Presenters

Linda A. Martinez is a Librarian at Ballew High School. She has over 14 years of experience as an elementary educator and 1 year as a secondary librarian. Ms.Martinez has pursued multiple digital certifications which have earned her the title of Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2, BrainPOP Certified Educator, and Screencastify Genius. She dedicates herself to professional learning, crafting, reading, and advocating for librarianship. Feel free to connect with Linda by following her on social media @LibrarianLindaM.

Maria Velasco was raised in the Rio Grande Valley and lived here all her life. She began teaching in 1989 and has taught English as a Second Language the entire time, including 5 years of Read 180/System 44 and 2 years of English Language Arts/Reading. She has written ESL curriculum, planning year after year and assisted in curriculum writing for ELAR. She understands the struggles students undergo trying to learn a completely new language. Therefore, she is proud to say that although her students knew no English, they have become accomplished community members, raising families here in the United States. Some of her ESL students joined the military and traveled the world while others completed college and even law school. It is a great feeling for her to know she was part of the difference in their lives.

Diamantina Y. Garcia, is a librarian at Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School. She is an alumni of PSJA ISD and has worked for the district for 15 years. Mrs. Garcia was a Kindergarten teacher for 5 years and elementary librarian for 8 years at Arnoldo Cantu Elementary, for the last 3 years she has been a secondary librarian at LBJ Middle School. Mrs. Garcia has obtained her Principal Certification in an effort to excel in a leadership role. She is passionate about learning new technology skills and integrating them into the library. This last year Mrs. Garcia has assisted students, faculty and staff with distant learning and participated in multiple staff development training sessions. She is Google Level I and Level II certified and has earned multiple Microsoft Certifications.

Amy is a Teacher Librarian with a MLS from Sam Houston State University. She specializes in literacy and instructional technology. She has spent 20 years as an educator, working as an elementary teacher, middle school ELA/ ESL teacher and as a school librarian. She is a Google Certified Trainer, Microsoft Trainer, Canva enthusiast, Flipgrid aficionado, Wakelet waverider and she loves screencasting and video editing. She is passionate about literacy and empowering teachers to leverage technology to engage ALL learners. You can follow along with her on her educational journey at https://impactfulintegrationwithamy.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter @SoTxLibrarian.

Cris Cobos-Dixon is an Istation Bilingual Strategic PD Specialist that provides tailored support to educators at the classroom, campus, district, and state-level with the implementation of all Istation programs. A retired Texas educator of thirty-one years, she spent the latter half in Central Administration positions that provided her first-hand experience with numerous district-wide initiatives, including the implementation of Istation. She feels privileged to be serving educators and students alike today as she begins her fortieth year in the education field.

My name is Gloria Garza, and I have been blessed to serve as a science teacher, coach, and an instructional coach. Currently I am the High School Science Coordinator. I hold a masters degree in Biology and Curriculum & Instruction. I have learned at all capacities how to better serve students and teachers. I am grateful for this great opportunity to continue to grow as a leader and educator.

Rachel Alvarez is entering her fourteenth year as an educator in PSJA. She has taught middle and high school social studies, and is now the librarian at Henry Ford Elementary School. She holds two Master's degrees, in Library Science and in History, and various certifications for various technology tools and apps. Rachel is passionate about digital and print literacy, information access, and supporting students, families, and teachers in engaging with library services.

Narda Lugo is a Librarian at Raul Yzaguirre Middle School with her MLS from Sam Houston University. She has spent the last 14 years as an educator working as an elementary teacher and elementary librarian as well as a middle school librarian. She is certified to teach PK - 4 and in library services from PK-12. She is bilingual certified and has a minor in Spanish. She is Google Certified 1 & 2 and is currently working on attaining her Google Trainer Certification. She is a go getter, who loves to share her love for literacy and technology. You can follow along her journey in the following social media outlets. Twitter: @Librarianlugo Instagram: @librarianlugo Her Sessions Include: Creatively Connect With Canva 8/16 @ 12:30 EduProtocols to the Rescue 8/16 @ 2:30.

I am from the south of Spain. I have a Major in Economics, a Master’s in International Cooperation, and a Master in Secondary Education. My passion is travelling around the world. I've lived in Netherlands, Malta, UK, Peru, and US for the past 3 years. I teach essential 21st century skills (technology, communication, and digital citizenship). But the most important lesson for me is that we always need to keep on learning.

Michelle is an experienced Customer Success Manager with a history of working Educational Technology. She began her career in the classroom and has over 20 years’ experience working in K-12 schools providing technical and instructional assistance to students, faculty and staff. She is a strong support professional with a Master’s degree focused in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Michelle recently moved the educational software industry which has allowed her to continue to work with educators.

My name is Analynn L. Gundran, I have been teaching for 17 years. I teach Biology and Chemistry at PSJA Collegiate. I am a Biology and Chemistry curriculum writer. I have 3 children. ( Nurse, Pharmacy - senior year) and a Phlebotomist . I love to travel and explore beautiful places. I love Japanese and Korean food. I love watching movies (in netflix) As a teacher, I always want to prepare and plan my lessons for my students. I love teaching and doing labs and hands on activities for my students. I consider my teaching as a vocation and not just a profession.

Mrs. Sanchez has been a School Counselor in PSJA for over 10 years and an LPC for 4 years. She is also a Registered Play Therapist and trained EMDR and Sandplay therapies. She is currently a third-year Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral student at the University of the Cumberlands and has a Master’s in Educational Psychology from UTRGV. Mrs. Sanchez is passionate about mental health in public schools and loves helping others.

Susan Thillen is a Professional Development Trainer at Learning.com.
She is passionate about growing and learning for herself and for Learning.com customers.
She started her instructional career with elementary school students and finished with adult learners, encountering all ages in between.
She received her Master’s of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Texas at Brownsville via their online learning program.
Encouraging the growth, appreciation and applications of society in technology is a constant fascination that Susan pursues.

Michael S. Murray is in his 21^st year in education and in his 3^rd year as the Director of Advanced Academics for PSJA ISD. His teaching experience is primarily in music having been a band director for 18 years including 10 years as Head Band Director at PSJA Memorial Early College High School. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2001 and Master’s Degree in Music Education in 2008.

Mrs. Brisa Gonzalez, Director of Assessment for PSJA ISD, strives to provide campuses with guidance to ensure fair and equal testing opportunities for all students. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas Pan American. With over eighteen years in education, Mrs. Gonzalez is experienced in campus administration, and is driven by a passion to serve the community. She collaborates with stakeholders and the assessment team to create a shared vision for student success.

Eight years ago I started as a student teacher at Palacios Elementary and I am incredibly thankful for all the amazing opportunities PSJA has offered. I will begin my seventh year as a classroom teacher and my fifth year as our campus CIT. I have truly enjoyed helping teachers stay connected with the latest programs and equipment to make education relevant and engaging for all of our students.

Senyda M. Elizondo is an Integration Specialist, in her role she has assisted countless teachers, staff and administrators adapt to technology changes in education. She has been employed at PSJA ISD for seventeen years as a classroom teacher and Integration Specialist. Senyda is a certified bilingual teacher that graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, she currently holds her Principalship certificate. She holds several technology certifications and has presented at the local, regional, and state level on technology education and trends in the classroom. You can follow her on Twitter @senyda.

I have been a high school science teacher for 7 years and a collaborative learning facilitator for 2 years at PSJA ECHS. As a Gates Millennium Scholar and RGV native with two master’s degrees (C&I and Educational Leadership) and currently working on a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, I seek to give back to the community that helped shape my future.

Raul Vazquez has worked in education since 2003 and is also a product of PSJA. He is currently a 5th grade teacher at Farias Elementary and loves using several methods and technologies to bring lessons to life. Mr. Vazquez also hosts social media channels focused on his favorite topics- science education and food.

Currently a university professor at UTRGV and teacher coach at PSJA, Valentin has provided many PD trainings and seminars in technology. He has been a campus CIT, a robotics and club code mentor as well as has worked as an instructor for Club Code RGV for UTRGV Continuing Education department. He is an innovator and a Tech fanatic. Travel and technology are his passions.

Mrs. Yvette Garza is a 1st-grade teacher at Clover Elementary. She specializes in early childhood education having taught PK-3 through 1st grade for 5 years. She excels and has been recognized for exemplary technology integration in the classroom. Her passion for technology innovation has led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology.

Mrs. Garza is the librarian PSJA Memorial ECHS. She will be starting her 17th year at PSJA Memorial. Before this, she was a librarian and 1st grade teacher at Bowie Elementary. This will be her 35th year with PSJA ISD. Mrs. Garza received her Bachelor of Science degree from Pan American University in 1987 and her Master of Library Science in 2006. She is a Level 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator.

Sherry Brott has been a Professional Development Specialist for Learning.com since 2013 when she retired from public education in Texas. She was a 5^th/6^th grade math and science teacher for 12 years and an Instructional Technology Specialist for 15 years serving at both the campus and district levels. She has a Master of Science degree in Computer Education and Cognitive Thinking from the University of North Texas and received the Texas Master Technology Teacher certification in 2003.

I am a CTE teacher at PSJA Southwest ECHS. I teach architecture for grades 9-12. I've been teaching for 7 years.

Hola!

My name is Blanca Estela Villarreal and I am so thankful and blessed to be part of the PSJA family. I am currently the elementary English Language Development Coach, where I support teachers and students in language development. I have been part of the PSJA Family ever since I attended Farias Elementary, Alamo Middle School and PSJA Memorial High School. It is truly a privilege to be able to serve in this wonderful school district.

Melissa Gomez Summerford is Google Certified Trainer & Innovator and currently serves as a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology. She is passionate about creating significant learning environments built on student choice and voice. Melissa believes that incorporating student voice and choice are the elements that lead to student ownership and engagement. Melissa loves the Littles, and in her sessions, she strives to share activities that help teachers differentiate the learning for

their students through fun and engaging activities.

My name is Linda Moncivais, and I will start my 21^st year teaching for PSJA ISD. I graduated from UTPA with Bachelors in Police Administration & a Master’s in Business Administration. I have taught from 1^st-12^th grade and Business Dual Credit courses for 7 years. I am certified as Bilingual/ESL-Spanish, Elementary Self-Contained, & Business Composite. Have gotten selected to attend 4^th Annual Dr. Rochelle B. Abrams Virtual Space Across the Curriculum Teacher Professional Development July 2021, NASA Teacher Conference February 2016, Business Finance Excet Exam Test Question Evaluator Spring 2019, Business Finance Excet Exam Committee Review 2014-2015, & ETS Business Finance Excet Exam Writer Fall 2015.

I have presented in the following conferences:

• 2020 South Texas STEM Summit Presenter

Topic: 21st Century Business Management & STEM

• Summit College Readiness 2019 Presenter

Topic: 21^st Century Business and STEM

• 2018 January 2018 CTAT Presenter

Topic: VITA Project Based Learning

As an educator I have enjoyed teaching at all levels and is very rewarding when students fulfill their dreams and become productive citizens in society.

Ms. Aguero Ramirez is the Chief of HR and has served as a HR Director for various school districts since 1999 spending the majority of her career at Region One ESC where she was instrumental in creating/implementing longstanding initiatives such as the ONE*APP, SubHub, and a substitute teacher certification program. She holds a BBA and MBA in HR and truly believes that education is the key to a better tomorrow.

Hello Everyone! My name is Jennifer Worley and I have had the pleasure of teaching Science for 7 years. I have taught both 7th and 8th grade throughout my career. I love teaching and enjoy creating innovative ways to help students understand challenging concepts. This past year, I created a set of interactive slides that were very successful at teaching these concepts. I hope that our session will stimulate some great ideas for this coming school year!

Dr. B obtained his Doctor of Science degree in Physical Oceanography in 2003 from Kyushu University, Fukuoka Japan. He was then invited to continue his postdoctoral fellowship in the prestigious Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami. He reluctantly moved to RGV in 2008 and lost his way from Brownsville to Pharr and ended driving to Corpus Christi on his first day of work at College Career and Technology Academy. However, by 2013 he was awarded the PSJA Teacher District of the Year. He continues his dedication for teaching HS Mathematics at PSJA North Early College especially in helping students pass their TSI and ACT college prep exams. His passion is to improve our students’ mathematical skills by bridging STEM to English Literacy. In his free time, Dr. B publishes original research work about the intrusion of Kuroshio warm current system in the South China Sea. He became a US citizen earlier this year after 18 years of waiting.

Shantel Lott is currently a friEdTechnology Lead Learning Guide, Google Certified Educator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator. She currently shares her knowledge of technology integration with teachers through sessions, blogs, and Twitter, and is always looking for opportunities to collaborate and innovate. Prior to that, she was a Digital Learning Specialist/Instructional Technologist for Intermediate and Elementary campuses for 4 years, and a High School Social Studies Teacher and Campus Tech Leader for 6 years. She’s a forever learner who enjoys integrating technology into the classroom and helping teachers.

Sherry Vargas joined PSJA ISD in 1992 starting as a cafeteria cashier, then, paraprofessional, coach, cheer sponsor, library children’s assistant, and UIL judge respectively. She has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/ Reading (4-8) and a Masters in Educational Leadership with a Principal certification from UTRGV. Sherry taught English Language Arts/ Reading, Systems 44, and English as a Second language. As the current English language development Coach for middle schools, she enjoys collaborating with teachers in engaging instructional strategies aligned with English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and TEKS. PSJA has over 14,000 LEP students acquiring English as a second language, so it is essential to practice and apply what they are learning through daily listening, speaking, reading, writing opportunities, across all contents and electives curriculums, for the benefit of ALL students to increase their English Language Proficiency Composite Scores.

Mark Zavala, an Edcouch-Elsa, Texas writer and poet, currently teaches high school in the US-Mexico borderland city of San Juan, Texas. His creative work appears in numerous anthologies such as Lamar Press’ Writing Texas and Boundless 2021: the official anthology of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival. His most recent research on ELL students appears in Imaginative Teaching through Creative Writing: A Guide for Secondary Classrooms.