Friday October 20, 2017
Westin
Princeton Forrestal Village, 201 Village Blvd
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
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 exhibits from West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District; makerspaces from librarians Sheri McNair, Shannon Mersand, and Fair Haven School District, Scarsdale’s Center for Innovation app (take the innovation IQ test!, fun STEM projects from Linwood Public Schools, and a social media how-to hub from the New York City Department of Education.
Mini-Keynotes: Digital Citizenship: It’s Complicated
By now we all understand the importance of preparing our students as safe, responsible, and successful digital citizens, but putting this into practice is hard work. We bring together perspectives from district leaders, school leaders, educators, students, and policy makers to share a fast-paced, ignite style keynote presentation. They’ll uncover ways to go from banning to embracing, how to incorporate voices of students, families, and educators, what to do when social media is blamed for bullying and suicide, and more. Speakers include Lisa Nielsen (NYCDOE), students from West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, and Samantha Morra (Elisabeth Morrow School). Moderator: Paul Sanfrancesco (Owen J Roberts School District).
There will be a live Twitter chat during the presentation: follow along at #TLTechLive!
Digital Citizenship: It’s Complicated Presentation
Refreshment and Networking Break: Playground
Breakout Session # 1
BREAKOUT 1: Mini-Google Prep Course (Nassau Room)
Meet the team from the New York City Department of Education, who have helped over 200 educators with Google Level 1, Level 2, and Google Admin certifications. In this workshop, attendees will break into groups and have participants do a speed-dating with Google apps session. Time permitting, small groups will then review the skills needed to successfully pass Google Certification.PRESENTERS: JoJo Farrell, Joe Santiago, Jose Perez, Michael Santiago, Pat Sullivan
Mini-Google Prep Course Presentation Google Classroom/Youtube Presentation
Google Level 1 Sheets Presentation
Google Level 1 Forms Presentation
Google Level 1 Drive/Docs Presentation
BREAKOUT #2: Unique Approaches to STEM (Terrace View)
In this session, attendees will learn about a variety of unique STEM programs, including how to build a STEM program, integrating the “A” into STEAM, using components of STEAM to infuse hip hop and literacy, and developing biochemistry literacy for children. PRESENTERS: Sancha Gray, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Asbury Park School District, Asbury Park, New Jersey; Ben Smith, STEM Coordinator, Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12, New Oxford, PA; Shawna Longo, STEAM Facilitator, Hopatcong Schools, Hopatcong, NJ; and Daniel Fried, Assistant Professor, Saint Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ.
Unique Approaches to STEM Presentation
BREAKOUT #3: Demo Session: Focus on Apps (SALON D)
In this session, attendees will expand their digital toolbox by learn tips and tricks for new and seasoned classroom apps. PRESENTERS: Joyce Valenza, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Rutgers School of Communication & Information (app smashing); Steven Lahullier (apps that can be used for cross-curricular implementation of technology); and Alan Taylor, Educator, Shamong Township. School District, Shamong, NJ (variety of apps for various platforms).
BREAKOUT #4: T&L Leadership Track: From Silos to Success: Fostering Collaboration Between Tech & Curriculum (SALONS A-C)
These school leaders discuss ways they supported their technology & curriculum department leaders to better collaborate and support various edtech initiatives. Bring your ideas and questions. PRESENTERS: Matthew Joseph, Director of Digital Learning, Informational Technology, and Innovation at Milford (MA); Mike Jamerson, Director of Technology, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (IN); and Joe Kuzo, Director of Technology, and Chad Evans Supervisor of Health and Physical Education, Business, Social Studies, and World Language, Quakertown, PA). Moderator: Kevin Hogan.
Fostering Collaboration Between Tech & Curriculum Presentation
Refreshment and Networking Break: Playground
Industry Spotlights
Anything Goes Discussions #1 - SALON D (except where noted)
These small-group discussions provide a great opportunity for you to network with fellow technology leaders.
Topics include:
* Digital Digital Citizenship: Diving Deeper with the Keynote Speakers (SALONS A-C)
AND: Addressing the Digital Drama of Digital Citizenship (Darlynn Alfalla, Technology Teacher, NYCDOE) (SALONS A-C)
Table #1: Scaffolding Multimedia to Support Literacy Instruction (Andrea Tejedor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology, Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District)
Table #2: Improving Literacy with Innovative Programming (Sancha Gray, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction; Edwin Ruiz, Bradley Elementary School Principal; Shelly Sanders, Bradley Elementary School Teacher; Lorne Pierce, Asbury Park High School Head Security Officer, Asbury Park School District)
Table #3: Shifting from Engagement to Empowerment: Stop Engaging. Start Empowering (Andrew Taylor, Director of Technology, Byram Hills, NJ)
Table #4: Using Technology to Differentiate in the Classroom (Kathryn Nieves, Special Education Teacher, Sparta Public Schools, Sparta , NJ)
Table #5: Finding the Blend in Blended Learning (Christina Bifulco, Mathematics Teacher, Morris School District, Morristown, NJ)
Table #6: Social Media as an Educational Imperative (Chris Casal, purveyor of geekery, Heathcote School, Scarsdale Public Schools, Scarsdale, NY)
Table #7: Beyond the Checklist: A New News Literacy Toolkit (Joyce Valenza, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Rutgers School of Communications & Information)
Table #8: Effectively Running Online Communities (Jackie Patanio, EdTech Borough Instructional Lead, NYCDOE)
Table #9: Learning Spaces: A Look at your Future Classroom (Jerry Crisci, Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation, Scarsdale Public Schools, NY)
Table #10: What Do I Do With The Device: Digital Curriculum Is the Foundation (Martha Barwick, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Harford and Sandra Paul)
Table #11: Innovative Communities of Practice & Future Ready NJ (Christopher Cox, Office of School Innovation, Division of Teaching and Learning, New Jersey Department of Education)
Table #12: Open Educational Resources and Digital Textbooks: Understanding the Possibilities (Michael Ben-David, Superintendent of Schools WMRHSD, Robert Beers, Superintendent of Schools, Manville School District, Sean Beavers, WMRHSD Technology Coordinator, Jessica LaSusa, WMRHSD District Supervisor of World Languages and Fine and Performing Arts)
Lunch
Dessert & Demos: Playground
Anything Goes #2 (See location and topic details in the 11:15 listing)
These small-group discussions provide a great opportunity for you to network with fellow technology leaders.
Breakout Session # 2
BREAKOUT #1: Personalizing PD: Models That Work (Terrace View)
How can you model personalized learning in your professional development programs? Meet four districts that have implemented successful programs to make PD ongoing and effective. Leave with specific ideas that you can put into action in your schools and districts. PRESENTERS: Sean Beavers, District Technology Coordinator, West Morris Regional High School District, Chester, NJ; Joel Handler, Director of Technology, Hillsborough Board of Education, Hillsborough, NJ; Patrick Fletcher, Superintendent, River Dell Regional School District, River Edge, NJ; Eileen Lennon, Technology Teacher, Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74, NYC Department of Education; Moderator: Marianthe Williams, Director of Technology, River Dell Regional School District, River Edge
Building a PD Library of Best Practices for Technology Integration Presentation
BREAKOUT #2: Demo Session: Focus on Google/G Suite Tools (SALON D)
In this session, attendees will expand their G Suite toolbox by learn tips and tricks for new and seasoned Google tools. Presenters: Chris Casal, purveyor of geekery, Heathcote School, Scarsdale Public Schools, Scarsdale, NY (Pushing the Limits of Google Slides), Andrea Tejedor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology, Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District (Google Forms & Video-Based Questions) and Samantha Morra, Middle School Technology Integrator, Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood, NJ
Demo Session:Focus on Google/G Suite Tools Presentation
BREAKOUT #3: T&L Leadership Track: Igniting Innovation at the District Level (SALONS A-C)
Each of these four district leaders has been both a spark and a shepherd in the Central Office for important growth through technology in their districts. Learn about notable student outcomes they have stimulated and their insiders’ tips on how to inspire both change and buy-in at the same time. Bring your questions and ideas. PRESENTERS: Mr. Michael Davino, Superintendent, Springfield (NJ) Public Schools, Dr. Matthew Murphy, Superintendent, Ramsey (NJ) Public Schools, Dr. Lamont Repollet, Superintendent, Asbury Park (NJ) Public Schools, Ms. Andrea Sheridan, Assistant Superintendent, Bergen County (NJ) Technical Schools, Paramus. MODERATOR: James Lerman
Igniting Innovation at the District Level Presentation
Closing Session: Playground & Reception
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!
Speakers
Clemencia Acevedo @Acevedo493
Special Education Teacher
Clemencia Acevedo is a Special Education Teacher at Don Pedro Albizu Campus- PS/MS 161 in NYC. She taught 7th and 8th grades across subject areas in Self-contained and ICT settings for four years in the Bronx. She is a Fordham University Graduate School of Education Alumni. Ms. Acevedo has implemented many technology initiatives to motivate and engage students to give their full potential in their learning, including Blended Learning. Influenced by the work of #NYCSchoolsTech teachers, she has made use of tech tools and Social Media for parent engagement. She is an iLearn/iZone, EdxEd Education Conference and NYC Schools Technology Summit presenter. She is the recipient of New York City Department of Education Excellence in School Technology Award 2017, FordhamGSE Digital Literacies Collaborative, iHero Award 2016 and Fordham GSE TRIP Grant (Teachers Residency Scholars Program) 2012. Her work has been featured in Fordham, GSENews,, Wikispacesblog, EdTechDigest- CaseStudy and guest writer for Easel.lyblog. She is interested in effective teaching and historical research. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Darlynn Alfalla @@DarlynnAlfalla
#NYCSchoolsTech Educator and Expert
Darlynn Alfalla is a technology evangelist, innovator and educator, with more than 25 years of instructional technology experience. My responsibilities and duties at Wagner included technology coordinator/specialist, computer teacher, site manager of the Wagner website, and school management system administrator. In addition, I have been the faculty advisor to a group of student technicians called The MOUSE Squad. Currently teaching 7th and 8th grade computers. Cares about #EdTech, #NYCSchoolsTech, #education, #ms167, #digcit, #GoogleEdu, #NYCSchoolsTechChat
Chris Aviles @techedupteacher
Teacher
Chris Aviles is the 21st Century Skills, Technology, and Innovation Coordinator for the Fair Haven school district in Fair Haven, New Jersey where he teaches the Fair Haven Innovates program he created in 2015. The Fair Haven Innovates program is Fair Haven school district’s 21st century life, innovation, and technology program for 4th to 8th graders. Chris uses social entrepreneurship to help students learn the skills they’ll need to be successful when they grow up. Students sell products and solve problems as they run real businesses that turn a real profit. Students use a percentage of these profits to give back to their community through their student-run charity FH Gives.
Martha Barwick @digitalharford
Coordinator of Instructional Technology; Harford County Public Schools
Martha Barwick is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology at Harford County Public Schools in Maryland. Martha is providing leadership in implementing a digital transformation in Harford County, which includes supporting the development of digital curriculum as well as supporting teacher implementation of blended learning through the use of itslearning, Office 365, ClassFlow, and web based tools. She is also leading a BYOT initiative in the district as well as the roll out of the first phase of a 1:1 device initiative. Martha received a Doctor of Education degree with a specialty in Online Teaching and Learning from Johns Hopkins University.
Sean Beavers @TheEdTechBeaver
District Technology Coordinator, West Morris Regional High School District
Sean is a former fourth and fifth grade math, science, and language arts teacher with an insatiable passion for technology. Currently, he works for the West Morris Regional High School District as their District Technology Coordinator. In this capacity he is responsible for helping spearhead district technology initiatives, supporting teachers and students through professional learning opportunities, and promoting a school culture of innovation. In addition, Sean is a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and Microsoft Innovative Educator.
Robert Beers @BobBeers4
Superintendent of Schools: Manville Borough NJ
Superintendent of Schools, Manville Borough NJ Former Assistant Superintendent of Schools: West Morris Regional High School District
Michael Ben-David
Superintendent, West Morris Regional High School District
Christina Bifulco @cbifulc1
Mathematics Educator, Morris School District
Dr. Christina Bifulco, Ed.D. is a mathematics teacher at Morristown High School in New Jersey. Her bachelor’s degree is in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University and she worked as a geotechnical field engineer before returning for her Masters in Education from The College of New Jersey. Christina began her education career teaching mathematics in a public high school in England. She has been deeply involved within her current department and district supporting blended learning and effective technology integration. Christina recently completed her Doctorate of Education from Johns Hopkins University with a concentration on technology integration and evaluation. Her dissertation focused on the development of perseverance in high school mathematics classrooms through the advancement of a growth mindset.
Chris Casal @mr_casal
purveyor of geekery
A reformed dot comer, Chris Casal is currently in his 15th year as a technology teacher. After eleven years as part of the New York City Department of Education, he decamped for the suburbs and is now part of the Scarsdale, NY technology team. While in New York City he spearheaded and supported a school-wide iPad program, beginning with the iPad 1, as well as took his school Google Apps and implemented Chromebooks in grades 3-5. As part of the Scarsdale team, he continues to support all aspects of edtech, such as a 1:1 Chromebook program in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, as well as work with teachers on direct curriculum-based technology projects. He continually researches, compares, and recommends apps for teachers and students to use as well as facilitates professional development sessions on everything from Google Apps to iPads to social media in the classroom. He is an avid proponent of using Google Apps on his iPad and believes social media is an educational imperative.
Michael Davino
Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools (NJ)
Michael Davino has served as Superintendent of the Springfield (NJ) Public Schools since 2004. Prior to coming to Springfield, his extensive career in the New York City Public Schools included service as a baseball and a football coach, Special Education teacher, and principal of three different high schools. In 2011, Davino received the Tech Savvy Superintendent Award from eSchool News in recognition of his leadership and vision. In 2016, the Springfield district was ranked as the #1 small district in the country for innovative technology use by the National School Boards Association. And in 2017, he was named Union County Superintendent of the Year by the NJ Association of School Administrators. Davino has been a national pioneer for 1:1 laptop programs in middle and high schools and was named an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2001. He is extremely proud of Springfield’s One 2 One program that authentically integrates tech with instruction and the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SEEP), in which students all across the district were involved in a project that culminated in an experiment chosen to be done on board the International Space Station.
Pete Davis
Industrial Technology Teacher, Belhaven Middle School, Linwood, NJ
Pete Davis has been a educator for the past 15 years with the last 8 as a Industrial Technology Teacher at Belhaven Middle School in Linwood, New Jersey. His instructional philosophy of teaching students an empathetic approach to design and problem solving awarded him the 2014-15 Atlantic County Teacher of the Year and placed him as one of the top finalists for State Teacher of the Year. His long time involvement with Rio Collective, a non-profit organization in Panama, has brought practical and cross cultural empathic design and problem solving experiences to his classroom. His classroom may look like a typical woodshop, though current technology take his classroom far beyond the typical.
JoJo Farrell @FarrellJoJo
Deputy Director of Digital Engagement - NYC Public Schools
JoJo Farrell has spent the last 10 years working for the NYC public schools. He’s currently the Deputy Director of Digital Engagement for the NYC DOE where he supports teachers using technology to increase student achievement and teacher effectiveness. JoJo launched the SPOC Squad program in 2016. SPOC Squads are cohorts of SPOCs (Technology Single Points of Contact) who collaborate onsite at schools to solve a common pain point to be shared with the community of over 1,500 NYC SPOCS. JoJo recently became a Google Certified trainer and has helped over 200 NYC Teachers become Google Certified. He was awarded the 2015 Excellence in School Technology Award for his work managing a student technology squad, converting his school to Google Apps for Education, and for his onsite professional development for his school in W. Harlem to a staff of 70 teachers. Before joining the NYC Teaching Fellows program in 2008, JoJo worked as a journalist and radio reporter in Oakland, Ca, as well as a program director for the human rights organization Global Exchange where he managed programs in California, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Daniel Fried
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, St. Peter's University, Founder of Biochemistry Literacy for Kids
I'm Dr. Daniel Fried, an assistant professor of chemistry for four years, and faculty member at St. Peter's University in Jersey City. During my Ph.D. at Yale University, I founded Biochemistry Literacy for Kids, a STEAM enrichment outreach program for K-12 students which creates kid-friendly versions of university chemistry and biochemistry courses. My programs reinvent chemistry curricula by utilizing hands-on molecular model building, custom interactive presentations, and cutting-edge 3D molecular modeling software. My programs have run in over a dozen New Jersey and New York schools and I have reached hundreds of students. My unique teaching style and course organization allow me to easily teach material that is typically seen as much too difficult for young learners. It is very common for my 4th and 5th grade students to acquire authentic biochemistry skills and knowledge normally reserved for my college seniors. My programs also unlock a confidence and interest in learning science, especially for girls and students who may have struggled with science in the past. I am excited to make new contacts with the education community so that more students can benefit from my unique approach to science learning.
Sancha Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Asbury Park School District
Mrs. Sancha K. Gray is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Asbury Park School District. Her educational career began in East Orange, NJ as a sixth and seventh grade math teacher. She is a seasoned educator with over seventeen years of professional service in the public school sector addressing the needs of our students and community. In the course of these years she has served as a teacher and held building level and central office level administrative positions. She currently leads a comprehensive district literacy initiative Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth grade which also includes an Adult Literacy component for parents and a comprehensive math initiative a Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth grade. She coordinates the activities of the district’s instructional directors, supervisors and teachers and provides guidance for the principals and vice principals. In addition, Sancha has established herself as a Public Speaker for national and international organizations like the NJASA, NJPSA, and the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Most recently she has presented on The Moral Imperative- The Need for Interventions and spoke in Washington, DC for the Alliance for Excellent Education on the impact that innovative programs have on student engagement. She has addressed faculties in several districts across the state interested in understanding and implementing strategies to increase. Sancha K. Gray is a Brooklyn native whose life experiences shaped her commitment and desire to provide enriching and fulfilling opportunities for urban youth. She is involved in a number of volunteer opportunities. Sancha is the proud wife of well renowned gospel organist/keyboardist Floyd Gray Jr. and proud mother of two beautiful children, Christopher and Sierra Gray.
Joel Handler @jhandlerHTPS
Director of Technology Hillsborough Board of Education
Joel Handler has been a Director of Technology for over 12 years. He holds two masters degrees, one in Computer Science and another in Educational Administration from Rutgers University. He has presented at numerous conferences including TEDx, ISTE, BETT London, UK, NY/NJ Google Apps Summits, TechspoNJ, NJASA and CoSN. Mr. Handler was nominated as a member of the 2015 CoSN Volunteer Hall of Fame. He has implemented a complete 1:1 program issuing over 7300 Chromebooks to every student in grades K-12. Under his leadership, the district has made great strides in technology integration in a short amount of time thereby transforming the the delivery of instruction and the learning of all students.
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 20 instructional sites in southeastern Indiana. Over the past nineteen years at BCSC, Mike has been instrumental in the implementation of the district's 1:1 implementation in grades 1-12 and the district-wide LMS, itslearning. Through extensive collaboration with curriculum leaders, facilities personnel, and architects to create 21st century digital learning spaces including the Columbus Signature Academy, a K-12 project-based learning program using 1:1 laptops in a project-based learning environment and the ongoing conversion of the district’s 700 classrooms to 21st century learning environments. 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.
Matthew X. Joseph @milford_tech
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. He had the opportunity to present at the T&TL event in Boston and is looking forward to NJ. "We need to prepare our kids for their futures not our past" ~ Daniel Pink
Joe Kuzo @@kuzojoe
Director of Technology
Joe has worked in Quakertown Community School District since 2001 and has been the Director of Technology for the district for the past 3 years. Our district serves about 5500 students and supports roughly 8000 district owned devices. Quakertown Comm. School District has been noted by such publications and websites as Forbes, District Administration, Tech & Learning, Digital Learning Day, EdTechReview, and THE Journal for their excellent cyber and blended learning models along with our long running 1:1 initiative.
Steven Lahullier @SLahullier
Technology Teacher
Steven Lahullier is the K-5 technology teacher at the Robert Gordon School in Roselle Park, NJ. In the past, he has spearheaded a variety of technology initiatives in the including the introduction of 3D Printing, Hour of Code, and STEM Club. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University.
Jessica Lasusa
Supervisor Of World Languages, West Morris Regional High School District
Jessica Lasusa is a world language educator who began her career as a teacher of Spanish. Lasusa attended Boston University, Columbia University's Teachers College, and Rutgers University. She has served as a vice-principal and a principal, and currently as a supervisor of world languages in West Morris Regional High School District, which has been awarded the designation on NJDOE Model World Language Program.
Eileen Lennon @eileen_lennon
Technology Teacher
Eileen Lennon has been a technology teacher for over 15 years. She added coding to her curriculum three years ago and has been presenting this curriculum at educational forums throughout the tri-state area. Eileen is part of the team that developed the social media guidelines for the NYC Board of Education. She is also certified in Microsoft and Google, and is a CommonSense Ambassador. She moderates the #NYCSchoolsTechChat and has guest moderated national chats such as #EdTechChat, #growthmindset, and #connectedTL. Ms. Lennon was awarded the NYCDOE Excellence in School Technology Award at the annual NYCDOE Tech Summit in 2016. She teaches 6th grade technology at the Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 in Bayside, Queens.
James Lerman @jimlerman
Senior Executive Producer, EdgeWise Labs
Jim's professional career has been devoted to social justice and enhanced life trajectories for low-income, urban students and the educators who work along with them. Educator professional development and school improvement programs he has led have won numerous awards. Much of his recent work has involved mentoring, internships, grants development, and project management. Jim has led the startup of 4 new schools and 3 nonprofits, served on the boards of 10 organizations, and mobilized teams to win grants of more than $20 million. He's been an award-winning English teacher, AV specialist, Language Arts supervisor, staff development director, technology director, principal, Assistant Superintendent, college professor and executive, and nonprofit leader. Jim has written 4 best-selling books about effective internet use for ISTE, presents often at conferences on technology and school improvement, and currently is very active on social media (http://www.scoop.it/u/jim-lerman). He is in demand as a consultant and is also a Google Certified Innovator and a certified Master Teacher Trainer.
Betulia Lindsey-Freeman @@BetuFreeman
Tech Specialist @ MAELS
I am a technology specialist at Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School in Staten Island. I have been teaching for the past 31 years, my teaching career began as a Bilingual 5th and 6th-grade teacher. I moved from the classroom when technology was being introduced in District 4 to teachers who wanted to learn how to incorporate it into their curriculum. I was a staff developer for NYCDOE in Region nine for 5 years. When DOE collapsed the Regional offices I returned to teaching technology. I now teach 6-8th graders, I have implemented a mouse squad program at my present school, I am now conducting various training for the staff on how to incorporate technology into their curriculum. I assisted in getting our school to become a GAFE school which now has more than half the staff using the various Google Apps for education.
Shawna Longo @shawnalongo
STEAM Facilitator
Shawna Longo currently serves as a STEAM Facilitator and teaches grades 6-8 General Music in the Hopatcong Borough Schools, NJ. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC; a Master of Public Administration in Arts Administration from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ; and Supervisor/Curriculum Director’s certification from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. In addition to teaching, she has also had a successful experience serving as a Music Supervisor for grades K-12. Mrs. Longo has extensive experience designing, implementing and mapping arts and arts integrated (STEAM) curriculums for grades K-12 in all disciplines. She is currently pursuing certification as an Arts Integration Specialist with Education Closet. She serves on committees for NJMEA, the NJ Chapter of Ti:ME, and as a member of the Board of Education in the Morris Plains School District. She was a recipient of the “Governor’s Educator of the Year” Award in 2016 and is listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
Sheri McNair @ladybug527
Library Media Specialist
Sheri McNair is the Library Media Specialist at the James I. O'Neill High School and the Head of Library Services for her district. In addition to teaching information literacy and technology integration at the high school, she is a Google Certified Educator Level 2 and serves on the district’s technology team and the inquiry facilitation team. She has transformed her once traditional library space into a 21st Century Learning Commons. McNair’s library has been featured twice in Tech & Learning Magazine. McNair is a member of NYSCATE, NYLA/SSL, SLMSSENY, and the Orange-Ulster Regional Library Council. She is currently the President Elect and Treasurer of SLMSSENY. She has presented at various venues including Tech and Learning Live NY and NJ, NYSCATE Hudson Valley Regional Conference, NYLA SSL Spring Conferences, Mount Saint Mary College ET4ALL Conference and the Conference on Literacy, NYS TESOL Conference, and the NYSEC Annual Conference. Learn more about Sheri at https://sites.google.com/view/sherimcnair
Shannon Mersand @ShannonMersand
Doctoral Student
Shannon Mersand has been presenting at conferences since 2004. She is a technology leader and innovator who is dedicated to increasing student achievement through the use of technology and instructional design. She was named the Lee Bryant Outstanding Educator of the year in 2011 by NYSCATE. She is a School Media Specialist, an Adjunct Instructor for University of Wisconsin Stout and University at Albany (teaching courses on integrating MakerSpaces in schools and libraries), a course instructor for Creative Teacher, an Advisor for Tech & Learning Magazine and an authorized Google for Education Certified Trainer. Mersand is currently enrolled at the University at Albany, State University of New York in the Information Science PhD Program, with the intent to study Makerspaces and their perceived effects on users. Mersand’s MakerSpace has been featured in Tech & Learning Magazine. Mersand is a member of NYSCATE, NYLA/SSL, SLMSSENY, and ISTE. She is the Technology Chairperson and President for SLMSSENY (School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York). She has presented at various venues including Tech & Learning Live New York and New Jersey, the NYSCATE Hudson Valley Regional Conference, NYSCATE Annual Conference and the NYLA SSL Spring Conferences. Learn more about Shannon Mersand at www.ShannonMersand.com.
Samantha Morra @sammorra
Technology Integrator
Samantha Morra is the Middle School Technology Integrator at The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, NJ. She is an experienced educator with over 25 years experience as a teacher, technology coordinator, administrator, staff development specialist, and educational consultant. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. She is also a Google Certified Teacher/Innovator and a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator. She has presented at international, national and state conferences for organizations such as ISTE, FETC, ASCD, SETDA.She has lead workshops, in-service sessions and coached teachers and administrator across the US and Canada and throughout New Jersey. She has written articles for ISTE’s Learning & Leading with Technology magazine and has contributed several books. Samantha’s views on 21st-century learning and teaching have been quoted in the New York Times and Star-Ledger and selected projects/initiatives were featured on NJN’s Classroom Close Up and on the ABC Network special issues on education. She believes that technology has the power to transform education and build a deeper understanding for students and teachers.
Matthew Murphy @drmatthewmurphy
Dr. Murphy has been Superintendent of the Ramsey Public Schools since 2012. Before that he served as the Chief School Administrator in the River Vale Public Schools. Prior to becoming a Superintendent, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Elementary Education, and Principal in the Westwood Regional School District. He began his career in Wyckoff, New Jersey as a teacher, a building-based technology coordinator, and a Vice Principal. Dr. Murphy is also an adjunct professor at Ramapo College where he teaches in the Educational Leadership program which emphasizes the role a leader has in curriculum and supervision. Dr. Murphy earned his Doctorate and Professional Diploma from Fordham University. He earned a Master's of Science/Technology in Education from Long Island University and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island.
Lisa Nielsen @InnovativeEdu
Director of Digital Engagement & Learning
Lisa Nielsen has served as an #NYCSchoolsTech educator and administrator since 1997. She spearheaded the Department's work on the student social media guidelines and helps school staff use digital media effectively and responsibly with each other and with students. Lisa is the author of The Innovative Educator blog (InnovativeEducator.com) several books, and her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Tech & Learning. For more information you can visit her LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/innovativeedu
Kathryn Nieves @Ms_KatieNieves
Special Education Teacher, Google Trainer
Kathryn "Katie" Nieves is a special education teacher at Sparta Middle School in Sparta, New Jersey. She teaches in resource room and in-class support environments, mostly in language arts. She is also a teacher of multi-sensory reading. She runs a flipped and digital classroom for her students. Katie is a Google Certified Trainer and Educator and has shared her passion for special education empowerment and differentiation at various conferences around the world, including ISTE and AMLE.
Jackie Patanio @JPatanio
NYCDOE-SIFSC EdTech Instructional Lead
Jackie is a Instructional Lead for Instructional Technology in the NYCDOE working at the Staten Island Field Support Center. Currently she works on a District 31 FSC team & Superintendent providing professional learning opportunities across content with the focus on Instructional Technology & STEM. The main focus of her work is collaboratively creating a District Technology Vision and supporting schools creating their technology visions. She is providing professional learning, specific guidance and cohort work to schools throughout District 31 in Staten Island schools PK-12.
Jose Perez @@josecperez
Magnet Technology Integration Coach
Jose is the Magnet Technology Integration Coach at PS 54 Magnet School for Environmental Science, Technology and Community Wellness. With a background in Special Education, Jose believes technology is the great equalizer in a classroom with diverse learners. Jose works to support teachers and students to bridge the digital divide.
Frank Pileiro @frankpileiro
Supervisor of Technology, Linwood Public Schools, Linwood, NJ
Frank Pileiro has always been curious and creative. After high school, his passions led him to spend two years training to become a classical woodworker and designer. Later, although totally unprepared, he decided to attend college. These experiences shaped and reinforced his beliefs that every child’s natural born abilities to learn, create, and innovate should never be underestimated. Frank is the Supervisor of Technology for the Linwood Public School District, a Google for Education Certified Trainer, and a member of Google’s G Suite for Education Experts Group. He speaks at the local, state, and national levels about educational innovation and instructional technology.
Dr. Lamont Repollet
Superintendent, Asbury Park Public Schools
Dr. Repollet has served as Superintendent of Schools in Asbury Park beginning in 2014. Since his arrival, the high school graduation rate has increased by 20% and the dropout rate has decreased by 50%. Students have also gained significantly in Literacy achievement across all grades. The district has been recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education for innovations such as the College and Career Readiness Institute; the Power of 10 dropout prevention program; high school career academies in Engineering, Allied Health, and Law & Public Safety; makerspaces; and after school academies. Prior to coming to Asbury Park, Dr. Repollet was Principal of Carteret High School in Carteret (NJ) for 10 years. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Kean University since 2011.
Paul Sanfrancesco @psanfran19
Director of Technology
Paul Sanfrancesco is the Director of Technology for the Owen J Roberts SD outside of Philadelphia, PA and a National Technology Speaker. For over 24 years, he has worked in Catholic, private, and public education, including as a teacher, Assistant Principal and Director of Technology for school districts in the Philadelphia region and collegiate teaching at Saint Joseph’s University and Neumann University. The National School Boards Association named him one of the “20 to Watch” Educators for his work in Instructional Technology. Mr. Sanfrancesco has been featured in Tech & Learning, Schools CIO, EdTech Mag, and Catechetical Leader and presents at local, regional, and national convocations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Millersville University and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Temple University.
Joe Santiago @sunsetparktech
Technology Coach - NYCDOE
Joe Santiago is an Instructional Technology Specialist from Brooklyn, New York. As his school’s Technology Coach he is responsible for helping teachers integrate technology effectively into the classroom. He was a recipient of the 2015 Excellence in School Technology Award, as well as the 2015 John J. Theobald award from NYIT. As a teacher, he educates 6th graders with technological skills by using a constructivist project-based learning approach. His logic behind this type of learning is that as a child he struggled in the traditional academic environment. Joe "was the kid who didn’t really get it”. Following college, using alternate resources he began to learn about computers which eventually led him to become Microsoft Certified and allowed him to work at one of Fortune magazine’s 100 best places to work. In 2011, he thought it was time to make a change and decided to leave the corporate environment to teach students what he had learned. Knowing that learning is not one size fits all, his goal was to reach out to students who learn in alternate ways. Today, Joe continues this work by facilitating a student-led Tech Team at his school and a collaborative, project-based approach to learning.
Andrea Sheridan
Assistant Superintendent, Bergen County Technical Schools / Principal, Applied Technology HS
Ms. Andrea Sheridan has worked in public education for over thirty–five years, beginning as a Teacher of the Handicapped/Mathematics and previously held the positions of Student Awareness Counselor, Supervisor, Vice Principal, and Principal. She has attained a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Master of Arts degrees in both Counseling and Administration Supervision. Ms. Sheridan is currently an Assistant Superintendent with the Bergen County Technical Schools District and is very involved with district administrators, teachers and students ensuring quality curricula is offered and a futuristic vision is employed throughout the district to better serve the needs of our county. Ms. Sheridan has been a proponent of the PMI/PSI initiative that began at the BCTHS Teterboro Campus and encourages critical thinking and a positive learning environment. She has also been instrumental in implementing a new high school on the campus of Bergen Community College opening up a variety of Dual Enrollment classes offered to the students.
Michael Steinberg
Technology Coordinator/NYCDOE
Alan Taylor @@dralantaylor
Dr. Alan J. Taylor, Ed,D. has been an educator for over 23 years. He received his doctorate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Technology from the University of Delaware. He has presented at over 25 conferences around the country focusing on integrating technology into the classroom. Currently, he teaches 6th grade Social Studies. He has also been an adjunct faculty and consultant/trainer at numerous schools over the years.
Andrew Taylor @@draataylor
Director of Technology, Professional Development, and CIO @ Byram Hills CSD (Armonk, NY)
Andrew Taylor is currently the Director of Technology and CIO for Byram Hills CSD. He has been a teacher and administrator in both public and private education. As an educational futurist, school leader and entrepreneur Andrew studies the relationship of technology, teaching, learning, data, and leadership. Andrew was the lead designer on several educational software titles that were used to support schools and services organizations. Andrew has been an Adjunct Professor and has been published in several educational technology magazines.
Marianthe Williams @williamsanthy
Director of Technology
Marianthe (Anthy) Williams is an educational leader who is passionate about leveraging technology to personalize the teaching and learning experience for all learners. Her district is now in its twelfth year of their one to one learning initiative that continues to transform the way students create their personalized knowledge. She is passionate about building a culture of innovation and individuality to meet the needs of every learner. Anthy has developed a multipronged approach to professional development by focusing on pedagogy to drive collaboration and project based learning. Anthy is a former scientist who took her passion for STEM from the lab to the classroom as an educator and for the last twenty five years, as a central office administrator. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator and an Intel Visionary Educator. Williams is active in professional associations and presents regularly at local, state and national conferences.
