Cyprus has its first Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS)

Christina Shailas, an education technology specialist from the United States based in Cyprus, has been authorised by Apple to join the community of Apple Professional Learning Specialists (APLS) in the EMEIA region, the first based in Cyprus.

Apple Professional Learning Specialists are uniquely qualified to demonstrate how to best use Apple technology in education. They play a critical role in assisting educational institutions to transform their teaching and learning environments with Apple products, such as iPads.

To qualify as an Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS), candidates must possess a deep understanding of Apple technology, a passion for education, and a proven ability to inspire and motivate others.

According to Apple, Shailas “demonstrated her proficiency during the candidate selection process and was eventually authorized by Apple to join the community of Apple Professional Learning Specialists in EMEIA and first based in Cyprus”.

Shailas traveled to Apple’s London Headquarters at Battersea Power Station this past September for a 2-day onboarding and received her certificate.

Shailas has been working with Apple technology in education for the last decade. In 2013, just several years after its first-ever release, Shailas assisted her then-school, an independent school in New York City, in deploying iPads for every student and teacher. After moving to Cyprus in 2018, Christina expanded and further developed an iPad program for a private school in Limassol.

As an APLS, Shailas is authorized to deliver Apple Authorized Training and guide education and institutions towards innovative learning and teaching with Apple technology. This includes APLS Support Offerings, from foundational workshops, coaching and mentoring, to supporting leadership and IT staff:

• Coaching and mentoring educators in advancing their technology skills with an emphasis on innovation
• Guiding school leaders with strategic planning and measuring impact
• Helping IT administrators with education deployment fundamentals

Shailas has witnessed Apple’s positive impact on education. The portable, versatile, and engaging iPad, for example, can foster and support exciting, interactive learning and teamwork. In addition, its paperless innovation, upgrading pen and paper with stylus and touchscreen, offers numerous ways to eliminate paper, saving money and the environment.

Shailas is currently working with educational institutions in Cyprus and Greece, many of which are still at the initial stage of exploring Apple technology for their educators and students. Educational institutions interested in Apple Professional Learning in the region can reach out to Christina Shailas at shailoua@icloud.com and learn more.