Sabourin Among Class of 2026 Apple Distinguished Educators

Katie Sabourin, assistant vice president of digital learning at Fisher, has been recognized by Apple as a Class of 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator.

The Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) Program was created in 1995 to recognize K-12 and higher education pioneers who are using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways. Celebrating 30 years, the program has grown into a worldwide community of visionary and innovative leaders in education, helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac.

“Over the past five-plus years, I’ve invested a great deal of time and energy thinking deeply about how iPad technology can support truly transformative learning experiences across an entire campus community, from teaching and learning to creativity, access, and connection. I’m incredibly grateful to Apple for recognizing this work and equally proud to do it as part of St. John Fisher University, an Apple Distinguished School. I’m excited to learn alongside and contribute to a global community of educators who continue to push what’s possible in education,” said Sabourin.

Since the beginning of the iFisher: Next Generation Learning Initiative in 2020, 347 faculty and staff with teaching responsibilities have completed the Fisher Apple Academy 1.0 training series offered by the DePeters Family Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence team, led by Sabourin. Of those, 294 have gone on to become Apple Certified Teachers by completing a series of Apple-created modules that focus on the effective use of the iPads in teaching and learning.

The iFisher: Next Generation Learning Initiative has also expanded since its inception to over 85 staff and coaches across campus who use iPads in their daily work both on- and off-campus. Today, there are over 3,700 iPads in use across campus. The May 2025 graduates became the cohort of students who left Fisher with their devices to support them as they begin the next chapter of their journey.

Learn more about the contributions of ADEs worldwide on Apple’s website.