Author Profile
Cate Tolnai | 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. As Director of Micro-credentials and Innovation Credential Strategy at the University of Phoenix, she leads initiatives that redefine how learning is recognized and leveraged in today’s workforce. Cate also serves as Adjunct Faculty and AI & Online Learning Faculty Lead at Notre Dame de Namur University, where she supports the next generation of education professionals through accessible, learner-centered instruction. She brings a deep understanding of instructional design, marketing strategy, and partnership development from her previous leadership roles at organizations including Santa Clara County Office of Education, CUE, Krause Center for Innovation, and Santa Barbara County Education Office.
Cate also serves in a senior volunteer leader role as a member of UPCEA’s Council of Credential Innovation (CCI) Leadership Team. She contributed at the state level as a regional leader in the 2023 California Educator Workforce Investment Grant Program and the CISC Computer Science and Digital Learning Subcommittee, championing AI in education, computer science, and digital learning.
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 MagicSchool AI Pioneer, Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, and Adobe Creative Innovator, demonstrating her dedication to blending technology, creativity, and education.
Personal Details and Community Involvement
Outside of work, Cate volunteers with her local Mom’s Demand Action chapter, where she partners with community members to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and support efforts focused on promoting safer communities and reducing gun violence. She also hosted many conversations with educators and thought-leaders through The Bridge podcast and newsletter (August 2025-January 2026), and enjoys mentoring educators, spending time with her family, and finding joy in opportunities to learn, connect, and give back to her local community.
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. As Director of Micro-credentials and Innovation Credential Strategy at the University of Phoenix, she leads initiatives that redefine how learning is recognized and leveraged in today’s workforce. Cate also serves as Adjunct Faculty and AI & Online Learning Faculty Lead at Notre Dame de Namur University, where she supports the next generation of education professionals through accessible, learner-centered instruction. She brings a deep understanding of instructional design, marketing strategy, and partnership development from her previous leadership roles at organizations including Santa Clara County Office of Education, CUE, Krause Center for Innovation, and Santa Barbara County Education Office.
Cate also serves in a senior volunteer leader role as a member of UPCEA’s Council of Credential Innovation (CCI) Leadership Team. She contributed at the state level as a regional leader in the 2023 California Educator Workforce Investment Grant Program and the CISC Computer Science and Digital Learning Subcommittee, championing AI in education, computer science, and digital learning.
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 MagicSchool AI Pioneer, Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, and Adobe Creative Innovator, demonstrating her dedication to blending technology, creativity, and education.
Personal Details and Community Involvement
Outside of work, Cate volunteers with her local Mom’s Demand Action chapter, where she partners with community members to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and support efforts focused on promoting safer communities and reducing gun violence. She also hosted many conversations with educators and thought-leaders through The Bridge podcast and newsletter (August 2025-January 2026), and enjoys mentoring educators, spending time with her family, and finding joy in opportunities to learn, connect, and give back to her local community.
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