The Tech Integration Team

Art Schouten began his teaching career as a Social Studies teacher in 2003. He would later join Orange-Ulster BOCES where he was a Technology Integration Specialist and Lead Teacher for several years. After receiving his administration degree, he spent three years at Tuxedo Union Free School District as their Assistant Principal as well as their High School Principal.  Art joined the WCSD community in 2015 when he became the Director of Instructional Technology, Data, Assessment, Library Media Services, and Technology Education. 

After attending Port Jervis High School, Art Received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hartwick College. he later received a Masters in Education with a concentration in both Curriculum and Instruction and Computer Education from the University of Phoenix. Art also received his Certificate of Advance Students in School Building and School District Leadership from SUNY New Paltz. 

Art has an extensive background in Design Thinking focusing on STEM/STEAM across the curriculum. He has worked with the staff at WCSD to create maker environments throughout their secondary programs while also infusing STEM/STEAM in the K-8 Librarian program.  

During his time as a Technology Integration Specialist, Art was a Google Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator. Most recently, Art was named the NYSCATE Outstanding Technology Leader in 2019. 

His passion regarding technology integration/Instruction is focused around the development of student-centered instruction through the use of hands-on activities as outlined by Design Thinking and PBL.  In recent year, Art has also been highly involved in the redesigning of our classroom spaces in order to incorporate flexible learning spaces, student choice, and relevant and appropriate use of technology in the classroom setting.  

Dan Roberto began his teaching career as a Social Studies teacher at Brandeis High School in 2003. He joined the WCSD community in 2006 when he began teaching 8th grade Social Studies at Wappingers Junior High School. After a number of fantastic years at WJHS, he was fortunate to join the Technology Integration Team in 2011. 

He is the product of the WCSD, having graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School. He has a Bachelors of Science in History, a Masters in Adolescent Education from Fordham University and received his National Board Certified Teacher certificate. He has a background in curriculum development having served as an Understanding By Design curriculum writing trainer and he is  a Google Certified Educator. 

His  passion regarding technology integration is using technology to redesign learning spaces that empower students. Dan enjoys working with his colleagues in finding creative and relevant ways to integrate technology to improve workflow, differentiate instruction, provide student choice and allow students to create, collaborate, apply, share and reflect on their learning. His specialties include GSuite, Google Classroom, HyperDocs, Apps and Extensions, Genius Hour, creating digital learning spaces, coding and makerspace activities. 

Andrew Nikola began his teaching career at WCSD in 2007 as a teacher at Vassar Road Elementary School. He taught third grade for two years and first grade for nine years before joining the Technology Integration Team in 2018. 

Andrew is a product of WCSD, attending Myers Corners Elementary School, Fishkill Plains Elementary School, Van Wyck Junior High School, and graduated from John Jay High School. He has a Bachelors of Science in Finance from Siena College, and a dual Masters in Childhood Education and Special Education from Mount Saint Mary's College. Andrew was recently awarded NYSCATE's 2018 Lee Bryant Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award and is a past recipient of the 40 Under 40 Shaker Award from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is a recipient of over $24,000 in educational grants.  Andrew is a Google Certified Trainer, Educator, and Common Sense Media Ambassador.

Andrew is dedicated to the student use of instructional technology as an integral part of their learning space. He plans creative ways to redesign your classroom from a sterile learning environment to one where kids actually enjoy the space they are learning in, and consider it a "destination". Andrew enjoys working with colleagues to work efficiently and improve best practices and students to improve their overall learning experience. He specializes in GSuite, Google Classroom, Seesaw & online portfolios, Hyperdocs, Blended Learning, Apps & Extensions, Digital Citizenship,  redesigning learning spaces, coding, Makerspace and STEM activities. Andrew is excited to continue working with his colleagues with the  implementation of instructional technology use is an asset to his colleagues.

Andrew and Dan co-host the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. They both were honored by Hudson Valley Magazine Teacher Appreciation Awards.