Meet Your 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.

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.

Biology Lead Teacher

SHARYLAND ISD

Nancy Stockton is a Technology Representative and Biology EOC Lead Teacher from Sharyland ISD. Nancy writes and refines digital curricula and provides professional development sessions on technology integration and implementation for Sharyland. Nancy is passionate about sharing pedagogical strategies for successful EdTech implementation for teachers.

SPECIALIST

REGION ONE ESC

I am a Social Studies and TEKS Resource System Specialist at Region One ESC. Prior to working at Region One, I was a secondary classroom teacher for over fifteen years. Being a teacher throughout the virtual learning experience taught me a great deal about the significance and impact technology can have on instruction when used in a positive way.

TEACHER

SHARYLAND ISD

Angie is both a Science and Technology enthusiast. She on year 15 as a Physics Teacher at Sharyland High School and just completed her MS in Physics this past spring. She enjoys learning about new technology apps and sharing activities with her colleagues. "As an educator, I am fascinated with the integration of technology in the classroom and its potential to impact the dynamic of the lesson cycle for our 21st century learners. I view technology as an enhancement to education. For this reason, I have an unwavering drive to find fresh, innovative ways to incorporate different instructional strategies via technology into my science curriculum."

Library Media Specialist

POINT ISABEL ISD

I am currently a high school librarian at the best high school in Texas, previously at an elementary which I call my time spent in purgatory before I was admitted into Heaven. This is my eleventh year in education and my fifth in the library. I am silly and fun and love learning new things with other librarians.

I am a lifelong learner, educator, counselor, librarian, and administrator, always learning to teach and teaching to learn. I use my 24 years of experience as an educator and my love of technology to help teachers and students find innovative ways to bring a fresh breath to today’s learning and classrooms.

EDUCATOR INNOVATION LEAD - Flip-MICROSOFT

Fely is a passionate educator who loves to help others. She is currently an Educator Innovation Lead at Flip-Microsoft. Fely is an Apple Distinguished Educator and is an advocate for equity and inclusion into every classroom. She believes in “relationships before curriculum” and loves being her learners’ loudest cheerleader. Most importantly, Fely is dedicated to helping every teacher and student reach his or her fullest potential. She can be found at @FelyTeachnology tweeting in #Spanglish about edtech and language learning.

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.

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.

Instructional Technology Specialist McALLEN ISD

In 1995, I began my career in education as a secondary mathematics and computer science teacher in Edinburg, Texas. After earning a Master’s degree in education, I moved to McAllen ISD as a technology specialist in 2002. As a technology specialist I provide ongoing staff development for teachers and administrators in our district. Technology trainings include iPad integration in the classroom.

I was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon and raised in General Bravo, Nuevo Leon. I moved to United States when I was 16 years old and I have been living in Edinburg since then. I am currently taking the last course to obtain my master's in Bilingual Education and I am also taking classes to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer and information technologies.

I love raising awareness about the importance of speaking more than one language. I love working out, yoga, riding my bike, playing electric guitar and reading self-transformation books.

My name is Valerie Hernandez. This school year I will begin my 18th year with the PSJA family. My teaching experience ranges from teaching elementary special education, 5th grade, 2nd grade, dyslexia interventionist and currently 8th grade Math and Technology. I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Technology as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. I have also recently attained Graduate Certificates in Online Instructional Design, Technology Leadership and E-Learning all from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I love learning about curriculum development with technology integrations and researching strategies that can help teachers and students succeed.

Before becoming a Tech Integration Specialist, Ana taught English & Social Studies at the middle school for 12 years and was a high school librarian for 11 years. She loves to instill the love of learning, reading and technology in students, staff and the community.

Ana Maria Perez is a Google Certified Educator ~ Level 1 & 2 and is working towards becoming a Google Certified Trainer. Her love of learning & technology drives her to make a difference in the lives of students, parents & her community. She is constantly looking for tech tools to facilitate learning for students & tech resources to help staff deliver engaging lessons.

Debra Pingel

Instructional Technology Specialist

Debra Pingel has 34 years of experience in education with the PSJA School District (22 years as an elementary classroom teacher, 5 years with the Advanced Academics Department and the past 8 years with the Instructional Technology Department as an integration specialist). Debra is a certified teacher, holds a Principalship Certification, and has a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Grand Canyon University. Debra enjoys sharing her passion of technology integration with classroom teachers.

Valentin is an Instructional Technology Integration Specialist at PSJA ISD. He has a background in Early Childhood Education, Dual Language Instruction and has presented at various conferences providing training and development for teachers in the fields of Technology, ECE and DL. He is also a Professor at UTRGV in the Department of Communication.

Marco Torres has been in education for eight years. Six years as a high school social studies teacher and two years as a technology integration specialist at PSJA. He has an administrative certification and is currently working on an Ed.D in Instructional Technology.

I have a passion for helping all children reach their full potential and love to challenge students to be curious and take chances when learning. I have been been an elementary school teacher for 18 wonderful years. I am the lead teacher for our STEAM program. I am also the dyslexia teacher and lab proctor. I have the opportunity to be a member of the District’s Technology Team, which gives me an opportunity to collaborate with teachers the love of technology.

Andy is an eleven year teaching veteran. He has split that time between teaching middle and high school. He has worked as a campus technology facilitator, and an tech trainer of trainers. He is a certified Google educator as well. Only level one, but that is being worked on.

The mission of Rowe HS Rowe-botics is that of FIRST: to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.