Friday May 12, 2017
Boston Marriott Newton
2345 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA
What is Tech & Learning Live?
- District and Building-Level Administrators
- Technology Directors
- Technology Coordinators
- Librarians and Media Specialists
- Board of Education Members
- Other education staff involved in technology planning
Bring your leadership team and make the most of your professional development budget! Sign up here to bring your leadership team at a highly discounted rate (up to 50% off, depending on numbers of people you are bringing).
Programs
Registration and Breakfast: Playground (Salons A-D)
Network with friends while you enjoy breakfast in our “playground” area, where interactive exhibits including makerspaces, learning spaces, new gadgets, and more will be set up throughout the day. Playgrounds include: Jennifer Trombino of Northborough and Southborough Schools will be demonstrating Makerspaces and 3-D design; Michael Hale of Casco Bay High School (Portland, ME) will demonstrate Game Design and Virtual Reality, and Beth Lloyd of Watertown Schools will show how their school uses a Fab Lab to solve real life problems using tools like vinyl cutters, mini 3D printers, and 3D modeling software.
Keynote: Michael Horn on Personalizing Learning (Salons E-H)
Michael Horn is the co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and the author of the award-winning book “Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools.” In his keynote, “Personalized Learning: The Vision and the Practice,” Michael will dive into the vision as well as the tactical workflow of personalized learning in a K-12 setting. He’ll discuss why it’s important for schools to be clear about their definition of personalized learning to help guide administrators, staff, and parent communities in realizing a vision that makes sense for each school environment. He’ll share stories about lessons learned from various K-12 personalized learning initiatives that will help attendees learn the practical steps their schools can take to create and sustain a personalized learning plan.
Refreshment and Networking Break: Playground (Salons A-D)
Breakout Session # 1
BREAKOUT #1: Blended/Personalized Learning: Part One (Salons E-H)
This panel, comprised of graduates from the Highlander Institute’s Fuse Fellowship program, share their insights on how to build district capacity in blended and personalized learning programs. The Fuse program strives to share, implement, evaluate, and scale blended learning by working with educators and districts across the state. PRESENTERS: Hilary Lundgren & William Black (Teacher & Principal, West Broadway Middle School, Providence Public School Department, RI); Jessica Geremia (District Technology Fellow, Chariho Regional School District, Wood River Junction , RI); and Jason Appel (Math Teacher, Fuse RI Fellow, Barrington High School, Barrington, RI). Moderator: Maeve Murray (Program Manager for Fuse RI)
Blended/Personalized Learning Presentation
BREAKOUT #2: A Look at the New Computer Science Standards (Charles River West)
This session will explore the new Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards curriculum, professional development, and more. PRESENTERS: Jim Stanton (Executive Director, MassCAN at EDC), Anne DeMallie (Computer Science and STEM Integration Specialist, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), Paul Foster (Chief Information Officer at Springfield Public Schools), and Laura S. Chesson (Assistant Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools, MA).
New Computer Science Standards Presentation
BREAKOUT #3: Demos (Charles River East)
Attendees have the opportunity to learn about some of latest tools for K-12. Presenters: Carol Holzberg demonstrates Smithsonian TweenTribune, Pixlr Editor, and more; Cassandra Charles demonstrates the Summit Personalized Learning Platform. Moderator: Ellen Ullman
Cassandra Charles' Presentation
BREAKOUT #4: Leadership Track: Why #GoOpen? (Riverside Pavilion)
This group discussion for school leaders will explore how to #GoOpen using openly licensed educational materials to transform teaching and learning -- as well as ensuring those materials play nicely with your other systems. PRESENTERS: Leo Brehm (CIO, North/Southbourough, Southborough, MA), Andrew Marcinek (CIO, Worcester Academy, Brighton, MA), Mike Jamerson (Director of Technology, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, IN); and Grace Magley, Director of Digital Learning (Natick Public Schools, MA). Moderator: Kevin Hogan.
Refreshment and Networking Break: Playground (Salons A-D)
Industry Spotlights (Salons E-H)
Anything Goes Discussions #1 (Salons E-H)
These discussions provide a great opportunity for you to network with fellow technology leaders. Topics will be repeated at the 1:10 "anything goes" breakout session.
* HyperDocs Workshop (Rayna Freedman, Dedham, MA): This workshop will be in Charles River East
HyperDocs Workshop Presentation
* Breakout EDU Workshop (Chrystal Hoe, Technology Integration Coordinator, Hopkinton Public Schools, Hopkinton, MA): Attendees will beta test a Breakout game, where a small group of educators will have 30 minutes to complete a series of challenges, reveal clues, and unlock mysteries in order to win the game. **This workshop will be in Charles River West
Breakout EDU Workshop Presentation
* Revamping Research Skills with Google Apps (Jessica Garbowski, District Instructional Technology Coordinator, Easton Public Schools, Easton, MA)
* How technology can impact and create a positive school culture (Alice Barr, Instructional Technology Integrator, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth, ME)
Impact of Technology Presentation
* Strategies and Tools to Support the 4Cs of 21st Century Learning (Rachel Discko, technology integration specialist, Manchester High School, Manchester, CT)
* Using G Suite Tools to collaborate better in your environment (Mike Arsenault, Instructional Technology Integrator, Yarmouth School Department, Yarmouth, ME)
* Apps for Activating Spaces (Sarah Connell, Community Service Learning: the Media Literacy Lens, Auburn Public Schools, Auburn, MA)
* Gamification and Game Based Learning (Michele Haiken, Author and Educator, Rye Middle School & Manhattanville College, Rye , NY)
* Creating a Student led Digital Citizens Advisory Board (Paul Sanfrancesco, Director of Technology, Owen J Roberts SD, Pottstown, PA)
* How to tie business to technology (Julie York, Career Preparation Department Chair, South Portland High School, South Portland, Maine)
Resources to Fight Fake News (Carol Holzberg)
Lunch (Salons E-H)
Dessert & Demos: Playground (Salons A-D)
Anything Goes #2 (see topic details and locations in the 11:15 listing)
These discussions provide a great opportunity for you to network with fellow technology leaders. Topics will be repeated from the 11:15 "anything goes" breakout session.
Breakout Session # 2
BREAKOUT #1: Blended/Personalized Learning: Part Two (Salons E-H)
These panelists from a variety of districts present best practices related to blended and personalized learning, including the use of technology to tailor instruction, expression of learning, and assessment to each individual's unique needs--as well as how to combine these tools with teaching strategies that address core learning standards. PRESENTERS: Matthew Joseph (Director of Digital Learning, Informational Technology, and Innovation, Milford Public Schools, Milford, MA); Rachel Discko (Technology Integration Specialist, Manchester High School, Manchester, CT); Arzinia Gill (Principal, DelSesto Middle School, Providence, RI); and Anna Nolin (Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Innovation at the Natick Public Schools, MA). Moderator: David Ross (CEO, P21)
Blended/Personalized Learning Presentation
BREAKOUT #2: Going Beyond the Hour of Code (Charles River West)
This session will explore ways schools can integrate coding and other STEM programs into other areas of teaching and learning. PRESENTERS: Thomas Chestna (Director of Technology, Moses Brown School, Providence, RI) and Laurie Center (Director of STEM Education, Moses Brown School): Deborah Marshall (Department Chair, Career & Technical Education, Norfolk Public Schools, VA); Robyn McKenney (K-5 Technology Coordinator) and Whitney Wadecki (Teacher, Waterford Public Schoos, Quaker Hill, CT); Moderator: Kevin Hogan
Beyond the Hour of Code Presentation
BREAKOUT #3: Demos (Charles River East)
Attendees have the opportunity to test drive some of latest tools for K-12. Presenters: Mike Arsenault demos Google Keep; Michelle Ciccone demos VideoAnt, Today’s Meet, Diigo, and EdPuzzle; Audra Kaplan & Jeannie Erikson present Road Trip with Google Maps, Knightlab Timeline, and more. Moderator: Ellen Ullman
New Tools for Schools Presentation
BREAKOUT #4: Leadership Track: Communicating Effectively with Your Community (Riverside Pavillion)
How do you effectively use social media to tell your district story? What are some do’s and don’ts of effective communication? This session for school district leaders examines how districts can better tell their stories to their communities and the media. PRESENTERS: Christina Maryland (Grants Research and Communications Specialist, Natick Public Schools, MA); Paul Sanfrancesco (Director of Technology, Owen J Roberts SD, Pottstown, PA); and Andrew Wallace (Director of Technology, South Portland Maine Schools). Moderator: Jean Tower (Director of Media and Digital Learning, Needham Public Schools, Needham, MA.
Effective Communications Presentation
Closing Session: Playground & Takeaways (Salons A-D)
Join the party!
T&L Live will close with a reception where you can unwind and network with colleagues and industry partners— as well as participate in the end-of-day prize drawing! Bonus giveaway challenge: Tag @LocknCharge in a #TLTechLive post and be entered to win a 6-pack of Baskets by LocknCharge.
Speakers
Horn is the author and coauthor of multiple books, white papers, and articles on education, including the award-winning book Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns and the Amazon-bestseller Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools. An expert on disruptive innovation, online learning, blended learning, competency-based learning, and how to transform the education system into a student-centered one, he serves on the board and advisory boards of a range of education organizations.
He is on the board of Fidelis Education, Education Elements,Noodle Partners, Everest Education, the Silicon Schools Fund, the National Association of Independent Schools, the Minerva Institute, and the LearnLaunch Institute.
He serves as an advisor to Intellus Learning, Pedago, Knod, AltSchool, Degreed, Emotuit, SchoolCNXT, ReUp Education, the Adult Literacy XPRIZE, and the Hechinger Institute on Education and the Media at Teachers College, Columbia University, and he is an executive editor at Education Next. He is also a venture partner at NextGen Venture Partners.
Speakers
Jason Appel @jason_appel
Math Teacher - Barrington High School; FuseRI Fellow - Highlander Institute
Jason Appel is a math teacher at Barrington High School, and a Fuse RI Fellow for the Highlander Institute. He has 21 years of middle and high school teaching experience in Rhode Island and New York City. He is passionate about redefining the classroom in order to meet the needs of all students. Jason regularly shares his expertise around blended & personalized learning throughout New England and will be presenting at ISTE in San Antonio in June. Learn more at jasonkappel.com
Mike Arsenault @marsenault
Instructional Technology Integrator - Yarmouth, Maine School Department
Mike Arsenault has been the Instructional Technology Integrator at Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth, Maine for the past 10 years. Under his leadership, Frank H. Harrison Middle School has been an Apple Distinguished School since 2007. He has been a Google Certified Innovator since attending the Google Teacher Academy in Chicago, IL in 2013. He is passionate about professional development and pre-service teacher preparation, co-leading a collaborative project within Maine connecting Technology Integrators with pre-service teachers. Mike has supported administrators, teachers and students in 1:1 environments since 2001. He is on Maine’s ISTE affiliate’s (ACTEM) board representing Technology Integrators.
Alice Barr @alicebarr
Instructional Technology Integrator
Alice Barr is the Instructional Technology Integrator for Yarmouth High School, an Apple Distinguished School in Yarmouth, Maine. She facilitates 1:1 learning and technology in grades 9 – 12. A semi-finalist for the 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year, Alice is also a Google Certified Innovator. She also teaches at The University of Southern Maine and provides professional development sessions during the year.
Bill Black @@BillBlackRI
Principal, West Broadway Middle School, Providence RI; FuseRI Fellow - Highlander Institute
Bill Black is the Principal at West Broadway Middle School in Providence, Rhode Island. West Broadway opened as a new middle school in Providence in 2014 and blended learning became a huge driver for student success. As a Fuse Fellow, he is looking forward to learning and collaborating with passionate educators to find ways to do what is best for kids!
Laurie Center @LEC_MB
Director of STEM Education, Moses Brown School, RI
New Director of STEM Education at Moses Brown School, in Providence RI. Veteran math and computer science teacher currently teaching the new AP Computer Science Principles course as well coding to 4 year olds. Intrigued by all programmable, electronic gadgets.
Cassandra Charles @cassandrad621
English Teacher - Summit Learning Platform
English/Language Arts Teacher Leader and Sixth grade English teacher on the PEAK Academy at Governor Christopher DelSesto Middle School in the Providence Public School District. Her students utilize the Summit Learning Platform to gain the skills necessary to become college and career ready as they develop into Self-Directed Learners, illustrating mastery on cognitive skills through focus area content knowledge and project-based instruction. She is a graduate of Rhode Island College for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, and she is certified to teach in both elementary and middle school settings (English/Social Studies). She is also certified as a Secondary English teacher, grades 7-12, and a Reading Specialist, PK-12. Teaching and learning is of utmost importance to her because she wants all of her students to be successful, in all facets of their life. In order for this to happen, she believes that quality instruction and human connection must take place on a day-to-day basis.
Thomas Chestna @mbtech
Director of Technology, Moses Brown School
Thomas Chestna has been working at Moses Brown School for 17 years. For the past 14 years, he has been the Director of Technology. He currently teaches an Upper School course using the Arduino microprocessor electronic prototyping platform enabling students to create interactive electronic objects. Additionally, he is working to enhance STEM in early education with bi-weekly session using coding toys. Recently, Thomas served as a board member of the R.I. Society of Technology Educators (RISTE).
Michelle Ciccone
Coordinator of Technology Integration
Michelle Ciccone is Coordinator of Technology Integration at the Christa McAuliffe Charter School in Framingham, Mass. Michelle works with all educators at her school to seamlessly and authentically integrate technology across content and classrooms. As part of her work at McAuliffe, she also teaches a digital literacy/citizenship class to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Prior to joining McAuliffe, Michelle worked with two nonprofit organizations in the blended learning space. Michelle is passionate about engaging young people and educators in thinking about the way that technology impacts culture and society. She earned her M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and B.A. from Vassar College.
Sarah Connell @missconnellonyx
Media Specialist, Auburn Public Schools
Sarah Connell teaches eighth grade English and serves as a Curriculum Coordinator of Auburn Middle School in Auburn, MA. Sarah studied English and Education at Fordham University and received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. This year, Sarah's students are using technology to activate a historic greenspace long forgotten by the town. Students have created original mobile applications to engage the community in their efforts. They have also attracted the attention of local politicians, a world renowned artist and a variety of environmental scholars.
Rachel Discko @DisckoTech
Technology Integration Specialist- Manchester High School, CT
Rachel Discko is a former high school English teacher with a passion for technology. As a technology integration specialist, she promotes the use and integration of technology in the classroom to support quality teaching, student engagement, and learning. She also assists and supports faculty in developing a 1:1 learning environment in their classrooms. Her educational philosophy is that of George Couros: "Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational."
Jessica Garbowski @@MrsG_Techie
District Instructional Technology Coordinator - Easton Public Schools
I have been a teacher for 9 years at the middle school level in everything ranging from 6th grade to ELA to Coding. I am also the District Instructional Technology Coordinator for Easton Public Schools. My technology certifications include: Google Certified Trainer & Google Certified Level 1+2 Educator
Jessica Geremia @JessGere
Jessica Geremia is a District Technology Fellow for Chariho Regional School District. She left the classroom to support professional development and strategic planning in her district. Jessica served as a Fuse RI Fellow working with Highlander Institute to consult districts in their transition towards blended and personalized learning. Jess is always curious to learn from others and share her an enthusiasm for dynamic professional development & personalized learning. Twitter: @JessGere Email: jgeremia@highlanderinstitute.org
Arzinia Gill @Arzinia_Gill
Principal, Delsesto Middle School, Providence Public School District, Rhode Island.
Arzinia Gill is the Principal of DelSesto Middle School in Providence, RI. DelSesto Middle School serves close to 1000 students and embarked upon a school transformation effort to boost student engagement and create a positive school culture. Arzinia is a former English teacher and ELA instructional coach/specialist. She grew up in India and is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Isabella Thoburn College with MA in Literature from Punjab University in India. She has a M.Ed in Educational Leadership from University of Rhode Island. She taught in London, England for a year prior to her educational career in Rhode Island. Her Summit personalized learning implementation is one of the largest in the country.
Michele Haiken @teachingfactor
Teacher & Author
Currently middle school English teacher at Rye Middle School in Rye, New York, and an adjunct professor in the Literacy Department at Manhattanville College, Dr. Haiken has been teaching for the past twenty years. She is the author of the blog The Teaching Factor and has contributed as a guest blogger on Edutopia, Free Teach 4 Teachers, and The Nerdy Book Club. Dr. Haiken has presented at numerous conferences including the National Council of Teachers of English and Global Education Conference on topics relating to literacy, technology, and global collaboration. She is the editor of the forthcoming book Gamify Literacy (ISTE: May 2017) and facilitates the monthly #ISTELitChats on Twitter to address literacy and technology.
Michael Hale @@cbhsc3dir
Dir. of College, Career & Citizenship + Innovation Educator
Innovation Educator, CBHS Maine Game Club/USM Creative Intelligence Innovation lab (Ci2) Partner, Dir. of College, Career & Citizenship at Casco Bay High School in Portland, ME. Michael has been a teacher leader, administrator and innovation education leader for nearly 20 years in a variety of innovative educational communities including: Boys Town, GEAR UP, public schools, a language school in Ecuador, OMNI summer camp (formerly known as the Samantha Smith World Peace Camp) and Casco Bay High School for Expeditionary Learning. He has been a sought after speaker and workshop leader in a variety of local, regional and national workshops, conferences and symposiums. He is the Stupski Foundation faculty adviser for The Pathways to Success Digital ‘Portfolume’ Student Posse, a student-led technology initiative with the goal of creating and implementing “technological innovation for the public and private sector.” beginning with a digital portfolio that could be used beyond high school. Casco Bay High School, recently named by Education Week as "...one of 35 high schools across the country and abroad worth visiting," is a nationally recognized, U.S. News ranked, standards-based Expeditionary Learning network mentor high school. Michael is collaborating with the University of Southern Maine Creative Intelligence Innovation lab (Ci2) to connect high school students to college students & professors working in an environment of innovation and creativity.
Chrystal Hoe @cehoerun
Technology Coordinator- Hopkinton Public Schools
Chrystal Hoe is a Integration Coordinator and Certified Google Apps for Education Trainer, Google Certified Innovator & Google Certified Educator. She is a keynote and spotlight presenter/trainer for EdTech team. She works with schools on how to integrate Google Apps, Chromebooks, and other emerging technologies into learning. Her background is in Modern Language Pedagogy with a Masters in French. She holds a license in French, Educational Technology and Administration. She has been featured at MassCue, Google Summits by EdTechTeam, ISTE, and Deep Learning. www.chrystalhoe.com
Mike Jamerson @MikeJamerson
Director of Technology, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
Mike Jamerson has been an active leader in information technology for more than 40 years. Prior to joining Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) as the Director of Technology in 1998, he held a variety of leadership positions in manufacturing, financial, and consulting organizations. BCSC is a K-12 public school district serving over 11,500 students in 19 instructional sites in southeastern Indiana. Mike has served on Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Board of Directors since March 2011. He has served as Treasurer and been a member of the Finance and Audit and Executive Committees. He served as the Chair from 2015-2017. He is one of the founding members of CoSN's Indiana chapter, the Indiana Chief Technology Officer Council where he has served as a Board member, Secretary, and currently serves as Treasurer. Mike lives in Columbus, Indiana with his wife, Sally, where he enjoys cooking, hiking, and growing chili peppers.
Matthew X. Joseph @milford_tech
Director of Digital Learning, Informational Technology, and Innovation - Milford Public Schools
Dr. Joseph is currently the Director of Digital Learning, Informational Technology, and Innovation for the Milford Public School District, Milford, Ma. Before coming to Milford, he was a building principal for 11 years in Natick, Ma and Attleboro, Ma. Other professional roles include: classroom teacher, PD specialist, and other district roles supporting technology instruction. Dr. Joseph holds licenses in general education, school administration, and Ma superintendent. His master's degree is in SPED and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Boston College.
Hilary Lundgren @miss_lundgren5
5th Grade ESL Teacher, West Broadway Middle, Providence RI; FuseRI Fellow - Highlander Institute
Hilary Lundgren is a 5th grade ESL, Math and ELA teacher at West Broadway Middle School in Providence, RI. She is a graduate of Wheelock College where she studied Counseling Psychology and has her MAT from Rhode Island College in Elementary Education and Teaching English as a Second Language. Miss Lundgren is focused on engaging students in learning and advocating for at risk youth. She implemented Blended Learning in her first year of teaching, under the guidance of the Highlander Institute, and has since won numerous awards which include; NBC10 Golden Apple Award, Horace Mann Crystal Apple Award, RIMTA Rookie Teacher of the Year 2016, RIMLE Promising Practitioner 2016, Digital Tech Champion of Rhode Island 2015 and 2016. Outside of the classroom, you will find Miss Lundgren cheering on her students in the stands of their sporting events, meeting with families in their communities, and at all WBMS events. Miss Lundgren is looking forward towards the future as she continues to build a strong classroom culture that is focused on personalizing learning for every student and doing what's best for kids!
Deborah Marshall
Department Chair Career & Technical Ed; Granby High School, Norfolk, VA
Deborah is the Career & Technical Education Department Chair at Granby High School, Norfolk, VA. She has been Teacher of the Year, collaborated on state technology initiatives, presented Train the Trainer professional developments throughout Virginia, has been published in geography, library and science journals, and serves on the Virginia Department Of Education's 2017 Computer Science Steering Committee.
Christina Maryland, MBA @natickps
Communications Specialist, Natick Public Schools
Christina Maryland, MBA, is a strategic marketing communications professional with over 10 years of experience in developing robust marketing, PR, and social media campaigns across many industries. In her profession, Christina's specialty is in implementing strategic and cost effective solutions that work to raise awareness, pique interest and champion the brand. She has a strong passion and skill in raising brand awareness and interest organically. Presently, Christina works for Natick Public Schools as a communications specialist where she has been charged with managing district communications, revamping the district brand identity, increasing outreach and engagement with target audiences, and internally guiding communication activities.
Robyn McKenney @@robynmckenney, @wpstechthink, @elemcomplab
K-5 Technology Coordinator, Waterford Public Schools, Waterford, CT.
Robyn is a K-5 Technology Coordinator at Waterford Public Schools in Connecticut. She has a Master’s in Education Technology and has worked at the Elementary, Middle School, High School, and District Level. Currently Robyn works with teachers and students to facilitate the purposeful integration of technology throughout the elementary curriculum. She is passionate about leveraging technology to provide opportunities for creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. She believes that technology can empower learners by transforming learning environments, perpetuating opportunities for problem-solving, and amplifying student voice.
Maeve Murray @maevefmurray
Project Manager, Highlander Institute
Maeve Murray is the Project Manager overseeing the Fuse RI Fellowship at Highlander Institute. Before starting at the Institute, Maeve was a founding high school math and special education teacher at Village Green Virtual Charter School in downtown Providence. She has also previously worked as an education policy fellow for the RI Governor’s Office, and taught English as a Second Language and American literature through the Fulbright Bulgaria program. She lives in Providence, RI.
Anna Nolin @@annapnolin
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning & Innovation
Dr. Anna Nolin is Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning & Innovation in the Natick Public Schools, just west of Boston, MA, where she has worked in various leadership capacities for the last 14 years. She has worked as a middle level educator in Metrowest area of MA for the past 20 years serving as a teacher, drama director, grant writer, and curriculum developer/consultant with a technology focus. She has served is an Adjunct Instructor at Framingham State teaching Designing Blended Learning Classes/Use of Moodle, a course for new teachers called Teaching In Innovation Schools, as a lead instructor for the Friday Institute’s Leadership in Blended Learning graduate course, is a district Google and Apple product trainer. She is also an Instructor at Educational Leadership Institute (ELI) at Endicott College serving as a principal trainer in 21st Century Instructional Leadership. She presented for the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development’s spring conference in Chicago (ASCD) 2012, 2013 and 2015 in the areas of school implementation of effective and engaging 1:1 laptop programming and in empowering student leadership to combat bullying. Recent work on Professional Learning Communities was presented at ISTE San Antonio, and Denver, and her presentation on district branding and use of social media as presented at MASSCue 2015 and MASSCue 2016, and on personalized and relational teaching in a digital district (MassCUE 2017). She holds a BA in English and Secondary Education from Middlebury College, a Master’s from Harvard University’s Risk and Prevention Program in Human Development and Psychology, and her doctorate from Boston College where she conducted research on effective leadership around school-based 1:1 computing programs in the state of Massachusetts. Her current work and research You can follow her on Twitter @annapnolin, on her school blog, http://natickps.wordpress.com
David Ross @davidPBLross
CEO, Partnership for 21st Century Learning
David Ross is the CEO of P21, the Partnership for 21st Century Learning. In this role, David oversees all of P21's programs, which span the entire 21st Century Learning continuum, and its growing state support services. Most recently, David was the CEO & Founder of the Lurner Group, an educational consulting company that partners with starts-ups, non-profits, and school districts on revenue-development models. Ross worked for seven years as the Senior Director for the Buck Institute for Education and led its growth into becoming the dominant provider of professional development focused on Project Based Learning. While at BIE, David created and managed the PBL World Conference and the National Faculty. He is the co-author of the Project Based Learning Starter Kit. Ross is a frequent and popular speaker and workshop facilitator at national and international conferences. He has presented more than 40 times on such topics as Project Based Learning, creativity, entrepreneurship, and 21st century teaching and learning. One of his most passionate interests is global education. He has led multi-year partnerships in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and South Korea. He has provided teacher workshops and leadership training in more than a dozen countries. Ross anchors his leadership work in the ten years he spent in the classroom. He was an English and Social Studies teacher in an urban Los Angeles middle school for six years. He finished his classroom career by teaching U.S. history for four years at New Tech High School in Napa, CA. Ross is an active member of the board of directors for several education organizations, including New Tech High School, Education Exchange, Youth Truth Survey, and School 4 One. He also served as a member of the board for LA Learns21 and Global Educational Community, and a member of the Learning Forward Conference Content Planning Committee. Ross holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature and M.S. in American Literature from Long Beach State University. He completed the course work for his PhD in education at the University of California, Davis. He holds a multiple subject teaching credential and two single-subject credentials from the state of California
Paul Sanfrancesco @psanfran19
Director of Technology, Owen J Roberts SD, Pottstown, PA
Paul Sanfrancesco is Director of Technology for the Owen J Roberts School District in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. He teaches as a professor in the Graduate Education Department at Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA and Neumann University, Aston, PA. Mr. Sanfrancesco has been a teacher and assistant principal in the high school setting. He was named as one of the "20 to Watch" educators by the National School Boards Association for his work in IT. He has served on Dell's K-12 Platinum Council for the past seven years. He is a technology consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc., publishing company. Mr. Sanfrancesco has offered presentations to teachers, administrators, parents and students across the country in topics that cover digital footprint to setting technology visions for districts.
Whitney Wadecki @TechyTeacher15
Teacher, Waterford Public Schools, Waterford, CT
Whitney Wadecki is a first grade teacher at Waterford Public Schools in Connecticut. She has a Master’s of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. Whitney has made it her mission to empower her classes by using technology in creative and innovative ways. She has created an after school coding program for grades K and 1 as well as running school-wide robot days. Whitney has presented about coding and innovative technologies at local, state, and national conferences.
Andrew Wallace @andrewtwallace
Director of Technology, South Portland Maine Schools
Andrew Wallace has been a technology director for South Portland Schools in Maine for the past 13 years. He is a member of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), is Treasurer of ACTEM (Maine’s ISTE affiliate), and is President of the Maine Educational Technology Directors Association (METDA). He is a member of the design team of #EdChatME, a weekly Twitter chat, and was recently named to the faculty of the University of Maine’s Graduate College of Education. A former librarian, Wallace is interested in spreading the Learning Commons model and helping to imagine and create effective learning spaces. Please connect with him on the Twitter.
Julie York @MrsYorkME
Career Preparation Department Chair, Educational Access Channel Operator & Webmaster, South Portland
Julie York is the Career Preparation Department Chair, Educational Access Channel Operator, and Webmaster for South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine. She is a Graphite Certified educator who is dedicated to the inclusion of computer science, STEAM, and media literacy in high school curriculum. She has created and maintained several computer and media electives in her school system and is now working on concurrent classes with a local college allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.
