STEM in PA

Chani Barton is an Instructional Integration Technology Specialist with the School District of Philadelphia. She has over 20 years of experience in public education. Over the past 4 years, Chani has facilitated presentations for the School District on various technology topics, including SMART/Lumio integration, Google Tools for Education, and other district-approved technologies. Her day-to-day work involves coaching teachers to effectively utilize technology in their classroom lessons in order to increase student engagement and improve student outcomes. Prior to her work as a Technology Integration Coach, Chani taught Science in grades 5-7 for 18 years.

Ryann Bedoya is a high school Computer Programming teacher who has also taught AR/VR at the Intermediate and High school grade levels for 7 years. She enjoys sharing creative ways to incorporate AR/VR into all content areas, whether it be teacher created or student created. Ryann is a two time CIU20 Excellence in Education Award winner (2019 -NAIS Affinity Rooms; 2023 NAHS Programming Class). She has previously presented at various conferences about AR/VR (PETE & C 2022,2023; SAS 2019; PASA/PSBA 2019). Ryann is also a 2022 KTI Star, 2023 KTI Lead Learner, and a member of PAECT.

Dr. Anthony Betrus is a Professor of Educational Technology at the State University of New York at Potsdam where manages the online Educational Technology graduate programs. He has a co-authored textbook with Dr. Florence Martin: Digital Media for Learning: Theories, Processes, and Solutions (2019). “Coach” Betrus is SUNY Potsdam’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, the Potsdam High School girls' varsity soccer coach, and the SUNY Potsdam Esports advisor (where he helps to promote STEM learning through livestreaming and content creation). He is a co-creator of the educational/recreational card game "Teaching Bad Apples," (2014) and co-authored a corresponding article in TechTrends (2016).

Patti Duncan is an educator, scientist, technology integration specialist, and professional development trainer. She taught MS and HS science for twelve years, spent 14 years at Discovery Education and currently serves the educational community as the Director of Advocacy & Engagement for Breakout EDU. Patti has over 25 years experience presenting on the local, state, and national level at conferences such as New Jersey Science Teachers Association, NJEA, NJSC, NSTA, Chem-Ed, PASTA, BCCE, PETE &C, FETC, TCEA, ASCD and ISTE. Patti also volunteers as the Marketing Committee Chair for PAECT, the PA ISTE affiliate group.

My work lies at the intersection of interactive media and underrepresented populations for the Age of Experience. As a researcher, portfolio manager and entrepreneur, I work with people to help them leverage their passions toward advancing career opportunities and financial goals. Using performance-based strengths, learners become participants in the design of their own learning. My work has recently led me towards the intersection of sports, entertainment, and digital media technology where Esports is an upcoming movement for the Experience Age to develop sustainable and SMART communities that truly optimize their human resources.

PA K-5 Library Media Specialist for the Kutztown Area School District. Former K-5 Digital Literacy Department Head/Instructional Coach for the Bethlehem Area School District. Former Director of Academic Technology for the Swain School in Allentown. Taught PK-12 for 20+ years as an English teacher, technology instructor, or library media specialist. Achievements: Level 1 Google Certified Educator, Common Sense Ambassador, 2018 Keystone Technology Innovator and Star, NE PAECT Board Member. Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification. Published in a 2021 Popular Mechanics STEAM book (https://www.amazon.com/STEAM-Activities-Kids-Learn-School/dp/1950099989).

K-4 Technology Integration Coach Manheim Township School District Lancaster, PA

Abbey is a member of the Educational Technology Services team at Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12. Abbey works as a staff developer providing professional development and support in educational technology, STEM, and Computer Science to educators in South Central Pennsylvania. A former social studies teacher, Abbey approaches all subjects with a global and humanitarian mindset.

Dr. Otto is an Associate Professor of Digital Media Technologies, in the Department of Art+Media+Design at East Stroudsburg University. He works to provide strong and compelling coursework and has enhanced departmental technology, including state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms and production facilities and high-end equipment for students. He earned his Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Memphis. Dr. Otto is the PI for a National Science Foundation ITEST Award that uses Esports as STEM career development for diverse and inclusive youth. His research focuses on STEM for DIY and the media production technology needed to tell the stories of gamers.

Debbie Reynolds is Director of TechWorks at Commonwealth Charter Academy in PA. Focused on Ed tech, she develops programs and partnerships connecting K-12 education with the tech industry. TechWorks offers experiences in IT, programming, cybersecurity, AR/VR, AI, and robotics. Debbie’s background includes Gifted Coordinator, STEM Specialist, and science/math teacher. She was the first Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow placed in the DoD, working with STEM outreach at the Navy. Extensive involvement in space and science education include Vice President for the PA Science Teachers Association, member of the Space Center Houston SEEC crew, and Chairperson for the LiftOff Alumni Association.

Megan Smith is a former elementary teacher who has spent her 15 years as an educator at Manheim Township School District. She's been an instructional coach, Instructional Technology Specialist, and now supports K-4 teachers in a blend of all of the roles as a Technology Integration Coach.

Scott is a 30-year educator. He began his career teaching high school students as an ELA teacher. He's spent the last 8 years as a consultant for a regional service agency (CAIU #15), focusing on coaching, blended learning, technology integration, and diagnostic testing.

Amanda Jeane Strode is an Elementary Educator, Technology Innovator, and Curriculum Writer from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Amanda Jeane is a 2-5 Science Teacher at the Westtown School and works part time with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. You can find out more about Amanda Jeane at @AmandaJeane2 on Twitter.

Emily Trace is a STEM Teacher for primary students with a Master's in Education and 13 years of classroom experience. She enjoys sharing new, creative ways to incorporate STEM into everyday opportunities. Emily is a recipient of a 2022 PASmart Grant focusing on building STEM Ecosystems in rural communities. This year, she has worked on creating partnerships within her community and district to build sustainable opportunities for students and families. Emily is a 2022 KTI Star and a member of PAECT.

Eric Verno is 6th grade math and science teacher at Dallastown Area Intermediate School in York, PA. He has been teaching for over 20 years. He also serves as the Vice President of PAECT, an ISTE Affiliate. He is a Microsoft Innovative Expert and Google Certified Teacher. He is continually looking for ways to be creative in his classroom. He has most recently been involved in starting a Lego Robotics Team and incorporating Minecraft EDU into his curriculum.

They say that success is simply failure turned inside out, and what if that simple idea could be used to transform education for all? My work in edtech includes over 15 years of collaboration with classroom teachers, after-school program leaders, and diverse youth across the country. In parallel, I’ve developed and honed skills that span the product development lifecycle, leading teams at startups as well as global enterprises including Accenture and Google. A fan of puzzles, game shows, and mint chip ice cream, I fall down seven times and get up eight.