Google for Education Playground: Creating an Impact

Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator. She is Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC. She holds various teaching, administrative and technology certifications, including IC3 certification, Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer and Expert. She is a 2021 Texas Computer Education Association Featured Thought Leader, 2020 International Society for Technology in Education Featured Voice, 2020 Future of Education Technology Conference Featured Presenter, 2019 Customer Commitment Award Honoree from Better Business Bureau, 2017 Young Professional Initiative 40 Under 40 Awards Honoree, 2017 Center for Digital Education Top 30 Technologists, Transformers & Trailblazers. Learn more: www.educatoralexander.com.

Frederick is an ISTE Certified Educator, Google for Education Certified Innovator (#NYC19 cohort), Trainer, Coach, the founder and leader of GEG Minnesota Metro Area, a GEG Mentor for US - Midwest, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert 20-21 and an Adobe Education Leader, that is passionate about leveraging technology to make the daily work of educators more efficient, their teaching more engaging, and their lives more fulfilling. Frederick has taught beginning instrumental music in Bloomington, Minnesota since 1998.

Jennifer Casa-Todd is wife, mom, a Teacher-Librarian in Ontario Canada, a former Literacy Consultant, a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, and the author of the books, Social LEADia and Raising Digital Leaders, and children’s book Aubrey Bright: Stories that connect us. She is also an ISTE Librarian PLN executive member and GEG Ontario leader. Jennifer received the ISTE Digital Citizenship Network award in 2020. She is passionate about showing teachers and students how they can use technology and social media to make the world a better place.

Hi! I'm Aishling i'm the Academic Coordinator at my school here in Riyadh, KSA. I am a google coach, trainer and tech enthusiast. I look forward to having the opportunity to share my learning from this year and learn from you.

Heather Dowd is an educator, coach, and author. As an original team member of the Dynamic Learning Project pilot which evolved into the Google for Education Certified Coach Program, she mentored instructional coaches across the United States to inspire teachers to use technology in meaningful ways for student learning. Heather is a co-author of “Classroom Management in the Digital Age” where she encourages teachers to set the learning free with a solid classroom management plan. She is a former physics teacher, instructional designer, and education technology coach who loves talking about physics, coaching, spreadsheets, and design.

Teresa is a K-12 Instructional Technology Coach in the McGuffey School District. She is a Dynamic Learning Project Certified Coach, a Google Certified Coach, and a Google Certified Trainer. Teresa spent her 30-year career as a classroom teacher in the East Stroudsburg Area School District and in the McGuffey School District. Her certifications included BS Elementary K-6, MS Elementary, K-12 Reading Specialist, Instructional Leadership Principal K-12, and Science 7-9. Teresa has presented at various conferences and workshops around the country including PETE&C 2019, 2021 and ISTE 2019, 2020.

Ari is an innovative educator with 9 years of experience in education & specializes in pedagogy-first technology integration to enhance practice & student achievement. Her passion is inspiring others to share their stories & skills through technology. Ari is also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator. As an Innovator & Trainer Ari works to ensure technology is implemented equitably to provide all students access and opportunity.

Rachel is an innovation coach with the Halton District School Board in Burlington, ON (west of Toronto). Before her coaching role, she was a secondary science teacher, teaching mostly grades 11 and 12 chemistry. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and is qualified to teach in chemistry, biology, math, SPED, and library. Rachel is also a podcaster (The EduGals Podcast and The Shift Show EDU) and blogger (EduGals.com) as well as a Google Certified Trainer.

Ericka Mabion is the K-8 CTE/PLTW Coordinator for Kansas City Public Schools. She has been passionate about STEM, technology integration, and helping fellow educators create engaging project-based learning experiences. She is a liaison for educators to connect with each other for personal and professional growth. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. Currently, she holds credentials as a Google Certified Trainer, teaching certification, Coaching Digital Learners, and credentials to facilitate Professional Development. She is a published blogger. During her career, she has been awarded Teacher of the Year three times.

Kathryn (Katie) Nieves is currently a Teacher/Coordinator of Educational Technology Integration and was formerly a special education teacher. She is a doctoral candidate and is a Google Certified Innovator, Trainer, and Educator. Katie is passionate about using technology to support the needs and interests of all learners. She has presented at national conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, and CEC and her work has been published in different journals, textbooks, and educational websites.

Bhavini is a K-12 Technology TOSA for Palm Springs Unified. She is an Apple Teacher, Google Certified Trainer and holds all of the Leading Edge certifications. She has planned and delivered professional development to district staff, presented at district wide events and presented sessions conferences such as Fall CUE, Spring CUE, ISTE along with other CUE events.