Michael is an experienced educator and lifelong learner. Over the years, he has been an elementary schoolteacher, principal, director of large-scale educational technology projects, non-profit COO, and consultant to educational, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Since 2001, Michael has worked as creative director, executive director, and now consulting director for the Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership (TICAL). From 1996 to 2001, Michael directed the Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project, one of the original Technology Innovation Challenge Grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education. That project worked with teachers from selected districts throughout Silicon Valley to develop and implement best practices in project-based learning and the use of multimedia tools in the classroom. In 2000, the project was cited by the Department as one of only two exemplary educational technology projects in the nation. In 2014, CUE, Inc. awarded Michael the "Making IT Happen Award" for commitment and innovation in educational technology. Michael holds Leading Edge Certification for the Administrator and for Online and Blended Teaching. Michael earned his B.A. at UC Santa Barbara and his master's and doctorate degrees at UCLA.