Kristin and Joe Merrill share a passion for infusing EdTech into their Fourth and First Grade classrooms. Together, they have a combined 20+ years of teaching experience, where they collaborate to create engaging lessons that turn into memories for their students. Even though they teach different grades, they share one common goal: learning needs to be interactive. This mindset drove them to write the books: The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class (Elevate Books EDU), and put a new spin on traditional strategies to help implement technology that meets the needs of all students.
Claudio Zavala Jr. is an Adobe Education Evangelist with 25+ years of teaching, mentoring, and digital design experience. He's a respected presenter, Adobe Express Ambassador turned full-time employee, and has 7 years of YouTube tutorial creation. Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, he works with Midwest school districts, excelling in photography, cinematography, and music. Find him on Twitter/Instagram: @ClaudioZavalaJr, or claudiozavalajr.com.
David Hernandez is part of Apple’s Education team, collaborating with school leaders to harness technology for transforming learning. Previously, he spent 17 years as a teacher, administrator, and regional education specialist in Texas. David holds a BA in Language Arts, an M.Ed. in Education Leadership, and is completing an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in education technology. He believes that technology's greatest potential lies in empowering students and teachers. Apple Education is committed to helping schools maximize Apple products to enhance learning opportunities and create inspiring teaching environments.
Jeni is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is a EdTech speaker, consultant, and author dedicated to providing support for teachers both in and out of the classroom. Jeni empathizes with the daily challenges educators encounter and strives to offer guidance, resources, and encouragement to all educators. As an Account Executive and Senior Community Strategist at MagicSchool AI, Jeni's goal is to ensure every teacher feels supported and empowered to impact students positively. She values community collaboration and actively organizes events, delivers professional development sessions, and fosters partnerships with school districts.
Monica Isabel Martinez
A Canva Learning Consultant supporting schools with their instructional and technology programs. She is recognized as an international educational technology speaker and keynote. She has over 25 years of experience teaching students (PreK - higher ed) and professionals at all levels in 6 out of the 7 continents. Monica has a master’s degree in Educational Technology, is a published author, designer and photographer.
Hi-eee! Super Manny is Edpuzzle’s Global Community Manager. He is always looking for Edpuzzle Coaches and Trainers so find him on social (@MannyDiscoTech) and say Helllleeeeer! Manny taught 1st-3rd grade bilingual, then moved to the district's office and served as an EdTech Coach. He believes in giving teachers and students FUN learning experiences… with disco music heeeny Yaaas!
Danielle is a dynamic educator and advocate for digital learning from the Houston area. A TCU alum, she earned her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education with a focus on English Language Learners. After teaching in Honduras, she returned to the U.S. to work in various Texas schools. Co-founding two businesses with her husband, Danielle now merges her passions for education and business by helping schools implement innovative, tech-driven solutions.
James Flaskamp is Genially’s Community Builder for the U.S. and Canada, where he empowers educators through engaging, interactive content. A 20-year K–12 veteran, James has served as a teacher, Instructional Coach, and Digital Learning Coach in Florida and Texas. He’s passionate about pedagogy, gamification, and creativity, earning accolades like Teacher of the Year and institute fellowships. Outside of work, James enjoys adventures with his wife, a Language Arts teacher, and their two spirited daughters.
Janine Blunt has been making a difference in the lives of children and educators for over 20 years, focusing on awakening joy in learning and creative expression. She is an experienced educator who has worked across all grade levels from PreK through high school, specializing in building strong literacy and mathematics foundations for all students. Janine is passionate about providing equitable education opportunities for students regardless of learning disabilities, economic status, race, religion, or gender.
As Senior Partnerships Manager at SchoolAI, Mike Powell combines decade-long EdTech expertise with lifelong education connection through his educator/administrator mother (40 years) and school board father. Mike believes students should learn their way while teachers deserve meaningful support. He's passionate about SchoolAI's mission: making school awesome through personalized AI support for students and actionable insights for educators—amplifying human connection, not replacing it.
Kelly Sherrill is a former 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher from North Carolina and a district Tech Master. Since 2018, she has worked in EdTech with districts across all 50 states and internationally, focusing on Revenue, Account Management, and Customer Success. A frequent conference presenter and guest speaker at Elon University, Kelly brings deep classroom insight to her work. Outside of work, you’ll find her curled up with a good book and her two dogs.
Omar is a Technology Integration Specialist at Region One ESC. Before that, he was a middle school teacher for 17 years. He has an M. Ed. in Educational Technology. He is Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Educator and an Adobe Creative Educator Innovator. He advocates for equity and inclusion in every classroom and firmly believes that curiosity leads to exploration; exploration leads to creativity; and creativity leads to learning!
Sheryl Colaur has over 20 years of experience in education, spanning classroom teaching, publishing, and EdTech. She currently supports major school districts across Texas and neighboring states in leveraging AI through Brisk Teaching. Her previous roles include strategic leadership at NoRedInk, Teachstone, Turnitin, and Scholastic. Sheryl lives in Longmont, Colorado, and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two children.
Eira Munoz Garza
I'm a bilingual educator with over 10 years of experience in dual language classrooms. I help develop district curriculum and love creating strategies that support Emergent Bilinguals. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership to further advocate for equity and student success. I enjoy sharing practical, engaging ideas that inspire both teachers and students.
Michael Craft is one of the band directors at Austin Middle School, where he has been working with Head Director, Arturo Cano since 2012. Education and connecting with students have always been some of their most inspiring moments.
Miguel Torres
Teaches social studies at PSJA Early College High School, where he’s tackled everything from Government and Economics to U.S. History. A proud Longhorn with a Government degree from UT Austin, he also earned graduate degrees in Political Science and Sociology from Texas A&M Kingsville. Miguel is all about bringing tech into the classroom to make learning more interactive, meaningful, and fun—for both students and teachers.
Bryan Banning
I am a 6th grade math teacher with ten years of experience and I work at Audie Murphy Middle School.
Susanna Barbosa
I work at Dr. William Long Elementary. I have been an educator for 19 years. I am the Campus Instructional Technologist and CLL.I am married and have 3 sons. They have all gone to PSJA schools.
Lorenzo Cervantes
I’m a high school math teacher at PSJA North Early College High School, passionate about making math meaningful through technology and real-world connections. I integrate interactive tools and 360 video to engage students and bring abstract concepts to life. My goal is to prepare students for college and beyond by showing how math applies to everyday challenges, helping them build confidence and curiosity in every lesson.
Linda Martinez
The librarian at PTI, CCTA, and Buell in PSJA ISD. She has been an educator for nineteen years with experience in elementary and secondary levels. Her libraries have gained state and national recognition upon winning several library grants that have upgraded her facilities and supplied more titles to her library collections. Ms. Martinez is certified in various EDTECH applications and uses her expertise to assist her students and staff.
Jonathan Chapa
Has 8 years of experience in PSJA Elementary Education and 6 years as a Campus Technology Integrator. With a Master’s in STEAM Education and a background in curriculum writing, he is passionate about leveraging AI to transform teaching and learning through innovative, student-centered strategies.
Yesenia Resendez
I’m Yesenia, a 4th grade bilingual teacher with 7 years of experience and 4 years as a CIT at my campus. With a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, I’m passionate about blending ed tech and creativity into my classroom to engage my students and bring learning to life— proud dog mom of 3 labs and enjoying life every day!
Michael Craft and Head Band Director, Arturo Cano
Serve at Austin Middle School since 2012. During that time, they have adapted and grown to use techniques and approaches utilizing technology to create an efficient learning experience for their students. We look forward to sharing and learning experiences with you for this conference!
Eduardo Guzman
I have been a part of the PSJA ISD family starting in the mid 2000's. In that time, I have had the pleasure of being an ELAR teacher and a Language Development Specialist. I hold in high regard the vision and mission of PSJA ISD, and my hope is to contribute to those statements by focusing on the biliteracy strand. Throughout the years, I have been inspired from many PSJA peers and value their expertise to ensure all PSJA ISD students receive an outstanding education.
Welcome to this engaging and practical session designed with teachers in mind! In this session, you’ll explore how powerful AI tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT can support your instructional planning, enhance student learning, and save you valuable time.
Ms. Castillo is the CLL at McKeever Elementary, bringing experience from teaching both 4th grade and PreK4. She holds a master’s degree in learning technologies and a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies. Passionate about integrating technology, she uses various tools to enhance her lesson planning. Her approach encourages students to engage actively and take ownership of their learning. Ms. Castillo is dedicated to creating dynamic, tech-enhanced classrooms that support student success.
We will explore how to create digital challenges, like escape games or speed quizzes, to boost student engagement and foster collaboration.
I’ve spent forty years in education—thirty-seven as an elementary and middle school teacher, and three as a paraprofessional and ESL teacher. I’ve taught every grade from Pre-K3 to 8th and served as a reading resource teacher. I’m now a special education teacher, and I integrate AI into my daily instruction using tools like Magic School, Brisk, and Chalkie AI. Today, I’ll be focusing on how Chalkie AI can transform classroom learning.
Salvador Ocanas has proudly served PSJA ISD for over 11 years, holding multiple positions across the district and gaining experience in both middle and elementary education. He has contributed to curriculum writing for various grade levels and has led impactful projects, including the creation of a nature conservatory and outdoor classroom on campus to enrich student learning.
I am a Science Lab Teacher at Aida Escobar Elementary and an Emergency Medical Technician with a local provider. As a PSJA alumnus, I looks forward to improving the classroom environment for our students and future leaders.
I have taught for 11 years in various districts to which I have always taught Social Studies from middle school to high school. I have been with PSJA ISD for 8 of those years located at Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School. I have also had the privilege of coaching Basketball, Football, and Cross Country. In the past, I have practiced with graphic designing with several, personal clients as well as assisting our campus with posters, logos, and shirt concepts. I have participated in the past with Best Practices and our Tech Conferences and very much look forward to this coming years.
She is an elementary teacher with 15 years of experience. She loves to incorporate technology in her classroom in order to make learning fun and engaging. Her presentation is on Curipod. You will learn how to create interactive lessons that boost critical thinking, support writing skills, and provide instant feedback. If you cant make the presentation feel free to reach out and she will gladly help.
Jeanette has had the opportunity to work at PSJA for the past 9 years as a teacher, CIT and IB Coach. She truly enjoys collaborating and providing professional development opportunities to teachers willing to learn new skills. "Technology has become a big part of our learning environment, let’s come together and get innovative!"