Presenters

INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE SPECIALIST - SHARYLAND ISD

Alfonso serves as an Instructional Technologist and has received his Masters in Educational Technology, E-Learning Certification, Technology Leadership Certification from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, along with his Technology Director Certificate from TCEA. He is currently working on his doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. He is also 1 of less than 3000 Google Innovators worldwide and was named 1 out of the top 50 EdTech Influencers on Augmented Reality K-12 worth a follow.

LIBRARIAN - DONNA ISD

My name is Erica Esqueda. My experience in education has lead me to hold different roles in each one I have gained perspective of different responsibilities and demands within the k-16 arena. I started off as an instructional aide, to a classroom teacher, to the reference department at a university library, and now a middle school librarian. In all my work experience I have worked to continue to grow my knowledge in instructional technologies and methods to effectively assist curriculum. In my current position as a librarian I have the incredible opportunity to foster teachers abilities in implementing practical educational technology assist the needs of their students.

TEACHER - VALLEY VIEW ISD

9th Grade World Geography

My name is Belsa J. Rios, and I have been a Social Studies teacher at Valley View ISD for 15 years. I am a Google Certified Trainer, A National Geographic Certified Educator, a Flipgrid Student Voice Ambassador, and a Kami Hero/ Certified Trainer. I was the Teacher of the Year my campus for the 2020-2021 school year.

TEACHER - McALLEN ISD

Andy Thompson is going into his tenth year of teaching. Four of those were spent in middle school and the remaining balance have been at the high school level, so he has experience with a wide range of students. He has been trying to find ways to use technology resources to extend learning and innovate teaching consistently since he started teaching, particularly the Google Workspace applications. He was also a Google Certified Educator (Level One).

TEACHER - LA JOYA ISD

I am a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator.

My innovator project was the Chrome Extension called G RTF to help with readability where only simple text is available like Google Forms.

I am a computer technology teacher at Juarez Lincoln High School.

I am working on my Masters of Education in Educational Technology at UTRGV looking forward to earning my E-Learning, Technology Leadership, and Online Instructional Designer Certifications.

Check out my blog: eduGOOGdroid.com

TEACHER - LA JOYA ISD

I am a Google Certified Educator.

I am the 4th grade virtual teacher at La Joya ISD.

I am working on my Masters of Education in Educational Technology at UTRGV looking forward to earning my E-Learning, Technology Leadership, and Online Instructional Designer Certifications.

SPECIALIST - REGION ONE ESC

Gloria Domenica Vela is a bilingual/ESL specialist at Region One the Brownsville Extension Office. Mrs. Vela has over 30 years of experience in the field of education. Her areas of expertise include literacy development, bilingual education, and special education. She has a passion for teacher development and believes that effective professional development builds teacher efficacy and improves student outcomes

TEACHER - McALLEN ISD

Hola everyone! 👋 I'm Aida Evans and I've been in education since 2010 and have both my B.S and M.Ed. from Texas A & M Kingsville. I was Teacher of the Year in 2018, have been featured on We Are Teachers and have multiple templates featured on Slidesmania. Before coming to McAllen ISD I was in Seattle where I was Tech Integration Facilitator. I am passionate about equity, access and opportunity in tech, student choice and relationship building.

Instructional Technology Specialist - McALLEN ISD

Hi! I've worked as an educator for 11years teaching math to 6th and 7th graders and now working in Digital Learning at McAllen ISD. Our Teams helps support teaching and learning with technology. We are a 1:1 district using iPads and Chromebooks. I also host a weekly Twitter chat #RGVEduChat every Sunday at 7pm CST to connect educators around the Rio Grande Valley.

SPECIALIST - REGION ONE ESC

Hello, I am currently a Social Studies and TEKS Resource System Specialist at Region One. I have 15 years of classroom experience at the secondary level.

Instructional Technology Specialist - McALLEN ISD

Mrs. Rosie Fluegel has been a leader in Instructional Technology at McAllen ISD for 20 years. Rosie is at the forefront of new educational technologies and she's deeply committed to helping learners understand the transformational power of technology. She has spoken at local, regional and state technology education conferences. Rosie works closely with PK-12 classroom teachers and principals, as well as district administrators to achieve best practice technology infusion into teaching and learning. She is also a certified Apple Learning Specialist working closely with teachers to make the most of their 1:1 iPad learning environment.

Biology Lead Teacher - SHARYLAND ISD

Hello! I am currently the Biology Lead Teacher at Sharyland High School. Teaching technology to help support teachers and expand the classroom is one of my life long passions. As a recent graduate with a Master's in Education Technology, I actively find ways to help guide other educators in implementing blended learning. Being a Google Level 2 Certified Educator, I use my 6 years of experience in the blended science classroom, to share my classroom tips and tricks in the hopes of inspiring others to join the technology train!