STEM Playground — Tools for Physical Computing and Making

With a background in storytelling and a focus on education, Andrea works closely with schools to customize programs that weave in the special magic found in the books by Peter H. Reynolds, ensuring that all learners have the tools to succeed. She has been on the forefront of the product launch and classroom-implementation of FabMaker Studio, the first digital fabrication software tool developed specifically for use in the classroom. She speaks nationally and runs workshops on the importance of STEM and story.

As a lifelong lover of art, Mary strives to support others on their creative journeys. She joined FableVision Learning as an intern, and quickly fell in love with teaching and inspiring the next generation of creators. Mary received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Media with a concentration in Graphic Design from the Reynolds brothers’ alma mater, Fitchburg State University.

Alexandra Konsur-Grushinski has spent time in education teaching both students and adults how to embrace technology, STEM and Computer Science as tools for learning. Working with all sized learners (PreK to adults), she aims to demystify CS concepts as well as get students to engage in learning enthusiastically. She is passionate about aviation, electronics, robotics, programming and 3D design. This passion is illustrated by her management of projects developed for and utilized in iCreate STEM, a technology-focused STEM/CS program out of NEIU 19 Technology Department and her leadership roles in NEPA STEM Ecosystem and PA Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE).

Andrew is a Project Consultant for STEM and Computer Science at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit out of Norristown, PA. Prior to joining the MCIU, Andrew spent years teaching middle school Computer Science, Technology Education, Science and Mathematics. He is a Google Certified educator and is passionate about learning, coaching, and empowering others.

Greg Macer is an Instructional Technology, STEM and Science Curriculum Specialist at the IU9 where he has worked with teachers, students, administrators, parents and community members to deliver meaningful and engaging STEM learning opportunities to increase students' success. He has worked with designing curriculum and support around creativity, design thinking and problem solving and has a passion for helping teachers and students find their own creativity. He has presented on this and many other topics at previous PETE&C and ISTE conferences.

Paul Reynolds is CEO of Boston-based FableVision, which develops edtech/media, mobile games and apps, and Executive Director of the non-profit Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity (ReynoldsTLC.org,) which supports teacher and student creativity with a focus on scalable, constructionist and maker education tools and CTE pathways. Along with teaching digital media & storytelling at Boston College for over two decades, he is also an award-winning children's book author who collaborates with his twin brother and New York Times #1 Best-Selling Author/Illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds.

Patrice Semicek started her teaching career in Orlando, Florida and moved to the Philadelphia region to work for the School District of Philadelphia as an elementary teacher. After working with the most amazing and talented group of teachers, Patrice earned a Masters in Special Education and started working for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in 2010 as an Autistic Support Teacher. Since 2011, Patrice has specialized in Math, Literacy, STEM, and Gifted.

Ben is the Assistant Director of Technology at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit, a service agency in Pennsylvania. Ben has engaged in professional development across the globe in his consultancy, EdTechInnovators. He is a former ISTE Board of Directors member and was the Regional Program Chair for the 2019 ISTE Conference in Philadelphia. Ben is the President of PAECT, the PA ISTE Affiliate. He is an ISTE Certified Educator and delivers the ISTE Certification as his organization is a provider (CAP).

I am a High School Computer Science and Math teacher at the Norristown Area High School in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Tim Swick is the lead teacher of the Computer Science Immersion School at Sandlapper Elementary in Columbia, South Carolina with the mission of bringing CS to ALL students. His work developing a school-wide integrated computer science curriculum was recognized by Magnet Schools of America Association as the 2022 Top New and Emerging Magnet School in America. He is National Board Certified, and holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.. He was selected as a winner of the 2022 CSTA/Infosys Foundation CS Teaching Excellence Awards, was selected as a2022 SC ASCD Emerging Leaders, is a 2022-2023 CSTA Equity Fellow.

Eric Yoder is the Coordinator of Educational Technology at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 in Central Pennsylvania. Along with educational technology, he supports K-12 STEM and CS, with a particular focus on bringing physical computing and digital fabrication into classrooms. He is a former middle school language arts teacher, where he discovered his love of ed tech through digital storytelling. Outside of work, he can generally be found tending bees or building hive equipment in his workshop.