ISTE Certification for Educators: Portfolio Working Session

Frederick Ballew is an ISTE Certified Educator and Trainer, Google for Education Certified Innovator, Trainer, Coach, the founder and leader of GEG Minnesota Metro Area, a GEG Mentor for US - Midwest, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert from 2020-2023, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, and an Adobe Education Leader who 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 been an educator in Bloomington (MN) Public Schools since 1998 where he has been a beginning band director, technology integrationist and is now a middle school computer science teacher.

Aimee Bloom is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for exceptional education, career and technical schools, and workforce development for Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Services in Western New York. Understanding the need for digital equity, Aimee has co-written the computer science and digital literacy curriculum for the Diocese of Buffalo and was on the authoring panel for the New York State Computer Science Standards. She previously taught computer technology to prek-8th grade students for over 10 years in the Diocese of Buffalo as well as worked as an integration specialist and technology coordinator.

Dr. Daisy Sam is the Sr. Project Manager for ISTE Certification with 20 years of classroom experience.

Tara Schneider is the Integration Specialist for Avon Central School District, in Avon, New York. She is an ISTE Certified Educator and Trainer for the ISTE Certified Educator Program. She is also a Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Coach, Google Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Educator.

Carmalita Seitz, an accomplished professional, bringing over 24 years of experience as a classroom educator, coach, and director. Her four-year tenure at ISTE has seen her spearheading the Certification for Educators program. With a wealth of knowledge in professional learning and working with adult learners, Carmalita guides educators through the certification process, equipping them with vital tools for success. Her deep commitment to empowering educators fuels her belief in purposeful technology integration to enhance teaching practices and maximize learning outcomes. Carmalita holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Education Leadership.

Carolyn Sykora, senior director of ISTE Standards programs, has more than 20 years of experience in education leadership and program management for nonprofits. She promotes the implementation of the ISTE Standards in K-12 and in teacher preparation programs. including through the development of the ISTE Certification for Educators. Carolyn specializes in project and program leadership for resources, products and services that serve school and district leaders, technology coaches, classroom teachers and higher education faculty.