Local teacher Gregg Witkin sparks social change

At Microsoft Silicon Valley we talk a lot about an “opportunity divide” when discussing our corporate citizenship efforts. The issue is simple – there are jobs in Silicon Valley, and there are people to fill them, but there’s a disconnect between the opportunities available and the skill sets of would-be workers.

Our goal, and the purpose behind the recently launched Microsoft YouthSpark initiative, is to bridge that gap by promoting an increased focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for our local students, and our future workforce. We believe making technology available to Silicon Valley youth is the foundation of the initiative in our local area. 

But we also understand that technology is a tool that, like any other, must be used properly to be effective. And it must be used by the right craftspeople, like Gregg Witkin, a teacher at Boynton Continuation High School in the Campbell Union High School District.

Gregg uses in-classroom technology to not only help his students develop technical skills, but to foster creativity and encourage positive change. Through the program, “Finding Your Voice,” Gregg’s students create videos to inform and encourage action on social issues they’re passionate about. Gregg was one of just 11 U.S.-based teachers recognized by Microsoft’s global Partners in Learning (PiL) initiative, and last August was honored by Senator Elaine Alquist on the Senate floor in Sacramento.

On Thursday night, Gregg was recognized by his school district and Sid Espinosa, director of corporate citizenship at Microsoft Silicon Valley, for his innovative, youth-empowering use of technology.

“Microsoft was committed to us as teachers, as individuals, and to the education system,” said Witkin. “Being recognized by Microsoft for what I am doing is a beacon of pride for me and validation of 15 years of hard work. I don't just think it rewards my voices project, it rewards me as a teacher, as someone who has cared for all of my students regardless of who they are, where they came from or where they end up.” 

For his efforts, Gregg will head to Prague this fall to participate in the Partners in Learning Global Forum. We applaud Gregg for his leadership, and wish him the best of luck in Prague.

We encourage you to learn more about Microsoft YouthSpark and explore the local chapters of our national partners joining us in this initiative: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, City Year, Junior Achievement USA, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and Year Up, Inc. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to share the stories of students, teachers and community leaders, like Gregg, who are working to close the opportunity divide here in Silicon Valley.