also contributes at the state level as a leader in the 2023 Educator Workforce Investment Grant Program and the CISC Computer Science and Digital Learning Subcommittee, championing AI in education, computer science, and digital learning. She leverages credentials as a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, Adobe Creative Innovator, and CS SCRIPT Facilitator to integrate technology, creativity, and pedagogy across all grade levels.
Education, Honors and Achievements
Cate Tolnai holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and English Literature and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of San Francisco. She completed a Postgraduate Specialist program in Technology Integration at Boise State University and earned a certificate in Marketing Strategies and Business from Cornell University. Her professional accomplishments include being named California Blended and Online Educator of the Year by CUE in 2022 and co-authoring the ISTE publication “Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay” in 2019. She is recognized as a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, an Adobe Creative Innovator, and a CS SCRIPT Facilitator, demonstrating her dedication to blending technology, creativity, and education.
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