James Clemens High School, Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
8:50 pm Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Whitt named Apple Distinguished Educator

Apple has selected Daniel Whitt for its distinguished educator award. (CONTRIBUTED)

Apple has selected Daniel Whitt for its distinguished educator award. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – When a conglomerate like Apple Inc. takes notice, rest assured you’re doing a good job. Apple has selected Daniel Whitt as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Whitt teaches broadcasting and works as media specialist, concentrating on digital media, at James Clemens High School.

The Apple award recognizes teachers in grades K-12 who incorporate its products in innovative ways inside and outside the classroom.

Whitt was required to write a lengthy essay with multiple prompts and submit a two-minute video. From thousands of North American applicants, judges selected only 75 people. Beth Sanders, Whitt’s partner in the education non-profit Youth Converts Culture, also will represent Alabama.

“My work is constantly focused on bridging the gap between technology and humanity for our youth,” Whitt said. His strategy ranges from “bombarding the Internet with humanitarian videos … to teaching youth to build lifelong connections outside the walls of the school.”

However, his goal never changes “to empower youth to grow, communicate and learn in a way congruent to who they really are at their root: global citizens connected to the world as pioneering digital natives.”

Whitt earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Mississippi. He then attended School of Audio Engineering in Manhattan. Returning to Alabama, he completed a master’s degree in secondary education.

After one semester at Athens Middle School, Whitt then taught at Liberty Middle School for two years before joining the James Clemens staff.

With her work in Queens, N.Y., his wife Jennifer inspired him to teach. “I watched her truly affect young people’s lives,” Whitt said. She now teaches drama and English at Athens middle.

From all students, Whitt especially remembers Miles Blackwell, then an eighth-grader at Athens middle. “He passed away tragically last year in a car accident. He was a special young man and a tortured soul from early on.”

Miles challenged Whitt “to consider his point of view. I carry Miles with me each day as I move further and further into this journey.”

The Whitts have two children, Stella and Silas.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *