Amanda Hanny Matarese

About me:

I was inspired by my grandmother who, at the age of 80, was the first in the family to own an iPad. She used it daily, traveled across country with it in her carry on, and claimed I was the favorite grandchild because I help others as an educator.

I started teaching French at Saint Elizabeth High School for the 2012-2013 school year. On the first day, I was given an iPad. About three months later, I implemented a month long immersion/trial where I would wheel in the iPad cart on a daily basis. Saint Elizabeth High School is now recognized as an Apple Distinguished School.

Educational technology was not a thing at my own high school. I wanted to create an environment that challenged students and opened doors of opportunity. I wanted to give them what I didn't have: immediate access to the francophone world.

Fast forward seven years... I am a French teacher and Technology Integrationist at Salesianum School. The school implemented their iPad program at the start of the 2014-2015 school year. At a much larger school, I have had many opportunities to grow in and outside of the classroom.

I singlehandedly designed and launched a summer program to support incoming students and their families. The Salesian Technology in Education Program (STEP) is designed to instruct students and families on how to responsibly use technology, as well as offer a hands-on experience with iPads, onCampus, the school's LMS, and other valuable resources before the school year begins. The program is now in its fourth year with six running sessions and additional teachers.

I have led countless professional development workshops. I have helped teachers meaningfully implement educational technology with the iPad. I have promoted effective use of technology through G Suite apps with staff members. I have gone to a plethora of educational technology conferences, and will be presenting at ISTE 2019.

I have flipped my French classroom. I have led virtual field trips. I have created formative assessments with instant feedback. I have guided students through augmented reality scavenger hunts. But what is more important is that my students are creators. They are using the language and expressing themselves through a variety of applications. They are exploring the francophone world and communicating with students abroad. They are published authors.

The best and most amazing part of educational technology is that is never stops changing. Although I may have completed my degree in educational technology, I hope to never stop researching, learning, and growing.