Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Ed. D.
Brad, Katy, Lucien and Beauden
About Me
I have had the desire to enhance my educational background since 2004. Every-other-year, I considered going back to school to receive my Ph.D. or Ed.D., and each time I pushed it aside thinking "I can't do that, I have other responsibilities-- children, husband, work."
Nine years later, my husband had the opportunity to take a job in Alamosa, Colorado, that would allow me to stay home with our two young boys. We moved to the San Luis Valley in 2013, with a 2 year old and a 2 week old. In 2014, I decided to take the jump, and I began researching doctoral programs and universities across the country. I narrowed my choices down to two programs that focused on Educational Technology. I took the GRE, wrote my essay, revised my resume, and filled out my application for the doctorate program at New Jersey City University (NJCU). I put all of my eggs in one basket, and it paid off! NJCU's program is considered a 1:51 flexible schedule. I spent 51 weeks completing coursework online and one-week on campus every summer.
In July of 2014, I met the other fourteen members of Cohort II on the NJCU campus in Jersey City, NJ. Together, we are EdTech 2.0. You can learn more about us and our program on our website. I graduated with my doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from NJCU in May 2017- what a great ride!
Want to know more about my professional career? View my resume.
What Others are Saying...
"Katy is someone who is willing to learn and is in fact eager in that endeavor. She constantly seeks out new challenges, both personally and professionally. Katy is one who seems to thrive in an environment where she is “put to the test” to learn new things, to question old or outdated practices and to think outside the box." -Martha Batch, FCS Teacher
“Katy is a talented and intelligent educator and administrator. She not only exhibits a passion and enthusiasm for all of her endeavors, but she also demonstrates a dependability and self-motivation that is unparalleled. I have witnessed first-hand Katy’s dedication and commitment to working with teachers, students and Career and Technical Education projects. Her professionalism while working with co-workers, teachers and students contributes to the overall success of Career and Technical Education in Colorado. She consistently meets and exceeds every expectation. She has proven herself time and time again to be a responsible person who truly enjoys learning and challenging herself.” -Jen Girvin, Colorado FBLA
"Although not serving in the classroom, Katy never seemed out of touch with the realities teachers were facing with their students. She maintained a great sense of relatedness to our daily challenges, and continued to offer opportunities for development that would directly impact the achievement and success of our students. This included organizing annual summer workshops where FACS teachers could connect with resources addressing various curriculum needs, as well as updating teachers on the latest happenings in legislation, standards, and innovative educational technology. At a time where programs are in jeopardy across the state, it is of the utmost importance to have only the best leaders for all Colorado students. Katy has been a vocal advocate for Family and Consumer Science with legislators, business and industry, and post-secondary institutions; a communication trait necessary as a leader in education. In tough economic times, she proved to be resourceful, innovative, and adaptable, fighting for programs that make a difference in the comprehensive education of students." -Autumn Francis, FCS Teacher