Deidre Hugo Email & Phone Number

Deïdré Hugo is a Certified Google Professional Collaboration Engineer, Chrome OS Administrator, Google Educator, Certified Google EDU Trainer and Certified Google Administrator, specialising in education as CloudEDU’s Google Workspace & Chrome Technical Specialist. With more than 15 years experience in the classroom, Deïdré is passionate about technology integration and empowering students to optimise learning from various technological platforms. Deïdré graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Degree in Sport Psychology, and progressed to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at UNISA. In 2005 Deïdré travelled to London where she spent two years working with underprivileged, special needs children. During this time, Deïdré realised the scope of varied teaching strategies, and the value in embracing each individual learner with empathy, in accordance with their learning barriers. She returned to South Africa in 2007 with the motivation to implement change, and unstitch the antiquated premise of one size fits all in the classroom. Deïdré began her teaching career at Elkanah House Preparatory, as a Foundation Phase Primary Teacher. Having always been fascinated by technology and eager for a challenge, Deïdré pursued the opportunity of an IT Teacher, which later developed into the role of Head of Digital Learning. With an ever-growing interest in the use of technology in the classroom, Deïdré qualified as a Google Certified Trainer and travelled to Kuwait where she spent the following two years as the IT Director at Kuwait English School. Deïdré successfully managed a fleet of over 2500 Chromebooks, overcoming cultural barriers and unforeseen obstacles as a woman in a male-dominant environment - a feat she likes to refer to as her “Everest”. Deïdré returned to South Africa in 2018 as a Certified Google Administrator, and joined Cloud EDU as it’s Gauteng-based ‘Chrome Evangelist’. In 2020 she moved into the role of G Suite & Chrome Technical Specialist and also certified as a Google Professional Collaboration Engineer. With an optimistic vision about the progression of technology in South Africa, Deïdré thrives off the constant evolution of her role as a technology-embracing teacher. She believes in nurturing teachers and school managers who are reluctant to change, as well as championing those who embrace it.