Professional Learning Specialists

Cheryl McClure

Cheryl McClure is a middle school science educator who integrates computer science, computational thinking, and AI literacy into her classroom. She designs innovative, real-world curriculum to make STEM education accessible, relevant, and transformative—where curiosity meets opportunity.

As a member of the inaugural national cohort of Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassadors, Cheryl advocates for equity and expanded access to computer science education. She is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEExpert) alum, with over a decade of experience promoting edtech-integrated learning through educator networks and collaborative initiatives.

She holds degrees in Education, Biology, and Educational Leadership, and recently earned a graduate certificate in K–12 Computer Science through Michigan State University’s MAET program.

Outside of education, Cheryl enjoys kayaking, sailing, gardening, swimming, and building with Legos, as well as spending time with her family—including a goofy dog and three floofy cats who keep life lively.

Aaron Hubler, M.A.

Aaron Hubler is an Instructional Technology Consultant supporting schools in the West Ada School District, the largest district in Idaho. As a classroom teacher he worked on implementing the use of technology into his classes to help engage students in taking ownership of their learning, assessing students in formative and summative ways, and having students create projects and products that highlighted their understanding of science. Aaron is excited to be part of the Instructional Technology Consultant Team to assist teachers in using technology in effective and useful ways to help engage and push students to work toward their potential. His desire is to help teachers and students use digital tools to enhance the learning environment rather than the tools becoming an obstacle to the amazing work already being achieved.  

Aaron has over 20 years of teaching experience at the middle school level. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys traveling with his wife. He plays basketball two mornings a week and loves the outdoors!  

Adam Blair

Current Role: Facilitator, ePathways Department Seminole County Public Schools 

Location: Seminole County, FL. 

Adam has over two decades in education, with a mix of classroom instructor, technology coach and most recently as a district level administrator in Career and Technical Education. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Stetson University, Adam began as an English teacher, but has experience teaching various subjects, such as American History, Government and Economics, Driver Education, finally teaching a Career Training course in his final 3 years in the classroom.   

Upon earning a Master’s Degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of South Florida, Adam was offered the opportunity to become a Personalized Learning Leader, a position that focused on testing, training and implementing various educational technology programs throughout a large Florida school district.   

His next stop led Adam to join the Career and Technical Education department, where he was able to focus his testing, training and implementation methods to CTE instructional staff only.  A position to lead another district’s CTE program was Adam’s next stop, where he oversaw 19 different programs in a rural district, and managed over $2.5 million in grant funded initiatives to upgrade and begin innovative courses.  During his tenure, Adam successfully managed the number of Industry Certification exams offered to and earned each year by students, with the district’s output in 23-24 exceeding the previous 3 years combined.  He was also responsible for the curriculum implementation, training and review for each of his program areas. 

Currently Adam works as a facilitator in the ePathways (educational Pathways) department in Seminole County, FL, where he oversees all aspects of Agriculture, Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Marketing programs in Career and Technical Education. 

Adam has earned several certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Certified Educator, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, CompTIA ITF, Adobe Photoshop and several IC3s.  He currently holds Florida teaching certification in Business Education, English 6-12, Social Studies 6-12 and endorsements in Driver Education and Local Director of Career and Technical Education. 

When not working, Adam enjoys spending time with his college sweetheart and their 4 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and currently 1 steer.  They reside on a roughly 3,000 acre cattle ranch in central Florida. 

Amy Armstrong

I have been in education for 25 years in the Boise area, 7 of those years were in the high school ELA classroom and the rest have been as a teacher librarian at a middle school in the West Ada School District. Being a teacher librarian is my dream job. I love talking to students about books and I love helping find success with reading.    

As a teacher librarian, I am able to work with students on skills like how to evaluate a website, using databases, and learning about digital literacy and citizenship. I work with teachers on incorporating books and new ideas into their lessons about novels and independent reading.   

I received my Bachelors in English Teaching and my Masters in Educational Technology from Boise State University. I have worked hard to be able to lead my staff through professional development and as a building leader. I have served on several district committees that give me a view of the bigger picture of education and learning.  I was honored to be selected as the ILA 2024 Idaho School Librarian of the Year. 

Anthony Richiez

Dr. Anthony Richiez is a dedicated educator, instructional coach, and leadership professional with over 17 years of progressive experience in education and organizational development. His career spans K–12, higher education, and professional learning, where he has served as a teacher, instructional leader, director of education, campus director, and assistant principal intern—and Creator of The Dynamic Teaching Method, where he leads professional learning and school transformation initiatives. Throughout his career, he has also designed, implemented, and evaluated programs that improve teaching quality, elevate student outcomes, and reduce teacher turnover. Dr. Richiez combines strategic systems thinking with a deep passion for teacher and student success.

Andrew Pemberton

Andrew Pemberton is an instructional designer from Jacksonville, Florida. He has worked in the higher education and government industries. In his current role as an instructional designer at Jacksonville University (JU), Andrew collaborates with university faculty to design, develop, and implement effective learning solutions for both undergraduate and graduate programs. He also offers learning consultations and workshops to faculty who want to discuss their teaching methodology or reimagine existing assignments and assessments. He is one of the few people at JU responsible for overseeing the learning management system, with tasks including course design, ensuring course accessibility, and resolving technical difficulties. Before JU, Andrew designed training materials and courseware for government clients. He is a Microsoft Innovative Education Expert and Google Certified Educator.  
 
 Andrew has long felt that higher education is his home and calling. Before AHA, he enjoyed a successful stint at the University of North Florida (UNF), where he trained to become a historian and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, with additional coursework in education. Andrew worked closely with undergraduate students, tutoring them in US history and academic writing. He published two articles on environmental history in peer-reviewed academic journals: “Invading Eden: Exotic Pets and Invasive Species in South Florida” (Florida Historical Quarterly, 2020) and “Of No Safe Harbor: North American Maroons and Their Environment” (Florida Conference of Historians Annals, 2020). He also participated in an ongoing historical project on the historic Red Hill Cemetery in Waycross, Georgia, where he used Geographic Information Systems techniques to create an interactive map of the cemetery, identifying forgotten, unrecognizable graves.   
 
Currently, Andrew is working on his Ed.D degree in Instructional Systems and Performance Technology at Florida State University. His research interests include misinformation and disinformation mitigation strategies in higher education and informal learning spaces, digital/information/media literacy, accessibility, and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Andrea Tolley, M.A.Ed.

Benson Kwok, Ed.D.

Bradley Smrstick, M.A.Ed.

Charity Nix, B.S.

Dr. Clinton Weinberg, Ed.S.

Courtney Bock

Dan Perez, M.A.Ed.

Diane Harrington, M.A.Ed.

Dixie Harper

Eileen Heller, M.A.Ed.

Eric Verno

Erin Downey

Greg Bagby, M.A.Ed.

Heather Kolde

Holly Holland, B.S.

Holly Lanham, M.Ed.

Jamie Wright, M.A.Ed.

Jane Winer (Miller), M.A.Ed.

Janelle Baillie, Ed.S.

Jeana Sistrunk

Jeff Bradbury

Jeni Long

Jenna Dawson, M.A.Ed.

Jenni Roach

Jennifer Marshall, M.A.Ed.

Joanne Clark

John Pauls, Ed.D.

Jon Woofter

Jonathon Lee, M.A.

Josh Ehret

Josh Mocherman, M.A.Ed.

Julie Combs, Ed.S.

Julie Combs is a natural born teacher who lives for the aha moments of her learners. She uses humor, years of teaching experience, and technology to motivate and inspire others to do more with the tools that they have at hand. She has a knack for helping those who are unsure of themselves feel at ease when trying something new with technology.

Julie believes that everyone loves to and can learn if given the proper support. Whether teaching 5-year-old students to make digital letters or teaching 75-year-old students how to connect with grandchildren using social media, everyone loves to learn something new.

Julie’s educational career has provided teaching opportunities in elementary, middle, alternative, and virtual school. She was chosen to be the At-Risk Coordinator in her district and developed procedures to protect the rights of students with special needs as well as co-writing the RTI program for elementary and middle schools. She implemented the use of the Medal of Honor Curriculum for At-Risk youth as a summer program to address the social-emotional needs of students struggle in school due to behavior. She developed and grew a nationally recognized virtual school program for students for whom the traditional classroom setting is not effective and was interviewed for an article in EdTech Magazine for her work with the program. She has presented at multiple conferences including ISTE, INACOL, and most recently traveled to the Virgin Islands as part of the NCCE team to work with teachers as part of a federal grant.

Julie is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Master Trainer. She is a Google Certified Teacher, Nearpod PioNear, Seesaw Ambassador, and is a certified Medal of Honor Curriculum Educator. She has also completed the MCREL Balance Leadership training. She holds three degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus in Curriculum from Arkansas State University.

Katie Mason

Kelley Predieri

Kelley Predieri has worked in the field of education since 2012 when she started working as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree in 2008 with a major in English. Literature being one of her biggest passions, her focus in the classroom became finding new and innovative ways to engage students in a task they found tedious and boring: reading. Implementing a variety of technology and finding innovative ways to assess content knowledge in students was essential to her success in achieving student growth.

Currently, Kelley works as a Technology Innovation Specialist for Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, FL where she works to support and train teachers on the best ways to utilize Microsoft Technology tools and applications in their classrooms. She is also has a master’s degree in Instructional Design and EdTech and enjoys crafting meaningful and engaging instruction for all learners. Kelley is a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Minecraft Certified, and extra passionate about classroom gamification.

Kelly Williams, M.S.

Kelly Williams has been sharing her passion for education and technology since the beginning of her career in education. She is a strong advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and career preparation opportunities that empower all students for success beyond the classroom.

Kelly currently serves as Director of Education and Professional Learning for Business Professionals of America (BPA), where she leads national initiatives supporting educators, advisors, judges, and students through high‑quality professional learning, competitive event development, and program innovation. In addition to designing and teaching online, hybrid, and face‑to‑face courses, she has been actively involved with BPA at the local, state, and national levels throughout her career. Kelly also works as an education consultant, organizing and facilitating numerous career preparation and leadership development events.

Kelly has collaborated with Michigan Virtual University as a Course Content Specialist, contributing to the development of an online Entrepreneurship course and coordinating online professional development for educators. In 2014, she expanded her national impact by joining NCCE as a Professional Learning Specialist, where she worked closely with educators across the country and internationally.

A lifelong learner, Kelly is inspired by working with a diverse and continually growing community of skilled educators. She is a Certified Microsoft Educator Expert and Master Trainer, and ISTE Certified Educator. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Education from Central Michigan University.

Khristy Franklin, Ed.D.

EL Coordinator 

Macon, MS 

Dr. Khristy A. Franklin is an educator at heart. She enjoys being a lifelong learner. Her educational career started way before she became licensed as a teacher. Honestly, it began as a young learner who always enjoyed helping others. Dr. Franklin believes that learning is the right of every individual. Technology is a powerful resource that can benefit the total learner in school, career, and beyond.  

Dr. Franklin is the English Learner (EL) Coordinator in the Noxubee County School District. She taught Business Fundamentals and Management, a two-year business course for 10th and 11th-grade students at the Noxubee County Career and Technical Center in Macon, Mississippi, for over 15 years. She has been the Teacher of the Year as a classroom teacher several times. She has also earned the Administrator of the Year Award as a district administrator.  

Dr. Franklin holds a BS in Technology Teacher Education, a Master’s Degree in Technology, an Educational Specialist Degree from Mississippi State University, an Educational Doctoral Degree in Higher Education from Concordia University-Portland, and her 2nd Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.  

Dr. Franklin has been married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty years, and they have three beautiful daughters.” 

Kiersten Kerr, M.S.

Kiersten Kerr is a passionate Teacher Librarian in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She has served as the Teacher Librarian for Coeur d’Alene High School for the past ten years. Prior to this position, she was the Library Manager at Hayden Meadows Elementary School in Hayden, Idaho.

Kiersten has always embraced technology in her library/classroom. She is an advocate of helping students learn to use the resources available to them in a safe, ethical, and productive manner. Navigating the web can be daunting, and today’s students are often not experienced or knowledgeable in evaluating and using all of the available information and tools. The internet can be scary and sometimes dangerous, and she wants young adults to be prepared when they leave high school. She also wants them to be able to use new tools and technology competently and creatively as they grow in their education and careers.

Kiersten is an Idaho Master Teacher, serves as the American Association of School Librarians Idaho Chapter Delegate, and is the school library chair for the Idaho Library Association.

Kiersten earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from UCSD in La Jolla, California. She has an Idaho secondary teaching credential in communications with a media endorsement from LCSC in Lewiston, Idaho, and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of North Texas.

In her free time, Kiersten enjoys skiing, boating, and riding her eBike all over Coeur d’Alene with her dog Stella. Her partner Bill is a high school administrator, and they have four children – Ryan (22) who recently graduated from Boise State University, Travis (19) who is studying chemical engineering at the University of Idaho, Megan (18) who is attending North Idaho College, and Kate (16) who is a junior at Coeur d’Alene High School.

Kim Landtroop

Kim Landtroop has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a Teacher, Instructional Coach, District Math Specialist, and Technology Innovation Specialist in Jacksonville, FL. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

With her job in Technology Innovation with Duval County Public Schools, Kim is passionate about supporting teachers, coaches, and administrators to help them enhance their use of instructional technology to create engaging, differentiated lessons. She is part of a team that supports over 8,000 teachers and 128,000 students so she is skilled in creating professional development to match a wide variety of ability levels and interests. Kim is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Master Trainer, and Minecraft Global Mentor and continues to enhance her own learning through attending various conferences and workshops. She has been creating and facilitating professional development at the local, state, national, and global levels for over 20 years. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and dog.

Kristen Brooks

Kristen Brooks is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator, PBS Digital Innovator and a teacher advisor for OSMO, BrainPOP, Seesaw and CodeSpark. She is
a veteran teacher of elementary education for 24 years with the last 15 years specifically in Educational Technology and created the first K5 Technology lab and K5 iPad Lab in her district. Her educational mantra is Teaching students & teachers how to Create more than you Consume. She has presented workshops and concurrent sessions at educational technology conferences for the last 5 years, Georgia Educational Technology Conference, Future of Ed Tech Conference, Superior Tech for Teachers Conference, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and International Society for Technology Conference ISTE-Presenter. She also presented at the Apple Distinguished Educator Academy in Texas in 2017 and presents daily around her district for students and teachers in her latest role as a Districtwide K12 Instructional Technology Specialist. This year she was honored to be chosen as part of the Future of Ed Tech Conference 2019 Program Review Committee. Brooks has also been a Featured Speaker at Superior Tech 4 Teachers Conference and a featured speaker at the Newton County Technology Conference.

Kristi Collins

Kristi is an instructional designer, trainer, and teacher, and she supports K-12 districts and universities throughout the country. She is passionate about sharing technology tools that assist faculty, staff, and students both in and out of the classroom. She has a master’s in Instructional Technology, designed and taught computer curriculum for grades K-12, and created a self-paced tech course for university students.  

Kristin Harrington

Kristin Harrington is an author and educator with a passion for project-based learning. She has served in various roles throughout her career, including elementary school teacher, Instructional Technologist, Media Specialist, Ed Tech Coach, adjunct professor, and Virtual Learning Coordinator.  

Her book, “Adventures in Authentic Learning: 21 Step-By-Step Projects from an Ed Tech Coach,” published by ISTE, serves as a guide for educators interested in implementing project-based learning. Kristin has been recognized for her contributions to education with awards such as the ISTE 2020 Ed Tech Coaches PLN Award and the 2022 ISTE Making IT Happen Award. She is dedicated to inspiring both students and educators to become lifelong learners.  

Lisa Abbett

Lisa is an experienced educator and Digital Learning Specialist with almost 20 years in education. She has successfully taught students in both elementary and high school, and most recently has worked with educators to help them use AI and digital tools effectively to engage students and transform the learning experience.  

Lisa is passionate about empowering educators with the knowledge, tools and support they need to confidently navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. Lisa has a Master of Arts in Education and is an MIE Expert, Google Certified Trainer, Adobe Creative Educator and has earned AI certifications from Google, Microsoft and Magicschool AI.

Lisa Bray, M.A.

As a professional learning specialist, Lisa Bray focuses on designing and facilitating meaningful learning experiences that support sustainable growth, innovative thinking, and skill development across organizations. Her work centers on empowering learners through intentional instructional design, effective facilitation, and the thoughtful integration of technology to enhance both learning and performance.

Lisa brings a strong foundation from her background as an educator and instructional technology coach, supporting learners and leaders across PreK–12 before expanding her impact into corporate training and adult learning environments. In her current work as a corporate trainer, she collaborates with teams and organizations to create engaging professional learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, confidence, and practical application.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Management and a Master of Education, reflecting a strong foundation in both organizational influence and learning design. Lisa is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Master Trainer and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, bringing deep expertise in digital tools and effective learning strategies to her professional learning work.

Known for her approachable, learner centered style, Lisa creates supportive environments where innovation feels accessible and growth feels achievable. She believes that strong relationships, clear purpose, and engaging learning experiences are the foundation of effective professional development and organizational success.

Outside of her professional work, Lisa enjoys gardening, running, and spending time with her family, finding balance and inspiration in both personal and professional growth.

Marcie Lear, M.A.Ed.

Marcie Lear is a passionate educator in southern Indiana with over 30 years of classroom experience. She spent 12 years at the elementary level and then moved to the junior high teaching technology skills to 7th graders through PBL and service learning units. Her classes then switched to computer science with a focus on teaching beginning coding. She also teaches an 8th grade enrichment class that started out creating and managing the school website. This class has now transitioned to managing the school’s Instagram account while also creating a slide show chronicling the events of the year including humorous skits, memes, and commercials. Marcie has always been actively involved in making her school a better place serving on various committees and also sponsors NJHS, leads an international travel group at the high school, and was the varsity girls assistant soccer coach for six years. Marcie feels strongly about the importance of creativity and throughout her career has tried to give students as many options to be creative as possible. She feels that the use of technology can, and should, be used to bring creativity back to the forefront of education.  
 
While teaching, Marcie has always enjoyed training fellow educators how to integrate technology to improve the student learning experience. She started out presenting at the Indiana Summer Institute of Technology at various locations around the state and then has also been employed as a digital learning specialist for over 15 years and trained educators around the country. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, an MIE Master Trainer, and a Microsoft Office Specialist on OneNote. She thoroughly enjoys helping teachers learn about the wide range of Microsoft and Google education tools, how everyone can learn to code with tools like Scratch and MakeCode Arcade, and how AI can save teachers valuable time.  Although Marcie LOVES the tools available to help teachers now, she can’t wait to see the great apps, programs, and devices that haven’t even been invented yet!  
 
When Marcie is away from school, she likes to spend time with her family and enjoys being active outdoors whenever possible. She especially enjoys practicing or teaching power yoga, working in her flower or vegetable garden, listening to live music, or tending to her beehives.  

Marianne Blair, CPA

Marianne Blair, CPA serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) and is an accounting instructor at Stetson University, where she also leads the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She began her career as a high school educator and later served as a district-level administrator, experiences that continue to shape her practical, student-centered approach. With a background in charter school authorizing, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and financial oversight, she integrates Microsoft tools directly into her college classroom, using Excel to teach real-world financial analysis, data modeling, and decision-making skills that prepare students for today’s workforce.

In her leadership of FACSA, Marianne leverages Microsoft Teams to manage communication and coordination across a statewide nonprofit network. Her work highlights how practical use of Microsoft tools, paired with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, can strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve oversight practices, and support data-informed decision making in education. She frequently presents on how educators and leaders can use these tools to increase efficiency, deepen insight, and drive better outcomes for students and organizations.

Maria Turner, M.A.Ed.

With over 25 years of educational experience, Maria Turner has always worked to bring curriculum to life by challenging her students with real life problem solving opportunities. After earning her Master’s in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction, she had the opportunity to work with even more classroom teachers infusing technology into their ongoing units and extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom and school walls through professional learning opportunities, modeling, co-teaching and mentoring teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals. Most recently she has been able to share this zeal for educational technology with pre-service teachers at various higher education institutions as an adjunct instructor.

Maria’s enduring passion lies in sharing the possibilities instructional technology can bring to teaching and learning with educators around the globe. Most recently this has included the US Virgin Islands, South Africa, India, Turkey and Australia. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Master Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Surface Expert and Microsoft Certified Educator.

Marianne Blair

I started out teaching various Career and Technical Education courses at a high school in Central Florida. The courses ranged from International Business, Finance, Law, Accounting, Computer, and Applications. Students in my courses learned the fundamental principles and skills to be successful in the realm of business using computer programs like QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and general online application skillsets. While teaching at a high school, I began teaching at nights at a private university as an adjunct professor for business courses. Over the last 11 years, I have taught over 60 courses in topics ranging from business ethics, introductory financial accounting, and introductory managerial accounting. After my seventh year teaching at the high school level, I transitioned my full-time role to a district administrator supporting over 10 high schools and 14 middle schools with over 200 teachers. In this current district role, I have provided district-wide trainings on the implementation and integration of assessments like Microsoft Office Products into curriculum maps, guided teachers through the features of Microsoft Teams and other curriculum resources, and created promotional content for the district website.

Currently, I am in my 11^th year as an adjunct professor for the business department, and each year I strive to diversify my teaching style by varying my teaching techniques and technology. I have utilized Nearpod, Kahoot, Sway, PowerPoint, detailed case analysis, Microsoft Teams, and group production video case analysis projects while instructing post-secondary students.

Mary Elizabeth Pearson, M.A.Ed.

Mary Elizabeth Pearson is the Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at Games for Change LearnG4C). Mary Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience in education. She began her career as an elementary educator and has held positions ranging from middle school to high school, as well as at the university level in Washington State and abroad. Mary Elizabeth has lived and worked in both Athens, Greece and Merida, Mexico as well as trained educators all over the world in the uses of technology and game-based learning. Mary Elizabeth furthered her career in education by working as an instructional coach and building programs for instructional technology that grow skill and confidence among students and staff. Mary Elizabeth then deepened her experiences as the Director of Technology for the Marysville School District where she could use her classroom experiences to lead technology understanding within a large system. These experiences have given Mary Elizabeth a unique perspective on the transformational change that technology brings to the learning environment. Her most recent work has been to create learning opportunities for educators to bring gaming into classrooms through Minecraft Education. Mary Elizabeth is skilled at creating spaces for instructional conversations around game-based learning design that produce pedogeological shifts within the classroom and lead to deeper learning outcomes for students. She has been working as a trainer for the Northwest Council of Computer Educators since 2015. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a focus on interdisciplinary child development, an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology, and an Administration Credential with a focus on technology leadership from John Hopkins. She lives in Burlington, Washington. 

Megan Lipinczyk, M.A.Ed.

Since 2007, Megan Lipinczyk has been teaching in Hillsborough County Public Schools. Her classroom is a 1:1 digital environment embedded with 21st century skills. She believes in using technology in the classroom to enhance instruction, not replace it. Megan is passionate about empowering her students to take control of their own learning. She is a Microsoft Certified Educator, a MIE Expert, a Skype Master Teacher, and was voted as 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year at Turner/Bartels K-8, a Microsoft Showcase School. In January 2017, she was featured on Microsoft Education’s MIE Spotlight Blog discussing student empowerment and collaboration through OneNote. Her students are featured on their class YouTube channel, Lipinczyk’s Leaders, teaching OneNote tips and tricks. She has conducted numerous technology trainings to educators in Hillsborough County. Megan also delivered the presentation, “Bringing Inquiry Learning to the 21st Century Classroom” in Portland, Oregon at the 2017 NCCE Conference. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky and M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.

Melanie Lehman, M.A.

Melanie Lehman currently serves as an academic interventionist at Northeast High School in Clarksville, TN.  Prior to this, she served as a technology integration coach for 14 middle and high schools within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in Clarksville, Tennessee by providing professional development training to educators and helping them to develop and integrate technology-rich lesson plans into their curriculums.  
 
Melanie has over 25 years of experience in the education field, 18 years of which she spent as a high school math teacher. She specializes in creating unique and effective ways for math and science teachers to utilize technology as a teaching tool in their classrooms.  
 
Melanie earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Austin Peay State University.

Merry Hofmeister, Ed.S.

Merry is passionate about empowering educators to engage students and maximize learning opportunities through innovative instructional practices. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Specialist degree in Technology Management and Administration from Nova Southeastern University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University.

A long time leader in educational technology, Merry was recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert in 2014 and has served as a Minecraft Global Ambassador since 2018. She currently represents North America as an MIEE Fellow. Merry is also a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching alumna, having spent six months in New Zealand developing a project focused on fostering global classroom connections.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year, the 2014 Museum of Aviation National STEM Teacher of the Year, and the 2011 ISTE Emerging Leader Award.

With 15 years of classroom experience teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and serving as a K–5 STEM Enrichment Specialist, Merry brings deep instructional expertise to her work. Since 2016, she has also served as an Adjunct Faculty Member in the Price School of Education at Reinhardt University, teaching graduate level science and technology courses to preservice educators.

In 2018, Merry transitioned to a district role as an Instructional Technology Specialist and was promoted to Supervisor of Instructional Technology in 2026. She holds multiple technology certifications and is active in numerous EdTech communities. Her work has taken her around the world, partnering with teachers and school leaders to meaningfully integrate technology into classrooms and learning environments.

Michael Higley, Ed.D.

Michael Higley has worked in the field of education since 2001, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Middle School Education. He has experience teaching computer technology, Social Studies, Reading, and Language Arts. Michael went on to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, later serving as a middle school assistant principal and a technology coach for the fourth largest school district in Tennessee. In 2017, he earned his doctorate in e-Learning, focusing on teacher professional development through online learning applications and technology. 
 
Michael currently serves as NCCE’s Director of e-Learning and as the Director of Operations and Grant Specialist for Take Stock in Children – Manatee, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. He is passionate about helping administrators, teachers, students, and businesses effectively integrate digital technology with face-to-face instruction. Michael is also a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, a Microsoft in Education Trainer, a Google for Education administrator, and a dedicated advocate for digital learning.

Mimi Selevan

I am driven by the intrinsic satisfaction of a job well done. I thrive on being the go-to person others rely on for anything related to technology and project management.

► MY CAREER PATH:
With a career that began in hospitality management and focused on project management, employee hiring/training, and process improvements, I effectuated my leadership skills through leading large teams, building relationships, and driving operations. This provided a strong foundation for my shift into education and instruction where I have continued to develop policies, manage large technology projects, and create new processes that streamline communications and enhance district technology goals. I currently work as an Instructional Technology Facilitator. I design and facilitate training courses for Broward County Schools.

► MY ZEST FOR HELPING OTHERS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
I have a natural talent for being able to look at things from various perspectives while simultaneously understanding how things affect different people. I am most passionate about making a difference, teaching people new things, and accomplishing tasks with 100% effort.

I have a knack for integrating technology into solving even the most difficult of problems which results in making things more efficient and productive. The problems I’ve solved include: budget writing, organizing large amounts of information, following guidelines and standards, differentiating curriculum based on needs, coordinating schedules, and creating multi-media presentations. Colleagues and supervisors alike view me as someone with zealous work ethic, strong integrity, and superior communications skills that drive even stronger collaboration and teamwork.

I enjoy connecting with instructors and technology-minded individuals, so please feel free to reach out to me.

Monica Crane, M.A.Ed.

Monica Crane has enjoyed working with her NCCE family as a Professional Learning Specialist and is excited for future opportunities to share her passion for educational technology and learn from fellow educators. Monica is the Professional Registrar at Randle High School in Lamar Consolidated ISD in Richmond, Texas. Prior to that she was a middle and high school CTE teacher and a Digital Learning Specialist (DLS) working with secondary campuses around her district. She began teaching in Fort Bend in 2009 – 3 years teaching 8th Grade Technology Applications and 2 years teaching AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). In 2014, she received her Master’s in Education Degree with a focus on Instructional Technology and is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.

Her goals as a teacher are to continuously seek new ways to use technology, to keep the campus focus on how technology can make the learning more engaging, relevant and rigorous for students, and to give teachers support in navigating the vast field of technology applications and devices,

When not at work, Monica loves spending time with her 2 kids! She also has a passion for fostering dogs, and loves volunteering, traveling, cooking, and hanging out with her kids and friends.

Nicole Tuminella, M.A.Ed.

Nicole Tuminella is an educator in Hillsborough County Public Schools. With over 15 years of educational experiences, ranging from instructional classroom teacher to new teacher mentor to instructional leadership roles, she has always worked towards providing students and teachers with the skills, resources and tools needed to be successful in a 21st century learning environment. She has initiated, led, managed, and participated in many initiatives at various schools, most recently at Turner/Bartels K8 in Tampa. She was critical in the participation of a 1:1 digital pilot program where students and teachers were provided laptops in which to learn and integrate digital technologies, allowing innovative teaching and learning practices to transform the learning environment at the school. Through her role as STEM Coordinator, Nicole has created and implemented a STEM program at her previous school which brings 21st century skills and applications to a K-8 environment. Her guidance in these programs has led to the school receiving the Microsoft Showcase School for the past 6 years. Nicole currently serves as a District Resource Teacher implementing STEM concepts and digital educational technologies across schools in the district.

Nicole has developed, facilitated, and supported professional development at both school and district levels. Her professional development experience includes full-time new teacher mentoring, coaching staff through best practice implementation, demonstration classrooms, and trainings on learning new education technologies. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator and a 2019 Microsoft Innovative Expert. She continues to develop her educational technology knowledge by pursuing additional certifications and attending conferences, professional development opportunities, and workshops.

Nicole holds a B.A. in Mass Communications (2004) and a M. Ed. In Educational Leadership (2017) from St. Leo University. She is passionate about helping teachers with innovative ways to transform their teaching practices and the learning environment for students through the use of STEM skills, digital technologies, and 21st century skill sets. She believes strongly in real-world, application-based learning through the use of purposeful, engaging, and innovative technology integration for all students.

Noreen Dooley, M.A.Ed.

Noreen Dooley has been passionate about leading, engaging, and empowering all stakeholders in the education field and beyond to reach high levels of success through the use of technology, since beginning her teaching career in 2000.

Noreen has extensive experience in public and private education, having served all grade levels and subject areas as a classroom teacher as well as supporting curriculum and administrative departments through various technology specialist and administrative roles.  In all of her engagements, Noreen has strived to create a culture of trust, safety, and inclusivity for new learning and is committed to helping people grow and develop. Noreen is well versed in numerous tools and platforms and thrives on learning new technologies and practices.

Noreen is a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Master Trainer, Global Minecraft Mentor, and Google Educator. She holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University, a M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University, and is currently working on her Ed.D. in Executive Educational Leadership at Houston Christian University.

Paige Eisemann, M.A.Ed.

Paige Eisemann has held many different roles in education throughout her 25 year career. She has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Trevecca Nazarene University, as well as Master+30 credit hours in School Library Media Science. She holds endorsement in Early Childhood Mental Health from AimHi TN, is a certified trainer in Conscious Discipline, Darkness to Light, ACES, Protective Factors, and more. She has participated in Pyramid Model training for Adult Education, Arbinger Leadership training, and the CMCSS Leadership Academy. 

Paige is currently an elementary school librarian in Clarksville, TN. She was formerly the Region Assistant Coordinator & Early Childhood Quality Coach for the Mid Cumberland Region of Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral. In this role, she trained and coached educators on a wealth of topics, including child development, technology integration, curriculum development, classroom management, and more. She has served as a preschool administrator, K-12 classroom educator and is pleased to have returned to her roots in serving as a School Library Media Specialist.

Selected as Teacher of the Year multiple times, Paige has served as an officer for the TN Association of School Librarians, is an active member of the TN Association for Children’s Early Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  

Her love of all things education carries over into her personal life, where she serves as assistant Girl Scout troop leader, grant writer and coordinator for a community safe room project, and Athletic Booster club president. She is a staff writer for Clarksville Living Magazine and has been published in numerous magazines, journals and guest writer blogs. She currently lives in Clarksville, Tennessee with her husband, daughter and three very spoiled dogs.  

Paige Somoza

A passionate and distinguished educator with over 20 years of experience, Paige specializes in mastery learning, technology integration, and digital citizenship across elementary and secondary classrooms. She holds a BA in French Secondary Education and History from Boise State University and an MEd in Educational Technology, which sparked her journey into virtual field trips and digital content creation. Her collaborations with the National WWII Museum and PBS Education led to roles as a PBS Digital Innovator, All-Star, and instructional coach, where she helped launch district-wide coaching programs.

Currently, she contributes to the University of Idaho’s Judicial Institute and Idaho Public Television, developing content for Open Education Resources and PBS Learning Media. She has also designed a virtual professional development series for PBS Education and has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly. As an ISTE Certified Educator and member of the NCCE professional development team, she remains committed to empowering educators and students through innovative, tech-driven learning experiences.

Ptosha Maclin, M.A.

Ptosha has served as an educator in various capacities. She began her career as a paraprofessional in 2000, then moved on to become an Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal/Administrator. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership as well as a Master’s of Science as a Reading and Math Specialist.

Ptosha has led a wide range of schools, from Title I to the affluent. As a result, she’s been able to build positive relationships with a diverse group of parents, teachers, and students and gain a deeper understanding of the communities that she serves.

As a STEM Administrator, she led schools in her district to state-awarded STEM Designation. She’s also completed the Battelle Innovative Leaders Institute and McRel Leadership Training.

Her mission is to inspire future generations of global citizens and provide them with resources to become innovators and creative thinkers of the 21st Century.

Randi Mitchell, M.A.Ed.

Randi Mitchell is Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and an Adjunct Instructor at Flagler College in the Department of Deaf Education. She started her career in kindergarten using creative methods to incorporate literacy and technology implementation in instruction before pursuing her passion for professional development and educational technology. Randi has her bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Deaf Education with endorsements in Reading and ESOL from Flagler College, a Master of Education in Professional Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, and Doctorate in Education in Instructional and Performance Technology.

Randi is one of the faces behind FSDB Pineapple PD, an initiative at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind that opens the walls of the classrooms so viewers can see tools, strategies, and teaching methods happening on campus in a 2-3 minute video. She is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and has spent many hours training teachers at FSDB as well as across the U.S. Her background in Deaf Education and educational technology has increased her passion for accessibility, literacy, and using technology to create and problem solve.

Randy Hawkins, M.S.

Randy Hawkins is a K-5 Gifted and Talented Facilitator dedicated to fostering a love of learning and encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journey. He holds a master’s degree from Boise State University (2009) and a bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University (1997). Since 2019, Randy has also served as a Professional Learning Specialist with the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE). 
 
In his role as the digital tech lead for his building and a member of the school leadership team, Randy has demonstrated a commitment to integrating technology into the classroom. He has presented at various workshops for teachers within his district, the Idaho Education Technology Association (IETA) conference, and at the NCCE conference. Randy has been a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert since 2015 and a Minecraft Global Trainer since 2021, further showcasing his dedication to educational technology. 
 
Randy’s excellence in teaching was recognized in 2012 when he was named the Peregrine Elementary Teacher of the Year. His dedication and impact on education were further acknowledged in 2024 when he received the Teacher of the Year award.

Rosalyn Washington, Ph.D.

A veteran educator of 22 years, I am proud to say that I was an elementary school teacher and Reading Specialist for the majority of my career. As a Digital Learning Specialist for Literacy, I coordinate and implement Instructional Technology Initiatives district-wide.

My areas of expertise include literacy, research, early childhood education, culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum design. I have presented both regionally and nation-wide on topics related to Literacy, Digital Tools, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Policy. I am also an Adjunct Faculty member at a university and teach graduate level Ed Policy and Research, Measurement, and Statistics coursework. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, travel, photography, reading and crafting.

Sallee Clark

Over the past eighteen years in education, Sallee has been in classrooms as an educator, librarian, and as a technology coach. Seeing the power of educational technology has inspired her to do everything she can to empower teachers and students with EdTech tools that are effective in meeting their learning outcomes and goals! Throughout her education career Sallee taught pre-K general education and special education, K-12 library curriculum writing and taught in collaboration with educators. In addition, I have been a technology trainer, consultant, and Microsoft trainer. Her areas of expertise include Microsoft Learning Tools for accessibility, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and many edtech applications.

Through this process Sallee earned a Master of Educational Technology and many Texas teaching certifications including EC-4 Generalist, EC-12 Special Education, Librarian, and an ESL certification. In serving as an Instructional Technologist with Jeni Long across the 30 campuses in their district, they realized that many teachers across the campuses had the same questions and needs. So, they began a YouTube show highlighting the questions, needs, and solutions found by teachers across the district. Sallee and Jeni found that this was beneficial not only to their teachers, but to the global teacher community. As “Jenallee”, they now share edtech tips and tricks on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, their Blog, and conferences around the globe. They are also co-hosts of The Teacher Connection (@TsConnectionEDU) and were Fellows for the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) program and Showcase School community. Jenallee also specializes in training involving Microsoft Tools along with Blended Learning & Teaching techniques. Sallee and Jeni published their first book with Elevate Books EDU, The Microsoft Teams Playbook, in 2021 and they are collaborating authors on the EduMatch book, Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative. In addition, Jenallee was recently awarded the Top 30 2022 EdTech Influencer Award by EdTech K-12 Magazine.

Sarah Moukhliss

Dr. Sarah Moukhliss, a Florida resident, is proud of her 23 years of professional experience, primarily in education, spanning public libraries, K-12 school libraries, and academia. Holding degrees from The Ohio State University, Kent State University (MLS), Drexel University, Indiana State University, and the University of West Florida, including a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction. Moukhliss’s dissertation investigated the methods employed by school librarians to instruct students labeled as at-risk on using library technologies. Moukhliss excels in student-centered pedagogy. She specializes in designing online courses for library research skills and information literacy. Moukhliss supports faculty in locating Open Education Resources, conducts research consultations for all levels, and instructs nursing doctoral candidates in research strategies. She co-authored a peer-reviewed article on a quality assurance tool for library guide design that she created (LGAS rubric) and regularly presents at conferences on online course design, quality assurance, and OER advocacy. Moukhliss contributes to Florida’s Textbook Affordability and OER Standing Committee and the FLVC Florida OER Summit Planning Committee. She has led her university in trialing and implementing LinkedIn Learning, and she currently is a member of her university’s badging steering committee. Her educational expertise ranges from K-8 library media skills to innovative pedagogical strategies for college-level online learning content creation. Dr. Moukhliss attended the AACU 2021-2022 OER bootcamp. Additionally, she is certified in Quality Matters 7th Edition and is currently working through Microsoft credentials.  

Scott Bricker

Scott Bricker is a Speaker, Consultant, & Coach who is passionate about changing our education system for the better and inspiring a new perspective on learning and teaching.

Scott found tremendous joy and success during his 20-plus-year career as a teacher, basketball coach, instructional coach and many other roles around a high school campus and now enjoys working with educators and schools all around the world to build the ultimate learning environments imaginable. Built on the solid premise of “Building Relationships,” his deeply-rooted belief in the power and potential of working together as a team drives him to create a cohesive working environment for his Math students, for faculty during PD sessions and in collaborating with educators everywhere.

Most recent, Scott served as the Director of Educational Technology at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and led the full implementation of the school’s One-to-One Tablet PC Program. Under Scott’s leadership, SMCHS distributed devices to all 1725 students during the summer of 2014 and, following the success of their rollout and implementation of Office365, OneNote and other Microsoft tools, SMCHS was named a Microsoft Showcase School in the fall of 2014 and proudly maintains their status currently. Scott is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) & an MIEE-Fellow leading educators in California, Arizona, and New Mexico and is consistently inspired by the many educators he meets through that community. He is also the co-host of the vodcast “Live with US Microsoft EDU“.

Given the current opportunities available to teachers with respect to Educational Technology, Scott is a firm believer that those who take on the challenge of injecting appropriate technology into their classroom while updating their practices to relevant 21st century learning approaches to learning & teaching, will look back on this time as one that truly redefined our industry in an incredibly impactful way.

Scott Davis, M.S.

Scott Davis is a library media specialist with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, where he has worked as both a classroom teacher and librarian for the last twenty-five years.

Scott is one of the two primary librarians employed at Montgomery Central High School in Cunningham, Tennessee, where he has served since 2007. In addition to his regular library duties, Scott also serves as the building’s Textbook Coordinator, a Partner in Education Committee member, a Collaborative Behavior Team member and S-Team member. He also currently is working toward earning his Ed.S. degree in Instructional Leadership-Principalship from the University of Arkansas.

Scott is a frequent contributor for professional development opportunities with his fellow district media specialists and for educators within his own school. He lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, is interested in anything related to classic 1980s pop culture, Superman and spending quality time with his three grown children and church family.

Shea Henley

I am a former classroom teacher with over three years of experience teaching at the public charter school level, grades 6th through 12th. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Masters of Education in STEM: Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.

I have developed and implemented technology curriculum for a middle school Gateway to Technology course. During my second year at Friendship Public Charter Schools I became the Technology Cart Coordinator, where I was responsible for the distribution, maintenance and, security of all technology carts in the building. I successfully completed the year with 0 losses in assets.

I also bring with me my experience as a Testing Coordinator. Serving in that position I conducted, monthly professional developments on the administration of the computer-based PARCC examine, benchmark, and Map assessment. I ensured that every middle school student was tested, and provided the accommodations legally required. I made sure all testing environments adhered to regulations set out by the Office of State Superintendent of Education. I provided on-going training in all areas of testing.

As the 7th grade technology teacher I supported other teachers in integrating technology into their curriculum, the SSST processes, and weekly incentives for students. I have led parent/teacher/student restoratives. I have also created a culture of student success, responsibility, and creativity. I’ve also provided one-on-one behavior management and real-time coaching to fellow teachers. I have used learning management systems such as Schoology in my classroom and implemented typing interventions with my students to improve typing speed and accuracy. I have experience using and training others on SMART board technology as well.

In addition to my teaching background, I have been training educators, administrators, and district staff members on Microsoft tools and products for the past 5 years in Washington, DC, Dallas, Texas, and across the US. I am an educator with a commitment to making public education accessible to all students and providing quality and efficient training to the stakeholders involved in that process.

Steve Hickman

Steve Hickman works full-time as an instructional coach for literacy and educational technology with Corona-Norco Unified School District.  He’s married with three kids, and when he’s not enjoying them, he loves singing in church, literature, music, the Los Angeles, Lakers and playing basketball. Steve is currently working on his dissertation for an Ed. D in Learning Technologies with Pepperdine University. 

Tammy Dunbar, M.Ed., STEM

Tammy Brecht Dunbar, M.Ed., STEM, from Manteca (CA) Unified, is a 2018-2019 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow (India). Host of the popular “Live from NCCE” podcast, Tammy is a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow, was named 2016 California Woman of the Year, Assembly District 12, won the 2021 ISTE Interactive Video Conference Network Classroom Teacher Award and the 2018 ISTE Literacy PLN Award for #CultivateWorldLiteracy, and is a popular presenter and trainer in the US and around the world. She was a featured presenter on Microsoft’s Hack the Classroom event, which was broadcast to a global audience of more than 50,000. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, NCCE Distinguished Professional Learning Specialist, Minecraft Global Ambassador and more (bit.ly/TammyDunbarPortfolio). She won an eInstruction $75,000 Classroom Makeover Video Contest, wrote a successful Enhancing Education Through Technology federal grant for Manteca Unified, and was named Manteca USD Teacher of the Year. 

With 25 years of experience as a veteran educator and master trainer, Dunbar has developed and delivered professional learning for educational conferences and communities across the country on such topics as Leading with a Servant’s Heart, Don’t Be AfrAId of AI, Building Empathy through Global Communication & Collaboration, SEL-ebrating Students (SEL), Hacking the Classroom, STEM on a Shoestring, and all the Microsoft showcase products like Minecraft, Teams, Reading Progress, Insights, PowerPoint and Forms. Always a learner, Tammy loves sharing ideas and strategies with her PLN on Twitter (follow her @TammyDunbar). 

Tierra Reed, Ed.S.

Tierra Reed is an Education Consultant with an unwavering zeal for education. “To whom much is given, much will be required” is a statement that is the compass of her educational path. She is a proud HBCU graduate of Alabama State University and has spent over 20 years educating Higher Ed and K-12 scholars. Additionally, Tierra enjoys partnering with organizations to share strategies for enhancing the learning experience through the leverage of various EdTech solutions. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Master Trainer that enjoys equipping educators with tools to keep their students engaged. She is also the founder of Inspire, Engage & Educate LLC, and takes pride in advocating for change, believes in empowering stakeholders, and is truly passionate about amplifying the awareness of the need for academic equity within diverse communities. Tierra has presented at GaETC, FETC, SXSW EDU, ISTE, and been a keynote speaker at several in person and online conferences for both business and education.

Tim Galles, M.A.Ed.

Tim Galles is a Technology Coordinator and 5th grade teacher at St. Tri-Parish Catholic School (SAS) in Casper, Wyoming. He has been teaching for 23 years, and in his time at SAS he has taught 2nd and 5th grade as well as his work in technology integration/coordination. He had a hand in helping build and adopting the 1-to-1 programs with iPads and Surfaces at SAS. SAS had previously been recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School.  He also teaches three classes to 5th grade students along with being the technology coordinator. His four “pillars” that he works to integrate are Digital Citizenship, Innovation and creativity, Communication and collaboration, and computer science. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Science in Reading and Math from Walden University. He has been an MIE Expert for the past seven years, and previously served as an MIE Fellow for 3 of those. He is also a Wakelet, Novel Effect, and Magic School Ambassador. He has 4 children ranging from 22 to 14 and likes to run in his spare time. 

Troy Kuhn

Troy Kuhn is a Google Certified Educator who currently works as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Brenham ISD.

By bringing a passionate approach into his technology professional development sessions, Troy emphasizes that the tool isn’t what is in important, it’s how you use it. Whether it is giving group training, planning how to incorporate instructional technology into a unit, modeling a lesson with a teacher, or working directly with students, Troy feels each set of learners is unique. What web tool or product may work in one situation, may not for others. The key is to find what that specific group is trying to accomplish and creating a technique that works for them. He was worked with groups with little technology background to near experts in the field; from Pre-K to senior citizens; and districts small and large. No matter the situation, patience and humor will always be present in his work.

Currently Troy is working with Brenham ISD in Brenham, Texas as instructional technology specialist, primarily for the junior high and middle school campuses. He is in his 25th year in education, with the first 12 being a classroom teacher, and since then as an Instructional Technology Specialist. He is an author on two instructional blog. He is an integral part to his districts professional development, as well as creating his district’s student technology assessment. Incorporating his love of storytelling, writing, and use of film and editing technology, Troy also started and manages a middle school film festival. He has presented professional development across for many districts as well as at state and national conferences.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University.

Valdrena Yisrael

Valdrena Yisrael is a Technology Specialist with over 15 years of technology training and implementation experience. For many years, Valdrena was a lead Career and Technical Education teacher with Volusia County Schools. Today she serves as the administrator over the Mobile Device Management system and approximately 70,000 Office365 accounts. Valdrena also facilitates Microsoft trainings throughout the school year to district staff and teachers.

Mrs. Yisrael earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education with a minor in Psychology from Bethune-Cookman College, Masters of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and a 2nd Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University.

Her passion for education and technology flows over into her community endeavors as she assists and provides a number of services to the female students at Bethune-Cookman University.

Wendy Huriaux

Wendy Huriaux is a Digital Integration Specialist on the Technology Training Team for Hillsborough County Public Schools.  Prior to joining the Technology Training Team, she was an elementary Media Specialist where she worked to instill the love of reading, media, technology, and all things STEM within the hearts of her students and school Media Center.  She has been an educator in Hillsborough County for 17 years and enjoys having the honor of assisting teachers with transforming their classrooms by using relevant, effective, and purposeful educational technologies.  She has over 8 years’ experience providing technology coaching support to K-12 educators and school sites within her school district.  She believes that it is paramount to provide a strong educational foundation for every student while also providing the 21st century skills needed to be successful in life.  In all that she does, she strives to bring along positivity, excitement and a growth mindset in order to inspire others. Wendy received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida in 2004.  Go Bulls! 
 
Certifications Held: Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Microsoft Master Trainer, Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and Level 4 AI Certified with MagicSchool AI.