Emma Braaten Joins Friday Institute as Director of Digital Learning
RALEIGH, N.C. — Emma Braaten has joined the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation as the director of digital learning beginning June 30, 2023. In this role, Braaten will leverage her 22 years of experience in education to inform research and application of digital learning in K-12 and beyond.
“Emma has firsthand knowledge of the technology needs of students and educators and brings a wealth of K-12 teaching, administration and leadership experience in implementing innovative practices that benefit all students,” said Krista Glazewski, executive director of the Friday Institute and associate dean for translational research in the NC State College of Education. “She is a valuable asset to our team at the Friday Institute.”
As the director of digital learning, Braaten will work collaboratively with educators and stakeholders to support the effective implementation of instructional practices, content standards and technology to make learning more accessible for all students.
“The Friday Institute has a long-standing reputation for developing and delivering quality support to educators in the field, and I am honored to be joining this team of highly accomplished professionals,” said Braaten. “My most recent experience as a chief technology officer in an NC school district allowed me to better understand the critical needs between instruction and technology. I am excited to apply this practitioner lens to positively impact all learners by focusing on areas of high need in schools and classrooms, removing barriers around effective implementation practices and partnering with other teams at the Friday Institute and at the state level to influence priorities that make a difference for our students and educators.”
Before joining the Friday Institute, Braaten was a chief technology officer in Chatham County Schools, a digital learning specialist and digital learning coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), a school librarian and a classroom teacher. As a Ph.D. student in the NC State College of Education’s Teacher Education and Learning Science program, Braatan’s current research is focused on student engagement in a digital-age classroom.
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to lead the transition to next-generation education systems that will prepare students for success in the digital-age world. It conducts research, develops educational resources, provides professional development programs for educators, advocates to improve teaching and learning, and helps inform policymaking. The Friday Institute is a part of the NC State College of Education. Visit fi.ncsu.edu to learn more.
