Inclusive Learning Playground: Empowering Student Voices

As a special educator and STEM Coach in NYC’s District 75, citywide special education, Sean works with a broad range of students and educators. He is committed to reaching all students through innovative technology and practices. He shares his expertise at making learning personally meaningful, intrinsically motivating, and made for everyone. You can also find evidence of his work at BraveInTheAttempt.com. He has received the ISTE Outstanding Teacher Award, ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator Award, NYCDOE Excellence in School Technology Award, the EDxEDNYC Excellence in Technology Award, and many other accolades and certifications.

Greetings from Wichita, Kansas! My name is Micah Brown. I graduated from Wichita State University (Go Shocks!) with a Bachelors of Sciences degree in Elementary Education. I also earned my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University. I am a lifelong learner, Osmo Ambassador, and currently an Innovation and Technology Lead Teacher for USD #385 in Andover, Kansas. I believe that learning is a lifelong process and that it is my greatest privilege to connect with and engage learners of all ages.

Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP is a founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast about using technology to design inclusive educational experiences for those who use augmentative/alternative communication. Chris is the author of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, published by ISTE, co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools.

Leticia Citizen, a 22-year educator, is an i4Coach with a particular interest in technology-enhanced teaching and global connections. As a result, she implements many applications available to teachers, helping augment their students’ learning, modernizing traditional classroom methods. Leticia dedicates her life to social justice, teaching through an equity lens, and providing intentional and engaging PD. She is co-founder of Equity In Action, CA and Tech.Teach.Grow, LLC. Leticia currently serves as an ambassador and trainer for varying digital tools including Nearpod, Wakelet, Newsela, and Flipgrid. She’s Google Certified and an MIE Expert.

Sarah is an instructional technology coach with a diverse background in design and delivery. Through her work as an educator, curriculum writer, instructional designer and technology trainer, she is passionate about designing effective learning experiences and leveraging technology to impact teaching and learning. Sarah is a Google Certified Coach, Kami Hero and Pear Deck Coach. Originally from Pittsburgh, Sarah earned her Master of Education from The Ohio State University and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ohio Dominican University.

Cassie Frost, M.S.Ed, ATP has been in the special education field for fifteen years, specializing in utilizing technology with students who struggle with emotional and behavioral disabilities, autism, and behaviors resulting from intellectual or learning disabilities. Cassie is a member of the WI Assistive Technology Advisory Council, the President-Elect of the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children, and an ISTE certified educator. She enjoys working with others to find ways for all students to succeed. She presents at the regional and national level, including Closing the Gap, ATIA, and ISTE on technologies that enable access and engagement for students.

Cecelia Gillam is a proud graduate of Southern University A&M of Baton Rouge. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology and General Science. She has been teaching science in a High school since 2005. With a zeal for learning and passion for helping others, she went on to earn her Master’s and is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southeastern Louisiana University. Cecelia has been named one of Louisiana’s State finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science in 2015 and 2019.

Rhianon E. Gutierrez is the Director of Digital Learning for the Boston Public Schools, where she supports staff, teachers, and students by providing them with access to technology tools, resources, and learning opportunities. She has taught media arts and technology to elementary through adult learners and has worked across museums, theatres, and cinema to develop accessible digital content and advise on disability inclusion strategies for stage, film, television, games, and interactive content. Rhianon served as the 2020-21 President of the ISTE Inclusive Learning Network and was named a 2018 ISTE Emerging Leader and 2020 Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator.

Jessica Holloway is an innovation coach for Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee. Her focus is on supporting K-12 STEM/STEAM education across the district. In her 17 years as an educator, she has taught middle school language arts and was a school-based instructional coach prior to her current role. She was recently awarded EdTech Digest awards: the EdTech Leadership Award - School Leader winner and the EdTech Trendsetter Award - Educator Setting a Trend finalist and received the 2022 Excellence in STEM Leadership Award from the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. Follow her on Twitter @hollowayreader.

Stephanie is the CEO of Gold EDU, a Google for Education Partner and is also the EdTech Lead for the Pickerington Local Schools District. She is key to the embedding and implementation of Google Workspace tools across her schools and organisations and would be ideally placed to have access to the roadmap to ensure that she can support her colleagues and customers better on their Google Workspace journeys.

Solutions, Inc in Reading, MA. She co-moderates #ATChat and co-authored Inclusive Learning 365, published by ISTE. Karen is passionate about supporting educators in their efforts to ensure all learners have access to the inclusive strategies, tools, and resources they need for success, independence, and empowerment.

Brenny Kummer is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. She connects technology and instruction, serves as the district tech coach, LMS system administrator, coordinates eLearning, and plans professional development. With Universal Design for Learning as the district instructional framework, Brenny has a passion for inclusion and accessibility. She has taught in a full inclusion classroom of children with significant, intensive needs. Having family members with unique needs, she is an advocate for accessible design, everywhere. She is a Google Certified Trainer, has presented at ISTE, IMS Global, UDL-IRN, COSN panels, and EdTech Team.

Colleen is the Innovation Coordinator at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood NJ. Her passion is empowering students to construct their own knowledge through student-chosen independent research projects, design challenges, and open maker space time. Colleen works to ensure that research and innovation are woven throughout the k12 curriculum for all students and highlighted in special programming and assemblies for the whole school community, in addition to providing resources for those students who wish to delve deeper and pursue independent work regardless of their age or ability.

Tina Lauer is the instructional technology specialist in the City of St. Charles School District, St. Charles, MO. She is a Google Innovator, Google Trainer, and Google Educator Levels 1 & 2. She is also a certified BrainPOP Educator. Tina is passionate about STEM integration into all subject areas and making learning accessible for all students.

Michelle was a classroom teacher for 26 years and is currently a Technology Integration Specialist in Smithtown, LI, NY. Michelle is the 2022, 2021 & 2017 BOCES Model Schools Technology Award Winner, a Google Certified Coach, Google Certified Educator, & Kami Hero. She was a presenter at ISTE Live 22 & Kami Connect '22. She is also Edpuzzle, Screencastify, Kahoot , BrainPop, Formative, & Merge Certified.

Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ) teaching Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike is the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center and serves on the CAST Accessible Educational Materials Advisory Board. Mike is a co-author of the ISTE book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and co-moderator of the weekly #ATchat Twitter chat.

Anne Marie McQuaid has an Undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She was a recipient of a NYS grant program for her Masters and received a degree in Special Education with a concentration in teaching students with severe disabilities including deaf-blindness. Anne Marie has worked in both private and public school systems throughout her 25 year career as a special educator. Anne Marie also has many years of experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders. Anne Marie is currently working in Smithtown, N.Y. as an Assistive Technology Consultant.

Beth Poss is an educational and technology consultant, accessibility and inclusion advocate, speech/language pathologist, and former assistant principal. She is currently the Director of Educational Programs for LessonPix. Beth is passionate about designing educational environments that support all students in accessing a rigorous curriculum and meeting educational outcomes. In her work with school districts, universities and national and state level organizations she focuses on how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an essential component in designing equitable and inclusive learning environments. She is one of the authors of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year

Rachelle Dené Poth is a STEAM and Spanish teacher at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. She’s also an author, edtech consultant, attorney and frequent education conference presenter. Also an ISTE Certified Educator, Poth holds a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law, and a master's in instructional technology. She’s currently pursuing a second doctorate focused on edtech. Poth is the author of seven books, including Things I Wish [...] Knew, which includes the voices of 50 educators from around the world. She’s a past president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network, and a recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award. Poth was named one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers for 2021, was selected as the 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications in Technology (PAECT) and was named one of “20 to Watch” educators by the National School Boards Association (NSBA). She writes for Getting Smart and Defined Learning, and hosts the “ThriveinEDU” podcast, as well as a project-based learning podcast by Defined Learning on the BAM Radio Network.

Amanda Robinson is an Instructional Technology Facilitator for Livingston Parish Schools with a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Most of her 15 years teaching experience is 5th grade math and science. Mrs. Robinson has presented for the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators.

BIO - Samantha Shaffner is the Coordinator of Assessment and Accountability at Pickerington Local School District in Pickerington, OH. Within her 15 years of experience in education, Samantha has served in the roles of assistant principal, district coordinator, ELA teacher, curriculum designer, content developer, and student advocate. With a focus on leveraging the power of data driven educational tactics in 21st century classrooms, Samantha’s published work provides educators with strategies to grow students academically while using educational technologies. An emerging leader in the educational measurement space, Samantha enjoys working collaboratively to design new techniques in assessment that meet the needs of all students.

Debbie Tannenbaum works as an Elementary School Technology Specialist in Fairfax County, VA. An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum supports both staff and students to integrate technology tools into instruction through both co teaching sessions and weekly technology classes. Debbie emphasizes working collaboratively with other educators to use technology tools that amplify student learning and empower student voice. She also blogs and shares her thoughts and reflections regularly on her website: https://www.tannenbaumtech.com. In May 2021, her book, TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky was published by Road to Awesome LLC.

Bio: Kyriaki Xiraki-Tselios is an NYCDOE ML/ELL teacher for D75. She is also an Ed Tech Model Teacher, remote learning expert, and a creator and adaptor of accessible and differentiated online curriculum. She is also an Apple Learning Coach, a Google Certified Educator, MIE certified, Nearpod PioNear and Coach, and a Quizizz Certified Educator. Kiki is a #TeachSDGs international ambassador in Cohort 6 2022 and a GoNoodle ambassador. Kiki enjoys working out, reading, and traveling (especially to the motherland, Greece).

Kim Zajac, is a certified SLP and Audiologist in Norton, MA. She is certified in Neuro-developmental Treatment - Pediatrics. She is an affiliated virtual practicum instructor at Emerson College Speech@Emerson Graduate Program. Kim is a MassCUE board member, Co-chair of Conference Committee and Co-Leader of Inclusive Learning SIG. Kim is a Co-Founder of @EdCampSoutheasternMA. She has presented at ISTE, MassCUE, New England League of Middle Schools, and NYC Schools Tech Summit. Kim specializes in creating programs and sharing learning strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. She is passionate about establishing equitable access and inclusion for ALL students.