The Future of Creativity in a Tech Driven World

Laura is a NYC Public Schools alumna and educator with 20+ years of experience as a teacher of Career and Technical Education, Art, and English. As an Instructional Technology Specialist in the Division of Instructional and Information Technology for the past six years, Laura is involved in multiple ed tech initiatives supporting educators and school leaders to build capacity. Laura has a background in media production and media literacy, and collaborates with global educators through knowledge exchanges and intervisitations.

As a high school special educator, RJ Circle Keeper, certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher through YMTP2 and Reiki Practitioner, along with holder of a multitude of digital certifications, Robyn is an advocate for the use of technology in education along with mindfulness in schools. A recipient of the #NYCSchoolsTech Award, Brooklyn HS Superintendents Champion Award for Digital Innovation in the Classroom, and Excellence in Remote Learning. The NYC Google Educator Group lead through #NYCSchoolsTech Meetups, an Edcamp organizer, and facilitator of edu-technical nerdy things.

Lisa is a Technology Teacher and Technology Specialist for elementary students (K-5). She utilizes game-based learning to foster 21st century skills and enjoys teaching coding, digital citizenship, and applied digital skills. She advocates for meaningful tech integration that enhances the teaching and learning experience. This includes leveraging technology to not only increase student engagement, but also to address diverse student needs to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for all learners. Lisa is a Google Certified Trainer, Apple Learning Coach, Adobe Creative Educator Innovator, and is certified in various ed tech apps/tools (Kami, Minecraft Education, Pear Deck, and more).

Kerry McGarvey is a STEM & Technology teacher at PS24Q in New York City. Kerry also provides technical support to students, families, and teachers. In addition to her work in her school she also works as a #NYCSchools tech trainer to help run Apple After Hours, the Apple Teacher Certification, and other events. As a result of this work she was named an Apple Distinguished Educator and her school was named an Apple Distinguished School. She is also a certified Google Trainer and Adobe ACE Innovator.

Presently I am an, NYCDOE EdTech Citywide Lead, and a member of the NYCDOE for over 16+ years in various capacities. I spent 7 years as an elementary classroom teacher, 3 as a technology coach, 6 years as an EdTech Instructional Lead for District 31 supporting 71+ schools and now as a citywide edtech lead supporting all 5 borough in the NYCDOE. My experiences have been around edtech visioning, professional developing/planning/teaming, infusion of the ISTE standards for all, growth of SAMR and content infused technology along with leadership development with digital citizenship being at the helm of my work.

Liz Reale is a middle school Technology teacher and former technology coach. Over the past 12 years, she's worked in Brooklyn, Taiwan, and Long Island. She's found community in her networking groups as a Google Trainer and Apple Distinguished Educator. She's an avid traveler and volleyball enthusiast.

Eric Scattaretico is a Special Education Teacher in the NYC Department of Education. He is currently working at PS 100 Isaac Clason as their K-5 Computer Science Teacher/IT Admin/Digital Media Specialist. He is passionate about culturally responsive teaching, coding, science, mathematics, graphic design, podcasting, and mindfulness. Eric works with students of varied ethnic backgrounds and supports them in developing solid foundations for in-demand skills to promote diversity in tech fields. He is certified as a SoundTrap Educator, Flocabulary Educator, Adobe Creative Educator, Harvard MQI Coach, Apple Educator, EdPuzzle Coach, Google Level 1 Educator, Minecraft Educator, and Promethean Teacher.