Ms. Jill Abbott, Learning Strategist, Schools Interoperability Framework Association (SIFA) (T102)
Jill Abbott is the Schools Interoperability Framework Association's (SIFA) Learning Strategist. Her primary role includes developing the vision and expanding the current specification to support and enable the teaching and learning process, formulating policy development needs, empowering eLearning through open standards development and fostering strategic partnerships that advocate interoperability to support learning. Ms. Abbott's experience includes classroom teaching, curriculum and professional development, assessment and evaluation, standards based education, virtual education, change management and eLearning strategic visioning and development in the vendor and state policy space. She has served as an Education Liaison for two state agencies, Chief Learning Officer, Curriculum Supervisor and created one of the first Virtual Middle Schools and statewide online professional development programs. Ms. Abbott is well known to state and federal associations and government agencies involved in effectively utilizing technology to impact the teaching and learning process. She has provided policy direction and input for educational technology, professional development, technology planning, emerging technologies, data analysis, digital content, and infrastructure tools nationally. She has presented numerous times on convergence, educational technology, systemic eLearning development, technology integration, curriculum mapping, assessment, interoperability and standards based education.
Dr. Rob Abel, Chief Executive Officer, IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc. (T204)
Dr. Rob Abel, EdD is Chief Executive Officer of IMS Global Learning Consortium, the leading consortium for learning technology standards and practice. Dr. Abel is a recognized expert on the use of technology for learning, as well as an education industry researcher focused on the impact of education. As Senior Vice President at Collegis he was responsible for online and academic services provided to over 60 institutions. As Senior Director at Oracle Education he was a leader and innovator in the development of online learning architectures and related standards, including the Reusable Content Object (RCO) strategy. He is a member of the IEEE, ACM, ASTD, ISTE, and American Educational Research Association. Rob holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University, a Masters degree in Management from Stanford, a Masters degree in Computer Engineering from USC, and a Baccalaureate degree in Computational Physics from Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Sheryl Abshire, Administrative Coordinator of Technology, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools, LA (M306, Pre-Conference Workshop: Planning for the Inevitable: IT Disaster Preparedness)
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Dr. John Alawneh, Executive Director of Technology Operations, Plano Independent School District, TX (M209)
John Alawneh received his PhD in computer Engineering in 2001 from the University of Texas at El Paso and MBS in Operations Management in 2003 from the New Mexico State University. Dr. Alawneh worked in the healthcare industry for over 15 years as an IT executive for Tenet Healthcare Corporation and HCA, Inc. before joining Plano Independent School District as the Executive Director of Technology Operations. Dr. Alawneh published several journal articles in the areas of process optimization, efficient utilization of recourses, computer algorithms and placement and routing problems.
Ms. Ling See Ang, Curriculum Planning Officer, Curriculum Planning and Development Division, Singapore Ministry of Education (M405)
Ms. Ang Ling See is a curriculum planning officer with the Ministry of Education, Singapore. She specializes in the content area of Geography and is currently involved in designing games for learning. Her interests lie in understanding how technology can be used to transform the classroom experience and exploring pedagogical approaches enhanced by the use of technology for learning.
Ms. Teresa Bader, Director, Instructional Technology, New York City Public Schools, NY (M405)
Teri Bader, Director. Instructional Technology, NYC Public Schools. Ms. Bader, one of the nation's most dynamic leaders in technology education has been one of New York City's most outstanding and effective advocates for technology integration into all aspects of school management, instruction, and assessment in the nation's largest school district.
Mr. Stephen Balkam, Chief Executive Officer, Family Online Safety Institute (M309B)
Stephen Balkam is the founding CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, an international organization whose aim is to identify and promote best practice, tools and methods in the field of online safety. The Institute's work includes the development of the ICRA family of products and services, online safety events, public policy and public education. Prior to this, Mr. Balkam was the founder and CEO of the Internet Content Rating Association and the Recreational Software Advisory Council, where he led the creation of the world's leading content description system for digital content. In addition, he has run three other non-profit organizations and ran his own consultancy business. Mr. Balkam won the 1998 Carl Bertelsmann Prize in Gütersloh, Germany, for innovation and responsibility in the Information Society. He was named one of the Top 50 UK Movers and Shakers, Internet Magazine, 2001.
Mr. Gerald Beimler, eLearning Director, IMPACT Training and User Support, Information & Technology Services eLearning, Chicago Public Schools, IL (T105)
Gerry Beimler, the IMPACT Director for the Chicago Public Schools Information & Technology Services eLearning, has been involved in education since he entered the workforce 30 years ago. He has taught math, science, and computer science, been an education consultant for IBM, a network administrator, a technology planner, a technology coordinator, a school-to-work education specialist, a science specialist, and a math coach, before joining CPS Information & Technology Services eLearning. Although Mr. Beimler has been published in Arithmetic Teacher and Mathematics Teacher, and has spoken at CoSN, he has never been a school principal.
Ms. Jennifer Bergland, Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services, Bryan Independent School District, TX (M201)
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Mr. Jon Bernstein, President, Bernstein Strategy Group (M207)
The founder and president of BSG, Jon Bernstein has been working on education, education technology and telecommunications issues since 1995. He is an expert on issues related to the E-Rate program and federal education appropriations. Additionally, he has extensive experience with the No Child Left Behind Act and blocking and filtering legislation such as the Deleting Online Predators Act. Currently, Mr. Bernstein serves on the Board of Directors for the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training. Prior to launching the Bernstein Strategy Group in 2005, he served as Vice President at Leslie Harris & Associates, where he worked on issues related to the E-Rate program, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and appropriations. Additionally, he served as co-chair of EdLiNC, an organization focused on preserving and protecting the E-Rate program, which is comprised of all of the major public and private education associations and the American Library Association.Before joining Leslie Harris & Associates, he served as an Attorney Advisor with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), working on common carrier issues for the Accounting Policy Division and, later, for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs.Prior to joining the FCC, Mr. Bernstein lobbied for the National Education Association (NEA) on a variety of issues, including education technology, the E-Rate, Internet filtering, school safety and copyright. He also served a stint as Interim Manager of NEA's Federal Relations Division. His obbying career began with The Lightspan Partnership, an educational software provider. In that position, he worked on federal education authorization and appropriations issues and collaborated with EdLiNC and Congress to help pass E-Rate as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Mr. Bernstein's first policy job in Washington was with the Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein, where as Legislative Fellow, he helped staff her on judiciary, crime, immigration, and intellectual property issues. In 1991, Mr. Bernstein received his law degree from the Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois. He received his BA from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York in 1988, where he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
Mr. Greg Black, Chief Executive Officer, education.au (T501)
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Ms. Donna Boivin, Chief Information Officer, Information and Instructional Technology Solutions Department, Springfield Public Schools, MA (M207)
Donna Boivin is the Chief Information Officer for the Springfield Public Schools, a system of 27,000 students and 50 schools. Ms. Boivin holds a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration. She is responsible for the Information and Instructional Technology Department, including Technology Operations and Acquisitions, Program Management, Process Improvement/Management and Project Management, Instructional Technology, Computer and Information Technology, Technology Professional Development, Information Systems, Enterprise Application Development, Web Presence, and Student Information Services. She is a member of the district’s Senior Leadership Team, and has also served as the Springfield Public Schools’ Administrative and Academic Computer System and Network Manager, the Director of Music, the Director of Technology/Engineering, the Mathematics and Academic Computing Resource Teacher, and as a music teacher. Ms. Boivin is a member of the CoSN Board of Directors, the Microsoft National K-12 Advisory Council, and the Massachusetts Educational Technology Advisory Council (ETAC), and was selected by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), to be an Education Technology Policy Champion for 2007-2008. Ms. Boivin recently worked as a team member with the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council to revise the Massachusetts Recommended K-12 Instructional Technology Standards. She was named the 2004 MassCUE Pathfinder Award Recipient and the 1996 Pioneer Valley Woman of Distinction for Accomplishments in Science and Technology. She is a member of CoSN, ISTE, ASCD, MassCUE, PMI, and many other professional organizations.
Ms. Donna Boivin, Chief Information Officer, Information and Instructional Technology Solutions Department, Springfield Public Schools, MA (T504)
Donna Boivin is the Chief Information Officer for the Springfield Public Schools. The Springfield Public Schools is a system of 27,000 students and 45 schools. Ms. Boivin holds a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration. She is responsible for the Information and Instructional Technology Solutions Department, including Technology Operations and Acquisitions, Organizational Effectiveness, Process Improvement and Project Management, Instructional Technology, Computer and Information Technology, Technology Professional Development, Information Systems, Enterprise Application Development, Internet and Intranet Solutions, and Student Information and Services. She is a member of the district's Senior Leadership Team, and has also served as the Springfield Public Schools' Administrative and Academic Computer System and Network Manager, the Director of Music, the Director of Technology/Engineering, the Mathematics and Academic Computing Resource Teacher, and as a music teacher. She was named the 2004 MassCUE Pathfinder Award Recipient and the 1996 Pioneer Valley Woman of Distinction for Accomplishments in Science and Technology. She is a member of CoSN, ISTE, ASCD, MassCUE, PMI, and many other professional organizations.
Dr. James Bosco, Emeritus Professor,, Western Michigan University (T406)
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Ms. Frances Bradburn, Former Director, Instructional Technology Division, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (M306, M105, M401, T301)
Frances Bryant Bradburn, Director of Instructional Technology for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and UNC- G's Department of Library and Information Science. She has worked at the K-12, university, and state levels in a variety of media and technology positions. The former editor of North Carolina Libraries, Ms. Bradburn is the author of Output Measures for School Library Programs, and a number of peer-reviewed journal articles on media and technology. The past four years she has managed IMPACT model school grants and a federal Evaluating State Educational Technology Programs grant, all having major research and evaluation components. Over the next two years, Ms. Bradburn will continue to manage all IMPACT grants as well as a new Food Lion/Quest Atlantis grant, the QualComm Project K-Nect grant, and play a major role in North Carolina's Future-Ready Schools initiative.
Mr. Leo Brehm, Director of Technology, Sharon Public Schools, MA (T305)
Leo Brehm currently serves as the Director of Technology for Sharon Public Schools in Sharon, MA. He is responsible for the technology operation, planning, district-wide curriculum, professional development, technology support team, network operations and communication systems. During his eleven-year career in educational technology, Mr. Brehm has seen the particular needs of education change and has implemented technology as solutions for new educational demands. During his ten years in the Sharon Public School District, he has implemented numerous technology initiatives ranging from infrastructure to staff development and has continued to lead the evolution of the District Technology Plan. Mr. Brehm has a B.A. in Media and Public Relations and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology.
Mr. Lloyd Brown, Director of Technology, Henrico County Public Schools (CTO Forum)
Lloyd Brown is Director of Technology with Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia. He has been with the county for 10 years and previously was a Senior Systems Network Administrator with Hampton City Public Schools in Tidewater Virginia. Mr. Brown has over Seventeen years of experience in technology education. He possesses an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies and their instructional applications. His goal is to use technology resources to enhance the learning experience. Mr. Brown was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Teaching and Learning Initiative at Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS). In the 2001-2002 school year, HCPS was the first public school system in the nation to deploy wireless laptops to students and teachers. The two-phase system has enabled the distribution of laptops to every middle and high school student and teacher in the public school district. With 32,000 wireless laptops, the Henrico County program is the largest 1 to 1 computing initiative in any district in the United States.
Dr. Michael Burke, Director, District Media & Technology Services, Edina Public Schools, MN (M404)
Michael Burke, PhD is the Director of District Media and Technology Services for the Edina Public Schools in Edina Minnesota during the past 12 years. Prior to going to Edina he held similar positions in Wisconsin and Ohio. Dr. Burke serves as the chair of the district’s Technology Advisory Team which oversees the implementing the district’s Long Range Technology Plan and the district’s technology budget. He is a member of superintendent’s cabinet for district-wide decision making and provides leadership in the implementation of media and technology activities for curriculum and instruction. Dr. Burke supervises the technical support of the district’s wide area converged voice/video/data network and information management services. This includes the district’s Voice over IP and Video over IP systems. His duties include the coordination of: interactive television programming, video conferencing, media center resources and services and the integration of technology into the curriculum. Recently the district’s online security camera system and door control system were added to his list of responsibilities. In addition to his work in the Edina Schools, Dr. Burke serves as an adjunct faculty member at Hamline University in the Technology Certificate Program.
Dr. Kelly Calhoun, Director, Educational Technology & Information Systems, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, CA (M203)
As the director of ETIS in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Kelly Calhoun, EdD is responsible for developing a vision of where the district needs to be, technologically speaking, three to five years down the road, constantly making adjustments to meet those goals. This involves understanding both the business and instructional needs of the district, as well as constantly tracking the ever-changing world of technology for new ideas and problem-solving tools. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Telecommunications and Film, she became an award-winning middle and high school teacher, teaching English, business, drama, and finally computer science. She went on to obtain her master's degree and administrative credentials in education, focusing especially on educational uses of technology. She then completed her doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne. Dr. Calhoun's unique point of view and sense of humor have made her a favorite presenter at a variety of state-wide and national technology conferences.
Ms. Bethann Canada, Director of Educational Information Management, Virginia Department of Education (T102)
Bethann Canada is the Director of Educational Information Management for the Virginia Department of Education. Her office provides leadership to Virginia's school divisions in the implementation of administrative educational applications and is responsible for Virginia's longitudinal student information system. Mrs. Canada is well-known in the national education data community for her work with the National Forum on Education Statistics; having served as Chair of the Forum and Chair of the National Education Statistics Agenda Committee. She has been a contributing writer and editor to Forum publications such as Technology in Schools: Suggestions, Tools and Guidelines for Assessing Technology in Elementary and Secondary Education, The Forum Guide to Decision Support Systems, and The Forum Guide to Building a Culture of Quality Data in Schools. She currently serves on the Education Information Management Advisory Committee to the Council of Chief State School Officers, chairing the General Statistics Permanent Standing Task Force. She is an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Schools Interoperability Framework Association. Mrs. Canada is the recipient of the 2006 Data Quality Campaign State Data Leadership Award.
Ms. Karen Cator, Chair, Partnership for 21st Century Skills & Director, Leadership and Advocacy, Apple, Inc. (M105)
Karen Cator directs Apple's leadership and advocacy efforts in education. In this role, she is responsible for strategic business development, managing Apple’s involvement in education policy efforts, Apple Professional Development, the Apple Distinguished Educator Program and the publishing of media rich teaching and learning practices on the Apple Learning Interchange. Ms. Cator came to Apple in 1997 from the public education sector, most recently leading Technology planning and implementation in Juneau, Alaska. She also served as Special Assistant for Telecommunications for the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska. Ms. Cator holds a Masters in school administration from the University of Oregon and Bachelors in early childhood education from Springfield College. She is the immediate past chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and serves on the several boards including the Software & Information Industry Association (Education Division).
Dr. Marsha Chappelow, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources & Communications, Ladue Schools, MO (T205)
Marsha Chappelow, PhD. has 19 years of experience in school communications in her 34 years in public education. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Communications in the Ladue Schools in St. Louis, Missouri. Before going to Ladue, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Communication Services and developed the communications program in the Blue Valley Schools in Overland Park, Kansas for 15 years. She also has experience as a classroom teacher and building administrator as well as the Curriculum/Instruction and Business/Finance areas in a school district. Ms. Chappelow is currently serving as the 2007 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) President. She also served as a Co-Chair for the Communications Accountability Project (CAP) and was elected as the South Central Region Vice President for NSPRA in 1999-2002. She has been active at NSPRA seminars with individual presentations, as a panel moderator, and as a panel participant. She has also participated as an auditor in NSPRA Communication Audits. Ms. Chappelow also is a member of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), as well as a member of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA). She may be contacted at mchappelow@ladue.k12.mo.us for more information.
Mr. Terry Clark, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, Bethpage Union Free School District, NY (M102)
Terrence Clark is the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology for the Bethpage Public Schools in New York. He received the 2005 Leader in Learning Award from Cable in the Classroom for his work in designing the school's Academy of Technology. He has received numerous state and local awards for the integration of technology into the school's curriculum. He has been using the framework of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills to shape the future of the Bethpage Schools.
Mr. P Bob Collie, Chief Technology Officer, Education Networks of America (ENA) (Pre-Conference Workshop)
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Dr. Christopher Corallo, Director of Staff Development, Henrico County Public Schools, VA (M102)
Christopher Corallo, EdD has been an educator for 25 years as a teacher, school principal, and assistant superintendent for instruction in public schools in New York and Virginia. He has also has been a program director with the Virginia Department of Education and has been the Virginia State Director for the Appalachian Educational Laboratory. Dr. Corallo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Hartwick College, Master of Science degree from Ithaca College and a Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He specializes in organizational systems design and management structures and has worked extensively in organizational leadership development. He has extensive experience in the development and mentoring of school principals and teacher leaders. Other areas of expertise include curriculum and instructional delivery design with an emphasis on technology applications, and strategic planning.
Dr. Gordon Dahlby, Director of Curriculum and Technology, West Des Moines Community School, (CTO Forum)
Dr. Gordon Dahlby is completing his fifteenth year as a director of curriculum and technology for the West Des Moines Community School District and his thirty-third year in K-12 education. West Des Moines is a suburban district of 8800 students in central Iowa. Dr. Dahlby has been an active member of the state technology organization, serving as president, conference chair, and a Board member. He is very active in ISTE, serving as a representative for Organizational Affiliates and as president for SIGTC, special interest group for technology coordinators. Currently he serves ISTE on two board committees. He has shared his expertise through writings and given several presentations at NECC and the state conference. West Des Moines CSD has been a member of COSN for over a decade. He earned his doctorate from Iowa State University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He can be reached at dahblyg@wdm.k12.ia.us.
Professor James Dalzeil, Executive Director, Macquarie University eLearning Centre of Excellence (MELCOE) (M106)
James Dalziel is Professor of Learning Technology and Director of the Macquarie E-Learning Centre Of Excellence (MELCOE) at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. He is a passionate innovator in e-learning technology and e-education, and leads a number of globally significant projects such as LAMS, MAMS, RAMP and COLIS. In particular, for the past five years he has led the development of LAMS (the Learning Activity Management System), a next generation Learning Design system for teachers to author and run sequences of collaborative learning activities with students; and this is complemented by the LAMS Community, a global online community for educators to share Learning Designs. As part of a commitment to the public good of education, he fostered the release of LAMS as freely available open source software. He has given over 200 presentations in the past four years in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Jordan and Indonesia.
Ms. Marla Davenport, Director, Learning & Technology, TIES (M108, T204)
Marla Davenport has been working with Internet technology in schools since the early 90's. Four years ago she began working with the University of Minnesota and the Northern Lights GigaPoP to bring Internet2 into Minnesota schools. She is the Director of Learning and Technology at TIES, a consortium of school districts in Minnesota that supports technology infrastructure, applications and professional development; a member of the national Internet2 K-20 Initiative Advisory Committee; and a former CoSN Board member.
Dr. Chris Dede, Timothy E. Wirth Professor of Learning Technologies,, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University (M405)
Chris Dede is the Timothy E. Wirth Professor of Learning Technologies at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. His fields of scholarship include emerging technologies, policy, and leadership. His funded research includes a grant from the National Science Foundation to aid middle school students learning science via shared virtual environments and a Star Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help high school students with math and literacy skills using wireless mobile devices to create augmented reality simulations. Dr. Dede has served as a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Foundations of Educational and Psychological Assessment, a member of the U.S. Department of Education’s Expert Panel on Technology, and International Steering Committee member for the Second International Technology in Education Study. He serves on Advisory Boards and Commissions for PBS TeacherLine, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center, and several federal research grants. Mr. Dede serves on the Advisory Board for the George Lucas Education Foundation (GLEF). In addition, Dr. Dede is a member of the Board of Directors of the Boston Tech Academy, an experimental small high school in the Boston Public School system, funded by the Gates Foundation. His co-edited book, Scaling Up Success: Lessons Learned from Technology-based Educational Improvement, was published by Jossey-Bass in 2005. A second volume he edited, Online Professional Development for Teachers: Emerging Models and Methods, was published by the Harvard Education Press in 2006
Ms. Sue Derison, Director of Information Systems and Support, Forsyth County School District, GA (M207)
Sue Derison, Director of Information Systems, Forsyth County School System, brings 25 years of experience in education to Technology Services. Originally from Tennessee, Ms. Derison has served education as teacher, school administrator, and district director in both Tennessee and the Atlanta area. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee (M.Ed.). She provides leadership to the collection, maintenance and analysis of data for decision making in our district. Her areas of responsibility include centralized registration, student information, enterprise data systems, and records management. Their electronic records management program has been recognized by the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board. Prior to coming to Forsyth County in 2005, she served as Director of Student Information for Fulton County Schools, and continues to serve on Georgia Department of Education technology advisory committees and regional and state student information groups.
Mr. Bruce Dixon, President, Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation (T505)
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Ms. Patricia Donahue, Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Prince William County Public Schools (CTO Forum)
Patricia Donahue is the Instructional Technology Supervisor for Prince William County Public Schools in Manassas, VA. Her responsibilities include ensuring that technology is integrated into classroom instruction and providing face-to-face and online professional development for teachers and administrators. She has assisted with a variety of instructional technology resources and training projects provided by the Virginia Department of Education. She works collaboratively with all PWCS schools and central office departments to meet instructional needs. Ms. Donahue also provides leadership for K-12 Instructional Technology Resource Teachers and the Virtual High School @ PWCS.
Mr. Milt Dougherty, President, Milt Dougherty & Associates, LLC (T107)
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Mr. Gavin Dykes, Associate Director, Innovation (T406)
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Ms. Julie Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Project Tomorrow - NetDay (M402, T103)
Julie Evans is the CEO of Project Tomorrow (www.tomorrow.org), a national education nonprofit organization. The mission of Project Tomorrow is to support the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities so that today's students are well prepared to be tomorrow's leaders, innovators and engaged citizens of the 21st century global society. This new organization was formed with the merger of NetDay, a national education technology nonprofit with a science-focused organization in Southern California in September 2005. For the previous 6 years, Ms. Evans was the CEO of NetDay and under her leadership, that organization expanded its impact through several highly regarded and innovative national programs including NetDay Speak Up which collects and reports on the authentic, unfiltered viewpoints and ideas of K-12 students, teachers, parents and school leaders on education, technology, 21st century skills and schools of the future. The Leader-to-Leader Institute selected Ms. Evans for participation in their highly regarded Frances Hesselbein Community Innovation Fellows Program in 2003. Prior to NetDay, Ms. Evans enjoyed a very successful 17-year career in the technology for-profit sector with Unisys and two startup organizations. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Brown University and serves on the Board of Directors of Project Tomorrow, the KOCE-TV Education Advisory Council, the Childrens' First Advisory Council and the Association of Women in Technology Council. Ms. Evans is a frequent presenter at national education conferences and contributor to both print and online media on children, education, science and technology issues.
Ms. Teresa Evaristo, Deputy Director for Curriculum Development and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Portugal (T501)
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Mr. Charles Fadel, Global Leader, Education, Cisco Systems, Inc. (T403)
Charles Fadel is Global Lead for Education at Cisco Systems, and the Cisco board member of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills where he co-chairs its Standards, Assessments and Professional Development committee. He served on the advisory board of AIMS Multimedia (Discovery Channel). He has responsibility for the stewardship of the Education vertical (Schools, and Higher Education). He has engaged directly, or via proxies, with education ministries/boards in France, Chile, Scotland, Massachusetts and West Virginia to name a few. He has transacted business in more than 35 countries. He has been quoted numerous times or authored articles in publications such as Technology & Learning, Education Week, University Business, and many others. Mr. Fadel has expertise in video technology, and has been awarded five patents. He holds a BSEE and an MBA. He has autodidactically learned cognitive sciences disciplines (evolutionary psychology, anthropology, comparative linguistics), as well as classical history, and bio- and nano-technology.
Ms. Jeri Fawcett, Coordinator, IT Special Projects, Horry County Schools, SC (T102)
Jeri Fawcett has worked in IT for twenty years with the past fifteen years at Horry County Schools. Horry County Schools is a large K-12 school district in coastal South Carolina with roughly 37,000 students and 52 schools. As Coordinator of IT Special Projects at HCS, Ms. Fawcett works as an IT Projects Manager and as a Data Base Administrator (DBA) working with the district’s data warehouse initiatives and deployment of ERP applications. Ms Fawcett is also heavily involved in both the district’s internal Student Information Framework (SIF) enabled integration projects as well as in a joint project with the State of South Carolina to deploy a state-wide vertical SIF enabled state data manager solution.
Ms. Lisa Felts, 6th Grade Teacher, Robertson County Board of Education, TN (M103)
Lisa Felts is a 6th Grade teacher at Springfield Middle School. She has tutored hundreds of students over the past four years who were struggling at various academic levels and with different skills. Having so few resources to help these students she devised a program herself that meets the needs of students right where they are. Prior to teaching Ms. Felts was an Interior Designer for one of the largest design firms in Nashville, TN. She is extremely goal oriented and applies her skills in project management to students. Each student is a project and provided the resources, she believes they can accomplish anything they desire. Believing every student can succeed, she is motivated each day to provide students with information and encouragement to help them meet their goals in life. She had the opportunity to present her program to the principals in her district, and many schools have started their own programs using hers as a model. She also had the honor of attending The Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Conference in Charleston, SC, this past fall. Her previous school earned this award based upon several best practices with this program among them. This year she transferred to Springfield Middle School, practically a Title 1 school, and hopes this program will continue to be effective with struggling students. Ms. Felts is married and has three children.
Mr. Steven Foehr, Director of Application and User Services, RI Network for Educational Technology (T306)
Steve Foehr graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1973 with a B.A. in Education and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1978 with a Master of Natural Sciences degree. He spent more than 20 years as a middle school science teacher before becoming a school based technology facilitator and then district technology supervisor and authored Earth Science, Silver Burdett & Ginn, 1987 and General Science, Silver Burdett & Ginn, 1989. Today he works with the Rhode Island Network for Educational Technology to provide collaborative solutions to district technology needs.
Mr. Wesley Fryer, Director of Education Advocacy, AT&T Oklahoma (M205)
Wesley Fryer is an educator, author, digital storyteller and change agent. With respect to school change, he describes himself as a "catalyst for creative educational engagement." His blog, "Moving at the Speed of Creativity" (www.speedofcreativity.org) was selected as the 2006 "Best Learning Theory Blog" by eSchoolnews and Discovery Education. Mr. Fryer secured $1.3 million in grant funding for West Texas schools participating in the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot Project in 2004-2008. He was named an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2005. He is completing his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007 at Texas Tech University, studying the impact of technology immersion (1:1 computing) on student achievement. Mr. Fryer is the Director of Education Advocacy (PK-20) for AT&T in the state of Oklahoma.
Mr. Lawrence Gallery, Manager, Membership Development, Internet2 K20 and NYSERNet, Inc. (T202)
Larry Gallery has been with NYSERNet since 1999. Originally hired to secure extramural funding, Mr. Gallery was asked to assume responsibility for working with the K-12 schools in New York State to define a role and a process for Internet 2 connectivity. Starting in August 2004, Mr. Gallery worked with the Regional Information Centers that provide networking and Internet access to over 8,000 schools in New York to identify level of interest, potential use and purpose of I2, connectivity issues and best practices. Mr. Gallery has a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and a Master's Degree from the University at Albany.
Dr. Deborah Gendreau, Director of Technology, Springfield Public Schools, MA (T504)
Deborah Gendreau is the Supervisor of Technology for the Springfield Public Schools. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. Her major responsibilities include: 1) with the Director of Technology, developing and implementing a Project Management Office including procedures and protocols; 2) assisting teachers in the use of technology in support of curriculum, including national standards, the State frameworks, the Massachusetts Recommended PK- 12 Technology Standards and Springfield Public Schools Learning outcomes/ Scope and sequence; 3) with principals and the Director of Technology identifying, organizing and supporting the implementation of high quality Professional Development in technology integration based on observed needs TSAT results; 4) and with the School Improvement Officers planning and providing School Improvement Planning professional development and support. Previously, she has served as a School Support Specialist, the Supervisor of the National Science Foundation Award, the Secondary Mathematics Resource Teacher and as a mathematics teacher. She is a member of NCTM, ACSD, MassCUE and PMI.
Mr. Bill Giddings, Director, Education and Library Programs, MORENet (T202)
William “Bill” Giddings is currently Director of Education and Library Programs for Missouri Research and Education (MOREnet), University of Missouri. Mr. Giddings initially joined MOREnet in 1993 to direct the pilot project providing dial-up access for selected Missouri school districts. In his current position Mr. Giddings is responsible for programs working with public K-12, public libraries, and higher education. Combined, these groups represent over 700 organizations with almost 1,000 connections to the MOREnet backbone. In addition to providing technical assistance to school districts Mr. Giddings implemented Missouri’s program to assist elementary teachers in making pedagogical changes through the appropriate use of technology in the classroom. As a result of these initial efforts the National eMINTS program (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Network Teaching Strategies) has grown from six school districts to include 1,000s of teachers in multiple states. Mr. Giddings has his B.S. in Education and M.A. in Education from the University of Missouri.
Dr. Wililam Gilcher, Director, Media Projects North America, Goethe-Institue/German Cultural Center (M106, T501)
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Mr. Robert Gravina, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology, Poway Unified School District, CA (M307, T307, Pre-Conference Workshops)
Robert J. Gravina is the Chief Technology Officer for the Poway Unified School District. Poway is a nationally acclaimed technology leader located 20 miles north of San Diego, Ca. Prior to becoming the CTO for Poway, Mr. Gravina was the Director of Technology. Before that he was an educational leader at the middle and high school level and has taught several university graduate level courses. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Maryland and a master's degree from the University of San Diego. Mr. Gravina is a published author, including articles on new wireless technologies for schools districts and implementing a sustainable replacement plan. He is on the San Diego County Technology Advisory Board and serves on various other state and local boards. He was also recently appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access.
Dr. Bette Gray, Director, Stakeholder Technology, Alberta Education (M206)
In her role as Director of Stakeholder Technology Branch, Alberta Education, Dr. Gray works collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate linkages and share knowledge that helps to inform investments in technologies and related teaching and learning practices. She provides provincial leadership and strategic planning related to emerging technologies, research, standards, and professional development.
Dr. Tracy Gray, Managing Director and Managing Research Scientist, Center for Implementing Technology in Education, American Institutes for Research (M203)
Tracy Gray, PhD is the managing director for CITEd and a managing research scientist at AIR. Dr. Gray is a nationally recognized expert in education and technology and has led numerous projects in the United States and internationally, examining the impact of technology on educational achievement. In addition, she has published and lectured widely on issues related to the integration of emerging technologies into the classroom and after-school programs. She recently published The Gateway to Student Success in Mathematics and Science for Microsoft and Teacher Learning Online: Improving the Teaching of Mathematics Through Better Professional Development for the U.S. Department of Education. She serves on the CosN advisory board for the Using Technology to Rasie the Achievement of All Students. Dr. Gray holds PhD and M.A. degrees in education and psychology from Stanford University and received an A.B. in psychology from the University of California, Riverside. She holds a California secondary teaching credential and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Mr. Thomas Greaves, Chairman, The Greaves Group LLC (M301)
Not Provided
Mr. Norton Gusky, Coordinator of Educational Technology, Fox Chapel Area School District, PA (M403)
Norton L. Gusky is an Adjunct Faculty Member at the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Gusky is the Coordinator of Educational Technology for the Fox Chapel Area School District in Pittsburgh, PA. He is currently co-coordinator for Quality Schools Consortium, and is co-chair for the Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference. He has been a consultant for the Grable Foundation and Pennsylvania Economy League; the Modern Red School House, in San Antonio, TX and Trenton, NJ; and for the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Gusky is a member of the International Society of Technology in Education; the Professional Development Committee, Coalition of Schools Networked; Education Committee of Three Rivers Connect; and is the co-founder of the Regional Alliance for Educational Technology. His degrees include a B.A. in History from Dickinson College and an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He has completed post-graduate work in Instructional Technology at Penn State, as well as post-graduate work in Gifted Education and Computer Education at West Virginia University. |
