Emerging Technologies, Online Tools, Apps & Resources Across Colorado

Jessica Babbs enjoys supporting teachers as a Technology Integration Specialist for Academy District 20 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In her 25 years of teaching experience, she has served students as a Teacher Librarian, Digital Learning Coach, and elementary classroom teacher. Jessica holds master’s degrees in Information and Learning Technologies as well as elementary education. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition, including the Colorado Department of Education’s Highly Effective School Library Program award. Jessica has shared her expertise at conferences such as FETC (Future of Education Technology Conference), InnEdCO (Innovative Education Colorado), and CASE (Colorado Association of School Executives).

Debbie recently retired after 30 years of teaching in Arizona and Colorado in the areas of 3, 4 and 5th grade along with Special Education in the area of learning disabilities, severe needs and transition education. Debbie holds a BA in elementary education, special education, mathematics and an masters in multicultural education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language. She continues to be active as an InnEdCo Ambassador, Khan Academy Ambassador and Mote Ambassador. Although retired, she continues to learn since technology is always changing.

Dianna is currently a Technology Integration Specialist supporting technology coaches in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs, CO. Her education includes a Principal License from UCCS, MLS from Emporia State, and BA in English and Speech Communications from the University of Northern Colorado. Her previous positions include Digital Learning Coach, Teacher-Librarian, English Teacher, Dean of Students, and Adjunct MLS Program Instructor. Professional interests include design thinking, Universal Design for Learning, change management, Artificial Intelligence in education, and instructional coaching.

Cristen Hardin is a former teacher of English, computer applications, and broadcast journalism with a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Educational Media. She is a licensed school librarian with 15 years experience running a middle school library and a licensed CTE teacher in technology. She is currently a technology integraion specialist at the district level, supporting digital learning coaches to integrate technology into classroom instruction in meaningful ways.

My name is Penny Potts and I have been teaching for 16 years. I have taught in Douglas County and am currently working in Littleton Public Schools. I have a master's degree in Responsive Literacy and have been invested in many educational technology ventures for over a decade. I have presented at the InnEdCO conference and also spoke at ISTE last time it was in Colorado. I am also a Making IT Happen award winner from 2017. I love being a life-long learner who is constantly inspired by my students and peers to always raise the bar in education.

This is my 23 year in education. After spending 13 years at a middle school, I transferred to the District and currently support Microsoft Products across the district. I love books, chocolate, teaching and all things Microsoft!

Ezequiel Villanueva Ruiz is a Horticulture Scientist and AgriTech STEAM educator. I have over 10+ years of experience teaching science, MagicSchool.AI, Kebloom, and MTIP working with diverse student populations. He is originally from Mexico and lived and worked in England, Canada, and the United States. Some fun facts - Certified Greenhouse Grower, published horticultural research, and enjoys connecting students with hands-on science projects like hydroponics, aquaponics, robotics, and Innovation. Lead Consultant and Presenter for USPTO, Smithsonian Science Education Center, Founder & CEO Global Green Education https://globalgreeneducation.org/ excited to share my passion for STEAM Innovation at ISTE this year!

Co-Founder of The 3d Printing Store, Founder Creating Manufacturing. Colorado Space Business Roundtable board, Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance board, Women in Manufacturing, Women in 3D Printing, and an industry advisor to MSU and PPSC, Cherry Creek Innovation Center and EPIC campus industry board. OEDIT Advanced Industries program. Education: BA from the University of Northern Colorado, JD from the University of Denver Strum College Of Law and a certificate in Leadership in Sustainability from the University of Denver. Past activities: Colorado State Aeronautical Board; NREL Energy Executive Program 2009; and Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Fellows Institute.

Sean Wybrant currently crafts tomorrow’s heroes in his classroom by teaching students to critically think and solve problems through computer science and video game development. At a young age, Sean was convinced that superheroes were real, and that belief has been bolstered seeing the challenges that students are willing to tackle and solve. Students in his programs create augmented and virtual reality simulations, explore live-action motion capture, and are immersed in a variety of other technologies. Sean believes that teachers have the most awesome responsibility in our society, that of crafting the heroes of the future.

Kim Zimmer is the co-Director of Learning & Innovation at Aspen School District in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As a content creator and teacher of technology, STEM, multimedia and design courses, Kim helps develop confidence and leadership abilities in students while creating pathways to future careers and interests. Kim has spent 15 years in the Educational Technology field and is excited to share the happenings in rural Colorado with attendees of ISTE!