• Dr. Renata Geurtz
    Picture of Dr. Geurtz
    Instructional Leader, business
    Dr. Geurtz provides leadership for the business courses and teachers in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department by implementing innovative programs that align to North's mission of "empowering all students to be global citizens as they pursue success."  Prior to joining North High School in 2012, Dr. Geurtz taught at a high school in Texas, a community college in Arizona,  Arizona State University--West Campus, and a private technology training company.  In addition, she has worked for State government, a Fortune-500 corporation, a technology start-up, and a research-1 university.  Her breadth of experience allows her to bring real-world examples to her teaching. In her more than 30 years of teaching, the focus has been to make classroom learning relevant through real world experiences, either through project-based learning, guest speakers, club competitions, or summer programs. Dr. Geurtz creates a classroom that reflects the culture of global workplaces, focused on professional workplace standards. She focuses on establishing an environment where each student is respected for the unique experiences and talents they bring to our classroom. Open communication with students and families is a foundation of her teaching. In the classroom, students can expect to participate in real, relevant, and rigorous coursework. The goal of every class session is to prepare students for life, career, and college.   
    In her spare time, Dr. Geurtz enjoys spending time with family, traveling, gardening, reading, and exploring new technologies.
     
     
    Education
    PhD, Learning Technologies, University of Texas (Austin)
    MIM, International Business, Thunderbird School of Global Management
    BA, International Relations and French, University of Southern California
     
    Courses
    Current courses: Freshman Connections and Service Learning
    Prior high school courses: Accounting 1 & 2 and 3 & 4, AVID, 3 & 4 and 5 & 6, Business computing information systems (BCIS) 1 & 2 and 3 & 4, Web design and Networking, Career and Technical Education (CTE)
    Prior college courses: CIS 105, Introduction to Global Business, Cultures and Change Management
    Courses for special student groups: ACE program for high school students in community college, Computer Academy for Lifelong Learning for senior citizens
     
    Why Dr. Geurtz teaches
    Learning is the most important experience we share as people.  To quote the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, "only the educated are free." Learning gives us the knowledge and skills to understand our world and contribute to our economy, to be citizens who participate in the democratic process, to respect others and to work together in constructive ways, and, to lead a fulfilled life.
     
    Advice for high school students
    Time is your most precious commodity, make these four years meaningful. As you consider how to spend your time, ask whether this will be important in five years. Take advantage of opportunities, even if they don't immediately seem fun.  Make friends with those who share your goals.
     
    Professional contributions to the field of technology education
    Publications:

    2014— Liu, M., Scordino, R., Geurtz, R., Navarrete, C., Ko, Y., & Lim, M., (2014). A Look at Research on Mobile Learning in K–12 Education From 2007 to the Present, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 46:4, 325-372, DOI:10.1080/15391523.2014.925681 

    2014— Geurtz, R, Foote, C. (2014), Librarian Technology Leadership in the Adoption of iPads in a High School. In Miller, C. & Doering, A. (Eds.) The New Landscape of Mobile Learning: re-designing education in an app-based world, Routledge. 

    2012— Liu, M., Geurtz, R, Karam, A., Navarrete, C. and Scordino, R., Research on Mobile Learning in Adult Education. In W. Kinuthia & S. Marshall (Eds.) On the Move: Mobile Learning for Development, Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing. 

    2011— Liu, M., Geurtz, R., Lee, S.T., Chang, M., Wivagg, J. Examining How Middle School Science Teachers Implement a Technology Enriched Problem-Based Learning Environment. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem Based Learning. 

    Presentations:  

    2013— Liu, M., Geurtz, R, Karam, A., Navarrete, C. and Scordino, R (April, 2013). Research on Mobile Learning in Adult Education. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA. 

    Geurtz, R., Karam, A., Navarrete, C. and Scordino, R (March, 2013). Research on Mobile Learning in Adult Education. Paper presented at the Consortium on Research in Teacher Education, Austin, TX 

    Geurtz, R., Foote, C. (March 2013). Librarian Technology Leadership in the Adoption of iPads in a High School. Paper at the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education, New Orleans, LA 

    2012— Geurtz, R. (June, 2012). Content Management System Use in a High School Technology Course. Paper presented at EdMedia, Denver, CO 

    Geurtz, R., Lee, S.T., Chang, M., Wivagg, J (March, 2012). Comparison of Four Implementation Methods Using the Same Educational Game. Paper presented at Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education, Austin, TX. 

    Geurtz, R., Read, M. (March, 2012). Adopting a Learning Management System in Secondary Education: a case study. Poster presented at Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education, Austin, TX. 

    2011— Geurtz, R. (July, 2011). The Student Experience in an Online Business Information Management Course. Paper presented at Career and Technology Association on Texas Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.  

    Geurtz, R. (July, 2011). 15 Great BIM Projects. Paper presented at Career and Technology Association on Texas Annual Conference, Dallas, TX. 

    Geurtz, R. (February, 2011). Faculty Use of Content Management Systems: Categories of Research. Paper presented at Global TIME, virtual. 

    2010— Geurtz, R., & Read, M. (October, 2010). Content Management Systems in K-12 Education. Paper presented at E-Learn, Orlando, FL. 

    Geurtz, R. (July, 2010). Creating Your Own Online Business Information Management Course. Paper presented at Career and Technology Association on Texas Annual Conference, Dallas, TX. 

    Geurtz, R. (July, 2010). Internet Sites to Enhance Your Teaching of BIM. Paper presented at Career and Technology Association on Texas Annual Conference, Dallas, TX. 

    2007— Wivagg, J, Chang, M., Geurtz, R., Lee, S.T. (July, 2007). Examining How Middle School Science Teachers Implement a Multimedia Enriched Problem-Based Learning Environment. Paper presented at National Educational Computing Conference, San Antonio, TX. 

    1997— Geurtz, R. (August, 1997). Planning for Graduate Studies as an Undergraduate. Presentation at New Student Orientation at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. 

    1994— Geurtz, R. (February, 1994). How to Create a Sense of Community with a Diverse Student Body. Presentation at National Academic Advising Association, Annual Conference, Santa Fe, NM.