Presenters

Sean is a special educator and STEM Coach who has taught in NYC’s District 75 citywide special needs program since 2005. He works with students with moderate to severe disabilities as well as educators across the city, and he is committed to reaching all students through innovative technology and practices. He shares his experience and expertise at making learning personally meaningful, intrinsically motivating, and made for everyone regardless of ability or origin. He shares his knowledge at conferences like ISTE and TED-Ed to empower educational change agents. You can also find evidence of his spirit for systemic change at BraveInTheAttempt.com.

He has received the ISTE Outstanding Teacher, ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator Award, NY State Educator of the Year Honorable Mention, NYCDOE Excellence in School Technology Award, and the EDxEDNYC Excellence in Technology Award. He is also certified in many educational technologies (Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Innovator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, BrainPOP Educator, Flipgrid GridGuide, LEGO Master Educator, SMART Exemplary Educator, Classcraft Ambassador, Minecraft Mentor, and more).

Personally, Sean is a father of two energetic young boys and enjoys riding bikes, coaching soccer, and playing games with them. He’s also a multi-instrumental musician who performs occasionally at NYC clubs and is popular for his improvisational singing. But the accomplishment his children most admire is that he once ate a live Madagascar hissing cockroach for free museum passes.

Chappel Billings, Ed.M. is an instructional designer and training facilitator. Chappel, a Chicago native, has over 18 years of experience in education, serving in the roles of special education teacher, assistant principal, special education coordinator and instructional designer. Motivated by her passion for adult learning and technology, Chappel advises training and development professionals on ways to leverage technology and innovation strategies to create transformative training experiences.

Chappel holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters of Arts degree in School Leadership from Concordia University, Chicago. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Technology from Concordia University. Chappel Billings is a 2018 Future School Leaders Network Inductee.

Cutia (Ka-TEE-ah) Blunt is the Head of School for the Lower Campus (K - 3) of The GLOBE Academy - a dual-language public charter school in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout her 20 year career in education, she's also been a Director of Academic Technology, assistant principal, classroom teacher, and gifted program teacher. She is also an independent contractor with a major educational technology professional development company. Cutia has earned an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Mr. Brazier is an award winning veteran Educator who has served as a Science Teacher, Secondary Principal and Central Office Administrator for district and state agencies. He was the Founding Principal of the Lewisville Night High School in Lewisville, Texas. Under his leadership the school made a major positive impact for at-risk and non-traditional students in the district which led to him replicating his efforts in Dallas ISD where he was also the Founding Principal of the John Leslie Patton, Jr. Academic Center. This school helped Dallas ISD to reach its largest graduation cohort at that time.

He is a leadership & technology integration consultant as well as a featured speaker for conferences across the United States and Canada. He is the co-founder of #LaEdChat, Louisiana’s online professional learning network (Established in 2014) and the Google Education Group Leader for Louisiana. Mr. Brazier earned a letter grade of A from the Louisiana Department of Education and purchased the first set of Chromebooks in the state’s 2nd largest school district. He also led all Chromebook pilots for the district's 1:1 Initiative which now impacts students across the district with over 30,000 Chromebooks.

Mr. Brazier holds multiple educational and industry based certifications (Adobe, Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.) and serves an ambassador for the future of leadership in K-12 education. Among other awards, he was selected to receive the 2019 ISTE Education Leaders Network Award for Exemplary Leadership. This award recognizes an education leader who sets the essential conditions necessary for teachers and students to leverage technology to enhance learning.

Patricia J. Brown, known as “MsEdtechie”, is a Technology Specialist for Ladue School District. She has been an educator since 2001. She breaks down traditional classroom walls by creating a culture that fosters the 4C’s and authentic learning. She is passionate about providing educators with practical techniques to integrate technology and make global connections. Among her many accolades as an award-winning educator, she was selected as a National School Board Association’s 20 to Watch, an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google for Education Certified Innovator & Trainer, a 2015 PBS Lead LearningMedia Digital Innovator for Missouri, and in 2006, she was honored as Teacher of The Year for the St. Louis Public Schools. She served on the advisory panel for ISTE’s member magazine, Empowered Learner. She is an ISTE Digital Equity PLN Co-Chair, and a Code.org Facilitator. Her work has been featured in several publications including, Tech & Learning Magazine, Scholastic Administrator Magazine, Edtech Magazine, Entrsekt Magazine, and she also served as a monthly columnist for Edsurge, Tech & Learning Magazine, and The Pearson School Blog. She has been a keynote speaker and presenter at several state and national conferences including a featured TED Master Class speaker at the ISTE 2018 conference in Chicago Illinois. On a personal side, she is a proud wife to her husband Brian, and mom-in-chief to their five sons.

Michael Cohen, The Tech Rabbi, is a designer, educator and creativity instigator. His mission is to help educators around the world reveal their own creative abilities so they can empower students to solve interesting problems and become positive contributors to our global society. He is the author of the book Educated By Design, which outlines his principles for revealing and nurturing our innate creative courage and capacity. He is a national keynote speaker, advisor, and trainer. When he isn’t traveling the world sharing his message, he serves as the director of innovation for Yeshiva University of Los Angeles Boys School (YULA) where he manages and teaches at the Schlesinger STEAM and Entrepreneurship Center.

Dr. Marialice B.F.X. Curran is the Founder and Executive Director of the Digital Citizenship Institute. Her advanced graduate and doctoral studies on adolescent development at Boston College reinforced her commitment to service learning as Dr. Curran leads by hand, heart and mind. As a mother and a connected educator, she has served as an associate professor, middle school teacher, principal and library media specialist.

As a pioneer in digital citizenship, she developed and created the first 3-credit digital citizenship course for teachers in the United States. She co-founded the digital citizenship chat in Twitter (2011) and the Digital Citizenship Summit (2015). She serves on the international advisory board for GlobalMindED and is a researcher, keynote, international speaker and TEDxYouth speaker.

An entrepreneur and puppeteer at the age of 11, Dr. Curran's experiences include world travel with particular interest in the creative arts, middle level education, special education, teacher education and educational technology. Dr. Curran is committed to promoting social good using social media and technology. She believes in a community-driven approach to educating and empowering digital citizens to create solutions in local, global and digital communities. Her mission is to turn negatives into positives and help to transform participants into designers, creative thinkers, global collaborators, problem solvers and justice-oriented digital citizens.

She has partnered with her son and the two are a recognized professionally as a mother/son digital citizenship team. The dynamic duo model best practices while working with parents, educators, students and community organizations. They recently told their mother/son story, DigCitKids: Lessons Learning Side-by-Side, to Empower Others Around the World.

Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D. is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center and host of the Leading Equity Podcast. With over 11 years in education, he has served as a teacher, principal, and Director of Special Education.

Dr. Eakins has a passion for helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He has earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education.

Dr. Nicol R. Howard is an assistant professor in the School of Education at the University of Redlands. Her research foci are STEM and computer science equity, parent involvement, and teacher education. Nicol's concern for certain inequities in education has led to publications in educational journals, such as the Urban Education Journal, e-Learning and Digital Media, the International Journal of Educational Technology, and Educause. She is the co-author of three recent book publications, Coding+Math: Strengthen K-5 Math Skills with Computer Science, Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for Teacher Prep Programs, and Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom. Nicol is also the co-founder and co-editor for the Journal of Computer Science Integration. Follow her @NicolRHoward and learn more about her work at https://www.nicolhoward.com/

Carla M. Jefferson (@mrsjeff2u) is a 20 year veteran educator and currently is an Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Darlington County School District.

Her passion for technology and teaching has led her on the journey to assist her district in making the digital transformation. A former teacher, curriculum facilitator, and school level administrator, Carla’s goal is to level the playing field for all children through the use of technology. She is a bonafide techie geek who loves to integrate technology into the curriculum, Carla flipped her classroom for 2 years in a 1:1 iPad classroom.

Carla’s work has been featured on EdSurge and EdTech Team. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator; Apple Learning Specialist; Google for Education Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator; Remind Connected Educator and a member of the Remind Advisory Board; Class Dojo Ambassador, and a Code.org Facilitator. Carla was the 2016 Lead PBS Digital Innovator for South Carolina. She also serves as a member of the SCASCD board and the ISTE Digital Equity PLN Leadership Team.

Linda Johnson is an Arts Integration Specialist and Music Educator who has worked with elementary and secondary age students in general music, choir, and ELAR. After 23 years of teaching in public schools, she left the classroom to explore a second career as the founder of MATCH Studio and Consulting, where she teaches piano lessons out of her private music studio and offers educational consulting with a focus on Arts Integration and STEAM.

She received Level I and II Arts Integration Certification from the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and is currently a Certification Coach for the Level I program.​​

Linda believes that combining the creative nature of the arts with academics gives students another access point to acquire knowledge that is meaningful, relevant, and culturally responsive. She is equally passionate about showing teachers how to change routine education through artistic thinking and expression. You can connect with Linda at https://www.lindajohnson.org/

Jenna Hewitt King is a high school teacher, wellness advocate, and equity leader. Jenna has an English teaching credential and a Master’s in Education, focusing her research on social justice pedagogies and practices in the classroom. Additionally, Jenna is a certified SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Leader and Breathe for Change Wellness Champion/Yoga Teacher. She hosts many professional development opportunities for local educators centered around equity, social-emotional learning, and teacher self-care, including digital resources like bit.ly/teachtolerancepd. Jenna believes that the bridge between social justice and social-emotional learning needs to be studied and amplified in order to create and cultivate substantial change in our schools and communities. She is passionate about supporting educators (specifically white educators) through the self-work needed to build anti-racist pedagogies and practices.

Monica Isabel Martinez is a creative instructional designer. She has developed many technology programs some of which have been adopted by districts, universities, and others that have been rolled out country-wide. Monica has experience teaching students and professionals at all levels including elementary, secondary, and higher education while working in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Monica has a master’s degree in Educational Technology and is also a Google Certified Innovator, Google Education Trainer, and a global trainer.

Kristen Nichols lives in Dallas, Tx, and currently serves as a district behavior coach. She formerly served as a special education instructor. Kristen has been in education for over ten years and is a life long learner. Kristen is passionate about learning behavioral neuroscience and how to positively impact the wellbeing of students. She is committed to developing social emotional wellness in education.

Rachelle Dene Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is a Consultant and Speaker, owner of ThriveinEDU LLC Consulting. She serves as the President of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and serves on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network. At ISTE19, she received the Making IT Happen Award and a Presidential Gold Award for volunteer service to education. She is also a Buncee Ambassador, Nearpod PioNear and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.

Rachelle is the author of four books, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU” (EduMatch) and “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” Rachelle Dene’s latest book is with ISTE “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World." Rachelle is a blogger for Getting Smart, Defined Learning, District Administration, NEO LMS, and the STEM Informer with Newsweek.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915

Dr. Alissa Russell has been teaching mathematics for 18 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Dallas Baptist University, a Masters of Science in Mathematics from Almeda University, a Masters of Science in Education from Walden University, and an Educational Doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. She is currently pursuing National Board Certification.

Dr. Russell has received the Life Oak Cliff High School Teacher of the Year Award, Life School District Teacher of the Year Award, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Award, and State of Texas Charter Schools Association, Teacher of the Year Award.

She currently serves as the Mathematics Department Head, campus Life Leader, Dual Credit Instructor, Senior Class Sponsor, National Honor Society Sponsor, Step Team Sponsor, and Student Council Sponsor, and a teacher mentor.

Dr. Russell’s teaching philosophy is that every child can learn. As educators, it is our duty to discover what opens a child’s mind to learning. Teachers do not just teach, we train tomorrow’s adult citizens.

Knikole Taylor works with teachers and teacher leaders to craft professional goals to extend their scope of instruction and meet the needs of all learners.

Knikole is a professional development trainer, curriculum developer, author and speaker, who has been privileged to travel the world to speak and work with other educators at conferences, campuses, and district-wide events. It is her firm belief that anyone can succeed with tailored support. Knikole works to assist educators in being their best for the students and teachers they serve each day.

She received her bachelor's from Texas A&M-Commerce and her Masters of Education in Administration from Lamar University. Knikole is currently a doctoral student at Dallas Baptist University pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Thomas, the founder of Fun Weird Science, is an enthusiastic and passionate technology educator with a solid commitment to the social, academic and developmental growth of every student. Known for his engaging and versatile teaching methods, he has the ability to inspire hands-on learning experiences that capture a student’s imagination.

Fun Weird Science is the programming brand for Georgia Science & Robotics Academy, Inc. (501c3). Our mission is to train K-12th grade students to be proficient in each component of S.T.E.A.M. through innovative instruction that will produce creative-minded and critical thinking participants in the global marketplace

Our approach represents next-generation hands-on learning. Our practices,strategies, and programs are built upon a foundation of identified best practices designed to improve student exposure and understanding of the S.T.E.A.M. disciplines. Committed to the Community Currently, we are committed to serving Atlanta, GA , and surrounding areas.

Misty is a Digital Learning Consultant with Region 10 Education Service Center. She collaborates with schools and districts across the North Texas region with the goal of providing hands on, relevant professional learning experiences that empower educators to leverage technology in transformative ways.

Misty is a Google Certified Innovator #LAX18, Google Certified Trainer, and she will be starting course work for UNT's Doctorate of Philosophy in Learning Technologies program at UNT this fall.

Mari is a middle school science teacher in San Diego, CA. She is a Google For Education Certified Trainer and Innovator and a National Board Certified Teacher. She is currently working toward her EdD at Boise State University.