Berrien RESA’s John Phillips honored by Tech & Learning Magazine for excellence in professional development

Tech & Learning Magazine has named Berrien RESA Technology & Innovation Consultant John Phillips the winner of the “Best Example of Professional Development in the Midwest” award for 2025. The award recognizes the totality of Phillips’ work in the technology in education arena with specific regard to hands-on, educator-friendly approaches to help students gain Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts. 

“Winning this award is quite an honor,” said John Phillips, Technology & Innovation Consultant for Berrien RESA. “My goal has always been to demystify technology for teachers so they can focus on what they do best—inspiring students. Seeing these tools come to life in the classroom is the real reward.”

According to Tech & Learning Magazine, the award recognizes that Phillips’ professional development offerings uniquely blend technical skill-building, creativity, and teacher empowerment while maintaining a strong focus on student impact, accessibility, and practical classroom integration across Berrien County and the broader region.

“Just like our students, educators are always learning,” said Berrien RESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock. “John helps our staff take learning to the next level, ensuring that his curriculum is both applicable and appropriate for a technologically focused world. We are incredibly proud to see his dedication recognized on a national stage.”

Many educators have benefited from Phillips’ award-winning professional development, both in Berrien County and beyond, with a focus on practical, classroom-ready experiences that educators can implement immediately. His course topics include:

• Maker-centered and STEAM learning

• Game-based learning (including BreakoutEDU-style puzzles, digital creation tools, esports, and Minecraft Education workflows)

• 3D printing and hands-on building aligned with learning standards

• Universal Design for Learning and accessibility

• Teacher-friendly, privacy-aware digital workflows

“Offering these resources to the teaching community builds their confidence in integrating STEAM, computational thinking, and creative technology in their instruction,” said Phillips. “The professional development provides ready-to-use lessons and tools tailored for real classroom environments, reduces teacher preparation time, offers adaptable and student-centered resources, emphasizes Universal Design for Learning so teachers can engage a broader range of learners, supports safe use of digital tools with attention to student privacy, and creates collaborative learning communities across school districts.”

Phillips explained that educators who have participated in his training have realized higher engagement and motivation in students, especially during hands-on and problem-solving tasks. They have also reported stronger collaboration, communication, and teamwork in their classrooms, as well as growth in creativity, engineering thinking, and computational reasoning. Thanks to the interactive nature of the lessons, there is improved inclusivity with students who typically struggle to become more active participants in their learning.

The “Best Example of Professional Development in the Midwest” award solidifies Phillips’ reputation as a national innovator in technology-focused instructional training. Berrien RESA celebrates this achievement and the continued success of the educators and students who benefit from his expertise.

“John’s work isn’t just about learning the latest gadget; it’s about preparing our students for the careers of tomorrow,” said Hoppstock. “By empowering our teachers today, he ensures that every student in Berrien County has the opportunity to become a critical thinker and a digital leader. This award confirms what we have known for a long time—that Berrien RESA is a hub for educational innovation.”

About Tech & Learning Magazine: Tech & Learning Magazine is a nationally recognized publication focused on K–12 educational technology. Their regional awards highlight programs that demonstrate a meaningful and scalable impact for educators and students.