Mile-High Innovation: Reaching the Peak with Edtech Coaching

ISTE award-winning educator, and educational strategist who uses Future Ready skills to promote digital innovation in the classroom with a focus on equity and diversity.

Elizabeth Byam Radunz, Instructional Technology Coach at the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, draws from extensive educational experience. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, her genuine passion for educational technology and nurturing student creativity now defines her instructional coaching role. Serving four school districts in Northern Illinois, Elizabeth collaborates across the state with educators to seamlessly integrate technology into classrooms, curricula, and districts. Her commitment extends to developing digital learning tools and leading professional development on instructional technology. With hands-on teaching roots, Elizabeth offers invaluable insights to enhance educational practices in the digital age, significantly impacting her multifaceted role.

Kasey Chambers is a Digital Learning and Coaching Specialist with 12 years of experience in the Jordan School District. Her focus is on the integration of artificial intelligence in education, aiming to enhance teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. Kasey is passionate about blended learning, utilizing technology to create engaging lessons and prepare students for success in a technological world. Her work emphasizes the importance of leveraging edtech to support lifelong learning and adaptability among students.

Katie Dean is an Instructional Technology Coach at Gemini Middle School in East Maine SD 63, in the Chicago suburbs. She has a passion for designing instruction that fosters curiosity in all learners, and she is committed to building equitable and inclusive learning environments. Katie is an educator with 23 years of experience who has worked as an instructional coach in a middle school setting for the last nine years, and has taught students in 2nd through 8th grades in the Chicago area.

As an Educational Technology Integration Specialist at Tucson Unified, I support educators in integrating tech into engaging lessons. My 6 years in the classroom honed my teaching skills, and now I collaborate with departments to deliver effective professional development. Let's ignite a love of learning together! #EdTech

Patricia is an instructional technology coach for the Learning Technology Center Illinois. She has worked in education for 20 years as a classroom teacher, reading/ math interventionist, and instructional coach. Patricia is an ISTE Certified Educator, Google Certified Coach and Trainer, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and ISTE Community Leader. She advocates for digital equity and building teacher efficacy by utilizing technology to transform learning and empower student agency.

Jennifer Graham has served as a public educator with Cumberland County Schools since 1995, holding roles such as teacher, instructional coach, and professional development facilitator. In 2023, Jennifer joined the NC DPI as an Innovative Learning Catalyst. Her dedication to preparing students for the future is evident through her involvement in various digital teaching and learning initiatives, including the NC Digital Learning Plan Work Group, NCTIES, NCBOLD, the NC Digital Coaching and SLMC Collaboratives. Jennifer earned the title of ISTE Certified Educator in January 2024! In her free time, Jennifer supervises student teachers through Methodist University.Jennifer Graham has served as a public educator with Cumberland County Schools since 1995, holding roles such as teacher, instructional coach, and professional development facilitator. In 2023, Jennifer joined the NC DPI as an Innovative Learning Catalyst. Her dedication to preparing students for the future is evident through her involvement in various digital teaching and learning initiatives, including the NC Digital Learning Plan Work Group, NCTIES, NCBOLD, the NC Digital Coaching and SLMC Collaboratives. Jennifer earned the title of ISTE Certified Educator in January 2024! In her free time, Jennifer supervises student teachers through Methodist University.

Laurie Guyon is the Lead Coordinator for Instructional Technology Programs at WSWHE BOCES in Saratoga Springs, New York. She is the Capital Region Director and a trainer for The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE). Laurie is also an adjunct professor for SUNY Plattsburgh, where she teaches Digital Age Learning in the CAS SBL program. She is the author of SMILE Learning: Leveraging the Power of Educational Technology. Laurie also cohosts a Podcast called SMILE Factor.

Stephanie is the CEO of Gold EDU, Control the Chaos EDU, and a teacher success champion at Kami. Stephanie has been in education since 2014. Stephanie has spoken at conferences around the world. Some of her achievements are being a part of the team named ISTE’s Distinguished District, ISTE Top 20 to Watch in 2023, and a Google Innovator. Stephanie has a master's in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership. She is also a Best Selling Co-Author of Control the Chaos: Creating Order in the Classroom and Teaching Executive Functioning Skills.

Cammie Kannekens is a 20-year veteran high school teacher turned District Instructional Coach in a rural school district in southern Alberta. She has a master's degree in Educational Leadership and among other edtech certifications, is a Google Certified Innovator, Trainer and Coach, ISTE Community Leader and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) and Master Trainer. She works on providing learning experiences across great distances for both students and teachers by introducing them to pedagogy and digital tools that help them connect and build relationships, and amplify community-based projects. She is also a proud edtech consultant for Canada’s Logics Academy.

Tricia Louis is an #edtech advocate. In her position as the Technology Integration Professional at the Richland School District, she brings individual & group training to the 200+ staff employed there. Tricia is proud to be a part of the Google Champions, Apple Learning Coach, and Microsoft In Education programs. Tricia shares her passion for #edtech at conferences and EdCamps in many different locations. In her personal life, Tricia is a musician and enjoys performing with local groups and she also enjoys travel and photography as her hobbies.

Kelli-Ann Nixdorf is a District Instructional Coach at Prairie Rose Public Schools. With a rare blend of expertise, she stands as one of very few Canadian Canvassadors and one of Alberta's select few TimeSlips™ Certified Facilitators. As a certified trainer with Magic School AI and armed with over 15 years of classroom experience, primarily in Career and Technology Studies (CTS), and a Masters in Educational Leadership, Kelli-Ann is committed to public education. Passionate about effective classroom management, innovative instructional strategies, and the seamless integration of technology, she is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for learners and educators alike.

Beth Rihtar is an Instructional Technology Coordinator at CCSD 15 Palatine, which is a large suburban K-8 district in the NW suburbs of Chicago. An experienced instructional coach, Beth is passionate about adult education, technology integration, innovation, and fine arts education.

For 20 years, I've fueled a love of learning in classrooms – as a middle school math teacher, coach, consultant and district math specialist. Now, as the district's educational technology specialist, I'm thrilled to empower educators with tech tools to create engaging experiences for students of all ages. My passion for education extends to everyone – from teachers to students – and my goal is to ignite a love of learning and equip them with the skills to succeed!

Greta Sandler is a Technology and Digital Design Coordinator from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a 2023 ISTE "20 to Watch" winner, passionate about creating safe learning environments. She believes students should have a voice and choice in their education and that social-emotional well-being is essential for learning. Greta is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Google Certified Trainer. She advocates for student-centered classrooms and project-based learning, aligning projects with the SDGs to empower students to become agents of change. As an ISTE Community Leader, Greta enjoys working alongside educators worldwide, exchanging ideas, and empowering teachers everywhere to elevate their practice.

Allie is a technology coach and trainer for Baldwin County Public Schools in south Alabama. She has a BA in Deaf Education and MA in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. She also has her certification in Library Media as well as her National Board Certification. She recently earned her ISTE Certification and her NISE STEM Teacher Certification.

I am a National Board Certified Teacher, ISTE Certified Educator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator with over 15 years of experience teaching, who is passionate about student critical thinking and technology engagement that empowers students to be positive agents for change and justice. I am excited about the ways that technology can be used to meet the needs of diverse learners and the necessity of teaching students how to use technology as a tool rather than a replacement. I have presented to schools throughout the Seattle area about the emerging fields of AI and helping students thrive in the technology future.

Stacie Tefft (she/her) is an LTC Instructional Technology Coach serving in southern Illinois. Stacie is passionate about engaging students through differentiated instruction and believes that today’s educational technology holds the key to unlocking an even higher level of engaged instruction with today’s learners. During her nearly two decades working as an ELA, history and personal finance teacher, Stacie has always integrated technology and incorporated it to provide more individualized instruction for her students. She has spoken about EdTech integration at the 2018, 2019, and 2020 National Council for Social Studies conferences.

Roxi Thompson currently serves as the Lead Instructional Technology Coach for the Peoria School District in Arizona, where she provides leadership for the use of technology integration to enhance learning and teaching. Prior to this, she held roles as an EdTech Coach, Social Studies Specialist, and classroom teacher. Roxi holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach. Roxi was identified as a Top 100 EdTech Influencer for 2023-2024 by EdTech Digest.

Tricia has over eight years of teacher coaching and curriculum development experience, and 15 years of experience in education as a teacher and administrator. As an educator, Tricia focuses on building the whole child, one who understands compassion and kindness and is academically proficient. Her areas of expertise include coaching teachers on best practices in enhancing the classroom experience, as well as professional development, technology integration and STEM. Tricia is also a competitive gymnastics coach and dance teacher.

Ms. Wallace is a Technology Coach in Lake County Illinois. She has spent 16 years serving students of varying backgrounds, Diverse learning skills and demographics. In addition she works for Roosevelt University as an adjunct professor where she supports teachers on their leadership track. A graduate of Concordia University Chicago, Ms. Wallace received her Masters Degree in School Leadership. Her Undergraduate degree is from The University of St. Francis where she attained her Elementary Degree with various endorsements. Ms. Wallace is committed to both increasing teacher and student tech literacy and ensuring a healthy Digital Ecosystem for all learners.

Nicole Zumpano has over 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher and instructional technology coach. She is the Director of Instructional Technology Coaching for the Learning Technology Center of Illinois and facilitates statewide meetings where coaches come together to share best practices. A National Board Certified Teacher, Nicole teaches graduate-level educational technology courses for three universities. As an ISTE Certified Educator, Nicole is an active ISTE community member and serves as an ISTE Community Leader. She is also a Google Certified Trainer and Coach, helping educators and coaches see the power of technology in education.