Rate My Professor Cathy Poplin

Cathy Poplin holds an M.Ed. in Learning and Instructional Technology from Arizona State University (1993-1996) and a bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University's Colangelo College of Business (class of 1992). Her distinguished career in educational leadership spans decades, focused on integrating technology into K-12 education. As the former Deputy Associate Superintendent for Educational Technology at the Arizona Department of Education, Poplin led efforts to equip teachers with digital tools, develop state technology plans, and foster innovative learning environments.

In her current role as Executive Director of the Arizona Technology in Education Association (AzTEA), she facilitates partnerships between schools, businesses, and policymakers to advance ed tech adoption. Poplin has made significant contributions to national standards and policy, including serving as Treasurer of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) during 2013-2014 and participating in the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) drafting team for the Standards for Educators in 2017. She contributed to influential SETDA white papers such as "Empowering Teachers: A Professional and Collaborative Approach" (2008) and "Technology-Based Assessments Improve Teaching and Learning" (2008).

Poplin's commitment to education was recognized with induction into the Grand Canyon University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018. She participated in key Arizona initiatives, including the eLearning Task Force Legislative Report (2009), presentations to the Arizona State Board of Education on technology awards, and discussions on statewide digital citizenship at the Arizona CIO/CTO Forum (2016). Her work has shaped teacher professional development, technology policy, and access to digital resources.