Reinvent the Classroom

HP Teaching Fellows

As part of the Reinvent the Classroom initiative, a collaboration with HP, Microsoft and Intel, Digital Promise Global is supporting innovative elementary and secondary school teachers across the United States and Canada who demonstrate powerful teaching and learning with technology.

HP Teaching Fellows selected for the program demonstrate the principles of Powerful Learning in their teaching and learning practice. They design learning experiences that are personal and accessible; authentic and challenging; collaborative and connected; and inquisitive and reflective. Fellows become part of a network of like-minded educators who deepen their understanding of Powerful Learning through free professional learning with Digital Promise. HP Teaching Fellows also receive opportunities for networking, presenting, and sharing thought leadership at national conferences and through virtual events. By sharing what they’ve learned, they advocate for reinventing the classroom and inspire others with their creativity and passion for this work.

Senior HP Teaching Fellows

Renee Dawson

Tammy Dunbar

Tammy Dunbar, M.Ed

Amanda Voth

Amanda Voth

Melissa Zeitz

Mashfiq Ahmed

Mashfiq Ahmed

Mashfiq Ahmed

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, NYC Department of Education, District 21, New York

Mashfiq Ahmed is a high school science teacher at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, New York for over 5 years. He is a huge advocate for edtech and gamification tools in the classroom and uses his knowledge of these platforms in order to design and lead professional development training for other educators. For his efforts in creating and advising an after school Minecraft Club, Mashfiq became a Minecraft Education Ambassador, is a part of The Game Awards Future Class of 2022, and received the Leadership Award from Games For Change.

Whitney Aragaki

Whitney Aragaki

Whitney Aragaki

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Hilo-Waiākea School District, Hawaii

Whitney Aragaki (she/they) is an educator, parent, and learner from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. They are a science and research classroom teacher at Waiākea High School. They support students to learn through a lens of abundance that honors place, people and cultures. Aragaki is the 2022 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist. They are a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Mathematics.

Joe Archer

Joe Archer

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Grand Erie District School Board, Ontario

Joe Archer is a grade 5 and 6 teacher at Lakewood Elementary School in Port Dover, Canada. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology in special education. He strives to instill a love and passion for learning utilizing technology to inspire, engage, and enlighten curriculum content within real world contexts. He is particularly interested and engaged in the ways coding can provide a means for students to become thoroughly engaged and immersed within all types of learning and demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways they enjoy! He loves how technology levels the playing field that allows all students a fair chance to learn! Learn more about Joe.

Sara Baragona

Sara Baragona

Sara Baragona

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Madison City Schools, Alabama

Sara Baragona is a CTE teacher at Discovery Middle School. This school year is her 20th year in education. Her background includes teaching special education and math. She holds two master’s degrees in educational technology and career and technical education. She obtained her National Board Certification in CTE in 2018. Currently, Mrs. Baragona teaches video production, personal finance, and computer applications. She is also involved in sponsoring Student 2 Student and coaching Scholar’s Bowl. Her passion is building relationships that support student success.

Brittny Barnes

Brittny Barnes

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Iberville Parish School District, Louisiana

As a high school English teacher, Brittny focuses on providing student-choice and creative digital assignments and assessments that leverage interactive boards and student presentations. She is a certified Secondary English Language Arts Teacher in Louisiana and a Clever Certified Teacher.

She holds her Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations from Southern University and A&M College, her M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction: Technology Integration from Louisiana State University at Shreveport, and her M.Ed in Secondary Education for English Language Arts from the University of Phoenix.

She advocates for innovative and accessible uses of technology in the ELA classroom for all students and is a firm believer that everyone can learn, but everyone does not learn the same way. She believes that every learner is an individual and must be treated, and educated, as such, because there is something special that happens in classrooms when the students trust that you will help them to learn on a level that is beneficial to them.

ridgette Barrowes (Crop 2)

Bridgette Barrowes

Bridgette Barrowes

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Salt Lake City School District, Utah

Bridgette teaches Special Education at Franklin Elementary and supports general education teachers to create equitable learning for special education students in every classroom context. She leverages Reading Progress in Microsoft Teams to create personalized opportunities for students to take ownership or their learning and gain phonetic awareness. Through this Fellowship, she is excited to learn more about how to seamlessly integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of special education students and their families.

Sebastian Basualto

Sebastian Basualto

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Toronto District School Board, Ontario

Sebastian Basualto is a teacher with the Toronto District School Board, currently assigned to grade 5 at McMurrich Junior Public School in Toronto’s west-end. Sebastian has over 10 years of experience in education, beginning his career as an outdoor environmental educator and has researched sustainability education as part of his masters research in education. More recently Sebastian has coached junior students in his school in eSports using Minecraft Education. Sebastian enjoys blending his experience in outdoor education with current digital tools to enhance learning and take students outside.

Attiya Batool

Attiya Batool

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Attiya Batool is a 4th grade teacher at Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School in Florida. Now in her 14th year of teaching, Attiya teaches a self-contained class of students. Attiya has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in teaching elementary mathematics. She considers herself a connected educator as she seeks new research-based pedagogies and strategies and implements them in her teaching. She loves to attend educational conferences and connect with educators around the world. She loves implementing new technology to facilitate learning, and she loves to share her ideas with other educators. Learn more about Attiya.

Sasha Behm

Sasha Behm

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Sasha Behm is a gifted endorsed computer science/pre-engineering and yoga (200-Hour RYT) teacher for grades 6-8 at McNicol Magnet Middle and STEM School in Broward County. Originally an elementary school teacher, Sasha transitioned into a middle school where she is now teaching students basic block coding, HTML, Java Script, and Python in programs such as MakeCode, Micro:bit, LEGO First League, VEX Robotics, CODE.org, and Scratch. Sasha is the proud SECME coordinator and Girls Who Code Sponsor. Her school was recently awarded the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) grant and she will be supporting her schools as the VILS coach next year.

Scott Beiter

Scott Beiter

Scott Beiter

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Rensselaer City School District, New York

Scott Beiter earned his BA in Biology from Hartwick College and MS in Science Teaching and Curriculum Development and in Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany. Mr. Beiter has been in the classroom for 21 years and currently teaches 8th grade physical science, and a high school college level biology class. Mr. Beiter was the head of the technology committee at Rensselaer City School District for over 10 years. Outside the classroom, Mr. Beiter has coached the modified wrestling team for 20 years and is the advisor for the district Gaming and Esports Club. He is interested in cognitive learning science and games in education. He led the Gaming PLT for the NYS Master Teacher program. He streams at twitch.tv/sciencestreams. He has conducted professional development on games-based learning, screencasting, and esports. He is in constant search of ways to make science more fun and accessible to students. Scott has recently started the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation nonprofit and is the current president.

Seamus Blake

Seamus Blake

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Toronto District School Board, Ontario

Seamus is an ELA, Math, and Social Studies teacher at Windfields Middle School and serves as a Digital Lead Learner on his campus, where he focuses on supporting teachers to leverage technology to amplify student voice. Day-to-day, you can find him using Microsoft Office tools to conduct data analysis with real world data and integrating technology to create personalized pathways for students in his classroom.

Tara Bova

Tara Bova

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Cape Girardeau Public Schools, Missouri

Tara grew up in southeast Missouri, where she currently lives and works. Tara, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary administration. Her husband is also a teacher and they have two daughters. Learn more about Tara.

Amanda Brace

Amanda Brace

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Regina Public Schools, Saskatchewan

Amanda Brace is an educator in Saskatchewan, Canada who currently supports students and teachers with technology and online instruction. She is a grad student at the University of Regina and just completed a master’s certificate in educational technology and media. She has a passion for helping students learn digital citizenship and literacy skills so that they can gain confidence and thrive online. Her mission is to create a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and fun! Along with teaching and learning, Amanda also enjoys podcasting and blogging with EdTech Endeavours. Learn more about Amanda.

Seth Brady

Seth Brady

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Illinois

Seth Brady has been a social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School since 2004. His course load typically includes comparative religions, world cultures, peace and conflict studies, and capstone. In 2013, Seth was named a Teacher’s for Global Classrooms Fellow by the U.S. Department of State, and studied religion and culture in Indonesia. This fellowship later led to the creation of Illinois Global Scholar (IGS), a statewide global education certificate for high school students that is administered by educators. As a project director at IGS, Seth oversees annual “Power of Perspective” student summits and Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week. Seth is also passionate about equity, inclusion, and religious literacy. In addition to serving as a writer for the C3 Framework on Religious Studies, Seth runs an annual Religious Literacy Bus Tour as part of a 2019 Teach to Lead Grant. Seth is married with three children in their late teens and enjoys hanging out with them. Learn more about Seth.

Tavis Bragg

Tavis Bragg

Tavis Bragg

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education, Nova Scotia

Rooted in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, Tavis educates at both the Northeast Kings Education Centre and Mount Saint Vincent University. His journey showcases a commitment to blending cutting-edge tech with student-centric, culturally responsive practice. Implementing innovative technology and addressing diverse student needs, Tavis focuses on inclusive, equitable learning. His role as an HP Teaching Fellow magnifies this ethos, spurring collaboration and innovation.

Australia Brown

Australia Brown

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Australia Brown is a first–year teacher at Mayo Demonstration School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mayo Demonstration School emphasizes community-building and creative thinking by giving their students the opportunity to work with others on projects that are hands-on and stimulating. Australia’s goal as an educator is to create a learning environment that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally to ensure that they are ready to make positive change. She has always had a passion for education and enjoys learning as well as teaching.

Chris Burica

Chris Burica

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Old Bridge Public School District, New Jersey

A lifelong learner with a zest for cinema, literature, and technology, Chris Burica has always enjoyed helping people smile and discover new pursuits. Immersed in books at a young age, Chris found that the power of the written word and its subsequent effect can transform one’s entire attitude and overall outlook. Whether it was through designing and directing stop-motion animation videos or immersing himself in the latest movie reviews, Chris’ passion for writing and speaking continued to cultivate a veritable treasure trove of opportunity. Learn more about Chris.

Robert Cannone

Robert Cannone

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, York Catholic District School Board, Ontario

Robert Cannone is an elementary program consultant for the York Catholic District Board in Ontario, Canada. His 11 years of experience in education includes teaching as a junior, intermediate, senior English, special education, and intermediate guidance teacher. In 2020, he was the recipient of the ‘Canada’s MindShare Learning Classroom of the Future Challenge’ where he and his students were recognized for their dynamic use of technology to collaboratively produce and distribute a bi-weekly school news broadcast. Robert is passionate about leveraging students’ subjective selves and unique funds of knowledge to bring about learning that is relevant and meaningful. He strives to provide experiences for students that allow them to use technology to share their voice, empathize with the perspectives and needs of others, and use their unique talents to become change agents in the world. Learn more about Robert.

Zélia Capitão-Tavares

Zélia Capitão-Tavares

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Toronto District School Board, Ontario

Zélia Capitão-Tavares is a hybrid teacher-digital lead learner a role that embraces exploration classrooms highlighting the global competencies while leveraging technology. She is also an elementary grade 4 and 5 teacher at McMurrich Junior Public School. She has a master’s in education, is a Microsoft Innovative Education Expert and Fellow, an HP Teaching Fellow, Google Certified Innovator, Future Design School Certified Innovator, and a board member at MindShare Learning Technology. She believes in creating learning experiences in which students develop agency and share their voice; to find the spark in each student and step aside to let them shine! Learn more about Zélia.

Brent Christensen

Brent Christensen

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Spokane Public Schools, Washington

Brent Christensen has a passion for seeking new ways to better engage students with their learning and prepare them for their future. He graduated from Whitworth University with a B.A. in elementary education and a minor in mathematics. He received his M.Ed. in learning and technology from Western Governors University. Along the journey, He picked up a National Board Certified Teaching Certificate. But these degrees and certificates mean very little as to who he is. Brent is a dreamer and nerd for engaging students and helping students be successful, not only in the classroom, but beyond. Learn more about Brent.

Yaqueline Clauss

Yaqueline Clauss

Yaqueline Clauss

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, District of Columbia Public Schools, D.C.

With over 21 years of experience, Yaqueline has led initiatives and interventions to advance communities at the local, national, and global levels. As an ELA and ESL teacher, curriculum writer, coach, and social researcher, she is passionate about utilizing technology in the classroom to make content more accessible for students. Yaqueline designs learning opportunities that allow multilingual learners to learn content and develop language simultaneously. Throughout the day, you can find her students engaging and collaborating on Microsoft Surface Go devices. She believes that technology fuels advocacy efforts, helps educators better understand students’ needs, and empowers them as agents of change.

Christie Cloud

Christie Cloud

Christie Cloud

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Coweta County Schools, Georgia

Christie Cloud is a virtual social studies teacher at Empower Virtual School in Coweta County, Georgia. Additionally, she adjuncts at Thomas University where she teaches the integration of technology in the PK-12 classroom to teaching candidates. Christie has a Master of Arts in Teaching and is certified in online teaching and gifted education. A seasoned educator of 22 years, she is an enthusiastic supporter of edtech and believes in its potential to enhance student learning experiences.

Glen Coleman

Glen Coleman

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, River Dell Regional School District, New Jersey

Dr. Glen Coleman is a social studies teacher at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey who focused his doctoral dissertation on laptop integration and student-centered learning. He organizes his teaching around essential questions to welcome divergent thinking. Currently, his students are wrestling with the following question: “Based on your understanding of the French Revolution, how can Venezuela avoid their own violent revolution?” He’s found that energy erupts when students are empowered to tackle contemporary issues through a historical lens. This inspires a growth process that drives students to ask and answer their own questions with urgency. Learn more about Glen.

David Conover

David Conover

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Pflugerville Independent School District, Texas

David Conover designs learner-centered high school curriculum and creates interactive and applied learning experiences including virtual, mixed, and augmented reality. He runs a global video game lab, Serious Blockchain Video Games Lab, which participates in MY World 360°. Over the past several years he has helped develop multimedia content and collaborated with corporations to produce challenge-based and maker learning experiences. David re-mixes innovation in research, design, and education to help his students develop their STEM learning practices. Learn more about David.

Tiffany Correa

Tiffany Correa

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, River Dell Regional School District, New Jersey

Tiffany Correa has been a special education teacher serving grades 3-10 since 2010. She is currently working with seventh and eighth grade English students at River Dell Regional School District in New Jersey. She has a master’s degree in educational technology and serves as a professional development facilitator in her school’s district. In her leisure time, Tiffany enjoys reading literature and traveling abroad, while using her newfound knowledge to empower her students’ classroom experience. She is a strong believer in self-advocacy and autonomy through developing one’s perspective of personal motivation. Learn more about Tiffany.

Valerie Crawford-Meyer

Valerie Crawford-Meyer

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Valerie Crawford-Meyer teaches computer science to middle schoolers at Glades Middle School in Miramar, Florida. Facilitating CS, she engages students in the design thinking process, encouraging students to participate in various challenges. Student teams have participated and won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge representing the 20th Congressional District and three teams placed in the 2018 picoCTF Cybersecurity Challenge, Nike Parkour Design Challenge, and several other challenges for social good. Valerie is a Microsoft Innovative Educator, as well as a Microsoft Trainer, and CODE.org Facilitator for CS Discoveries, recently becoming an HP Teaching Fellow. She was honored by being nominated as NHL Most Valuable Teacher for December 2019. Learn more about Valerie.

Stormy Daniels

Stormy Daniels

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, El Paso Independent School District, Texas

Stormy Daniels is an award-winning educator with over 15 years of experience in the classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Stormy is a recent top ten Teacher of the Year recipient from El Paso Independent School District and is recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Her student-centered approach and commitment to positive learning environments have been shared at conferences and events worldwide. She is most enthusiastic about connecting her third-grade students’ hearts and minds across the miles with technology.

Laura Davies

Laura Davies

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Wrangell Public Schools, Alaska

Laura grew up on a farm in Southern Ontario, Canada. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, she moved to Georgia to work as a recreational therapist with adolescent girls at a residential treatment program. A couple of years later she moved to Wrangell, Alaska to work at a therapeutic wilderness program. She met her husband in Wrangell and eventually decided to become a teacher. She has two children and a black lab. She loves to run! Learn more about Laura.

Kim Dawson

Kim Dawson

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, West Allegheny School District, Pennsylvania

Kim Dawson believes in lifelong learning. She began her career in 1997 as an elementary physical education teacher. In 2007 after earning her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, she became the elementary computer teacher. In 2016 the curriculum was expanded to include innovation and design which added coding, Lego EV3 robotics, engineering, and design. Kim is looking forward to working with other teachers to create powerful learning experiences for her students during the HP Teaching Fellows program. Learn more about Kim.

Renee Dawson

Renee Dawson

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia

Renee, an Education Technology Specialist at Crawford W. Long Middle School, facilitates co-teaching with colleagues to support and advocate for the use of the technology, including gamification, badging, and personalized learning playlists, for impactful student engagement. She is also a VILS Coach for the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative, a Lab Mentor for the Verizon Innovation Lab, a Minecraft Student Ambassador Sponsor, and eSports Sponsor who enjoys implementing MinecraftEDU.

Katie Dell

Katie Dell

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland

Katie Dell is a middle school science teacher and department chair at Arbutus Middle School. She is a creative innovator willing to embrace any strategies necessary to get her students what they need to learn. She received her master’s degree in biology from Miami University through the Project Dragonfly Program with a focus on racial equity in environmental education and inquiry-based learning. Katie believes that the world around us is our first and best classroom and that every student can be motivated to reach their potential with the correct tools. Learn more about Katie.

Kristen DiGregorio

Kristen DiGregorio

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Old Bridge Township Public Schools, New Jersey

Kristen DiGregorio joined the staff at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Old Bridge, New Jersey in 2012 and found her niche as an 8th grade science teacher. Kristen enjoys seeing science come alive in her students’ eyes, incorporating new technology into her classroom whenever possible, and assisting colleagues in doing the same. She is both a Microsoft Innovative Education Expert and a Microsoft Innovative Education Trainer. In addition to teaching, Kristen is the student activities coordinator at her school and is responsible for planning and executing numerous activities for the entire study body each year. Learn more about Kristen.

Tammy Dunbar

Tammy Dunbar

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Manteca Unified School District, California

With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Tammy currently teaches at Manteca Online Academy and loves sharing the joy of using educational technology with other educators. She is a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Master Trainer, ISTE 2021 Interactive Video Conferencing Network Classroom Educator Award winner, and California 2016 Woman of the Year, Assembly Dist. 12. On any given day, you can find her creating interactive virtual lessons using Microsoft Teams or MinecraftEDU for students and finding ways to support, involve, and educate families on how to support their students in this digital environment. She is all about student well-being and integrating the 4 Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical-Thinking to provide students opportunities to stretch and grow their skills organically while they work.

Cindy Duncan

Cindy Duncan

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Sitka School District, Alaska

Cindy Duncan has been teaching second grade with the Sitka School District in Sitka, Alaska for 13 years. She loves learning with her students and helping them to become the global innovators, thinkers, and problem solvers of today. Her classroom was featured in Ted Dintersmith’s book, “What Schools Could Be” and Dr. Lynne Schrum’s book, “Learning Super Charged.” She was one of the first Global Minecraft Education Mentors for Microsoft. Cindy was named Maker Champion of Change for her district and enjoys mentoring other elementary teachers about innovative classroom practices. Learn more about Cindy.

Megan Edlefsen

Megan Edlefsen

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Clear Creek Independent School District, Texas

Megan Edlefsen is a family and consumer sciences educator at Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas where she teaches fashion design, interior design, and interpersonal communication courses. She took an indirect route to the classroom, but leverages 15 years of wide-ranging and practical career experience to show her students the real-world applications of the skills they are learning. Megan is a passionate advocate for the field of family and consumer Sciences (formerly known as home economics) and encourages her students to think creatively, solve problems, and get their hands dirty…or sticky or painted! Learn more about Megan.

James Ewing

James Ewing

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, New York City Department of Education, New York

Jamie Ewing is a National Board Certified Teacher teaching as the science/STEM Specialist at PS277x, the Bronx, in the New York City Public School system. He works with grades 2-5 in exploring all things STEAM! Jamie is featured in the www.Code.org video alongside Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and other industry leaders. Jamie is a mentor, innovator, coach & believer that students come first. He also believes that he does not go into the classroom to inspire his students, rather he believes that he is inspired to be a better educator daily by his students.

A 13-year veteran educator, he has been recognized nationally/international for the way he inspires learning. Jamie is the 2015 Henry Ford Innovative Teacher of the Year, 2014 MOHAI Teacher of the Year, and the 2013 National Academy of Arts and Science in Education Innovative Teacher of the Year, and a 2010-2019 Microsoft Innovative Educator. Jamie represented the USA at the 2013/2014 Microsoft PIL Global Forum in Prague, CR and Barcelona, Spain. Jamie has a degree in fashion design from Virginia Commonwealth University and pursued that for 15 years before making the move to teaching. He received his masters in education from Antioch University. Learn more about James.

Katie Felix

Katie Felix

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Tacoma Public Schools, Washington

Katie Felix is a kindergarten teacher at Point Defiance Elementary in Tacoma, WA. She has a B.A. in education from Pacific University and an M.A.T. from University of Portland focused on early childhood and elementary education. Katie is a Microsoft Innovative Expert, Skype Master Teacher, and trainer. She is passionate about finding ways for all students to access technology, even our youngest learners. Teaching students how to use technology is just as important as teaching them how to use a pencil, build blocks, and work together. Learn more about Katie.

Joseph Filiplic

Joseph Filiplic

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Alberta

Joseph Filiplic is an educator and technology coach from Edmonton, Canada who teaches social studies and computer science at JJ Bowlen Catholic Junior High School. Passionate about technology and its use in the classroom, Joseph is always striving to improve his teaching by incorporating authentic technology use with his students. He is an Apple Teacher, Google Certified Educator, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Trainer, all of which he uses to challenge his students in meaningful, authentic ways for learning in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Joseph.

Blair Fitzsimons

Blair Fitzsimons

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, Ontario

Blair Fitzsimons is the winner of the 2019 ‘Canada’s MindShare Learning Classroom of the Future Challenge’, a K-8 educator, maker, blogger, FIRST LEGO league coach, speaker at edtech conferences, leader of numerous grants and pilot initiatives, and an advocate of all things STEAM. Blair has worked for 14 years to push the bounds of student learning and leadership, using technology, project-based learning, and the LEGO brick. Blair leverages technology in every subject to build the 21st century competencies, ensuring that his students are strong communicators, innovative thinkers, and creative entrepreneurs to overcome the messy problems of tomorrow. Learn more about Blair.

Pamela Floyd

Pamela Floyd

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Spotsylvania County Public School District, Virginia

Pamela is an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher who supports classroom teachers to utilize technology, including rethinking how to leverage simple tools in innovative ways, like interactive boards and Microsoft 365. She is always looking for and advocating for new technology tools and applications for students and teachers to enhance meaningful learning in the classroom.

Krystal Forester

Krystal Forester

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Regina Public School Division, Saskatchewan

Krystal is an elementary teacher who is all about integrating digital applications, like Microsoft Whiteboard, and manipulatives to enrich student learning through play in math and English. You can find her advocating for equitable technology and accessibility in the classroom.

Emilia

Emilia Fusarelli

Emilia Fusarelli

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Norwalk Public Schools, Connecticut

Emilia is an Instructional Coach for Digital Learning at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy who is passionate about encouraging students and teachers to explore a variety of digital tools, like Powerpoint Live, Microsoft Translator, Flip, Sway, and MinecraftEDU, to meet the needs of all students. To facilitate this process, she collaborates with IT specialists to ensure student and educator access and training for innovative tools that facilitates meaningful learning.

Francisco Gallardo

Francisco Gallardo

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Hayward Unified School District, California

Francisco Gallardo is a technology teacher and summer STEAM academy teacher at Hayward Unified School District in Hayward, California. His position as a teacher and his opportunities to work on program development have granted him opportunities to provide students with a myriad of educational experiences involving technology. He believes all students must be prepared for the 21st century through comprehensive educational experiences with technology. Learn more about Francisco.

Marlena Gastineau

Marlena Gastineau

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Marlena Gastineau went to East Central High School in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2017. She has been teaching in the north side of Tulsa for five years. She became a teacher to show students that there are different perspectives in the world. She is grateful for the other teachers that I teach with at Anderson and wouldn’t be the teacher she is today without them.

Jen Giffen

Jen Giffen

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, York Region District School Board, Ontario

Jen Giffen is a digital literacy consultant in the York Region DSB in Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Master of Education in curriculum, teaching and learning from the University of Toronto.

Jen is a sketchnoter, teacher matchmaker, cheerleader, mom of three boys, and up for just about anything. Co-host of #ShukesandGiff the Podcast, she is a believer that you have time to do anything you want – you just need to make time. Former player of the game of school, she now seeks to ensure learning is authentic and relevant, especially for struggling students. Reach her at @VirtualGiff — everywhere. Learn more about Jen.

Mia Gittlen

Mia Gittlen

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Union School District, California

Mia Gittlen is a middle school English language arts and social studies teacher at Union Middle School in San Jose, California. Her 15 years of experience in education include teaching in middle and high schools as well as three years serving as an instructional technology teacher on special assignment. She also managed local political campaigns to pass measures that raise funds for the public schools. Mia is passionate about amplifying student voice, media literacy, and maker-centered learning. She is a Level 2 Google Certified Educator, KQED Media Literacy Innovator, and an East Bay CUE Board Member. Learn more about Mia.

Lisa Gustinelli

Lisa Gustinelli

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Palm Beach County, Delray Beach, Florida

Lisa Gustinelli is an instructional technologist for a K-8 school in Delray Beach, Florida as well as an adjunct professor at FAU teaching introduction to educational technology for pre-service teachers. An active webinar panelist for many EdTech organizations, Lisa serves as ASU’s Shaping EDU Mayor of the Recognizing all Forms of Learning Community and Innovator in Residence for the Broadband Access and Equity Initiative. For the past three years, she has been an advisor on the COSN Driving K-12 Innovation report. Lisa is an ISTE certified educator and an ISTE Seal of Approval Reviewer. Learn more about Gustinelli.

Cecil Hall

Cecil Hall

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Calgary Board of Education, Alberta

Ask Cecil Hall about teaching and student engagement and you’ll get a great smile, crackling energy, and a lively discussion of how a culture that embraces curiosity and innovation, improves student success. Mix that with his passion for learning, and strong belief that creating an engaging environment is the first step in improving student performance; you’ll know why colleagues and students have likened him to a big block Chevy engine, which is very reliable with lots of horsepower, and very unimposing. It’s an apt description for a teacher, strategist, researcher, and a skilled practitioner. Learn more about Cecil.

Stephanie Harris

Stephanie Harris

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, South Fayette Township School District, Pennsylvania

Stephanie Harris is a seventh grade English language arts and American history teacher near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a master’s in teaching from California University of Pennsylvania and is a Level 2 Google Certified Educator. Stephanie enjoys participating in school activities beyond the classroom and is a champion for lifelong learning. She has a passion for finding and sharing ways to bring innovative technology into the classroom that fosters student engagement. Learn more about Stephanie.

James Hausman III

James Hausman III

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, South Fayette Township School District, Pennsylvania

Jim is a 20-year high school English teacher turned STEAM Coordinator at South Fayette High School with a passion for Shakespeare AND Maker Learning. He knows firsthand the power of HP and Intel processing and Microsoft tools for student learning, idea exploration, challenging thinking processes, and project-based learning. You can find him advocating for technology integration by collaborating with district and campus administrators but you can also find him collaborating with students directly through the Health Careers Club, STEAM and Girls STEAM teams, and the Technology Student Association.

Teena Hine

Teena Hine

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Morgan County Schools, West Virginia

As an educator in multiple facets for over 20 years, Teena Hine is currently a technology integration specialist and the Google For Education group leader for the state of West Virginia (GEGWV). As a Google Certified Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, and a Certified Apple Teacher, She provides training and support to educators to create powerful learning opportunities. She is passionate about promoting women and girls in STEM and technology and has taught classes and clubs with CS First, Code.org, and Girls Who Code. In addition, she freelance writes project-based units which incorporate UDL, the NGSS and ISTE standards. Learn more about Teena.

Trevor Hlushko

Trevor Hlushko

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Regina Public Schools, Saskatchewan

Trevor Hlushko is a middle-years teacher at W.H. Ford Elementary School in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is working on his master’s in educational technology and design with interests in student engagement through creativity and curiosity.

Trevor has always enjoyed learning and problem-solving. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and Bachelor of Education through the University of Regina and is a self-declared tinkerer. With his love of learning, he seeks to engage students and captivate their curiosity through reinventing the classroom one day at a time.

Trevor lives in Regina, Saskatchewan with his wife, Caitie, and 3-year old son. Learn more about Trevor.

Linh Ho Huerta

Linh Ho Huerta

Linh Ho Huerta

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Anaheim Union High School District, California

Linh is a seasoned educator with 17 years of experience teaching 7th and 8th grade integrated science and forensics. She embarked on her educational journey at California State University, Fullerton, where she laid the groundwork for her teaching career. Linh’s dedication to her profession led her to pursue a teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Chapman University. Linh has a natural inclination to inspire wonder and curiosity in her students. She consistently encourages them to question the world around them and their own environment, fostering critical thinking skills and a thirst for knowledge. By nurturing their inquisitive nature, she empowers her students to become change-makers, encouraging them to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

David Hoang

David Hoang

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Toronto District School Board, Ontario

David Hoang is a Grade 3 STEM/Librarian and Digital Lead Learner teacher at LC3 Virtual School / John A. Leslie Public School in Toronto, Ontario. Learn more about David.

Elayne Silver Hollander

Elayne Silver Hollander

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Elayne Hollander is a media/technology specialist at Broward County Public Schools. She is passionate about spreading the love of reading, creating, and curiosity. In her K-5 classes, she uses technology tools that promote these skills, and she helps students and teachers to be confident in using them. She is also a Nearpod Certified Trainer (Level 3) and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, training teachers as needed on successfully using Nearpod and Microsoft products. Leelayne-silver-hollanderarn more about Elayne.

Kristine Holloway

Kristine Holloway

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Peel District School Board, Mississauga, Ontario

Kristine Holloway has presented to local and global audiences on infusing technology into curriculum and taking teaching global with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She is an HP Teaching Fellow, National Geographic Certified Educator, Microsoft Fellow, Skype Master Teacher, Global Minecraft Mentor and the Canadian Ambassador for the Innovation Lab Schools Project and the Climate Action Project. Kristine is a UN certified climate change teacher. Many of her projects have been featured by the WWF, National Geographic magazine and on the Climate Action Website. Kristine is also a space enthusiast. She has attended teacher training with NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and the European Space Agency and is a founding member of the Mars Generation. She is the founder of Code4Girlz and an advocate of STEM programs. Learn more about Kristine.

Jessica Holmes Masters

Jessica Holmes Masters

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Franklin County Public Schools, Kentucky

Jessica Holmes Masters is a National Board Certified librarian at Westridge Elementary School in Frankfort, Kentucky. In addition, she currently serves as the school technology coordinator and director of the student technology leadership and Girls Who Code programs. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in elementary education from Transylvania University. She received her Master’s of Science in library science and school media librarian certification from the University of Kentucky. She is the 2014 national elementary recipient of the I Love My Librarian Award and the 2020 recipient of the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education Outstanding Teacher Award. Learn more about Jessica.

Steve Isaacs

Steve Isaacs

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Bernards Township Public Schools, New Jersey

Steve Isaacs has been teaching since 1992. He has developed an internationally-recognized secondary game development program. Steve is a pioneer in using VR and AR in the classroom. He is a champion for student choice and student voice, providing a choice-based environment to help students find and nurture their passion for learning. Steve is an edtech influencer, community builder, and leader in game-based learning. Steve is the lead content producer for Minefaire, a Massive Minecraft Fan Experience. He is actively involved in building the K-12 to college esports pipeline and co-founded the #EsportsEDU community. Steve was honored as the 2016 ISTE Outstanding Teacher and the PBS Digital Innovator representing the state of New Jersey. Learn more about Steve.

Erin Jewell

Erin Jewell

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Frisco Independent School District, Texas

Erin is a book-nerd who is curious by nature and loves to learn right alongside her students. Erin attributes her love of learning to supportive parents and teachers along her educational career. She also credits the liberal arts education she received at Southwestern College of Kansas, which gave her a broad background in literature, humanities, and music. In addition to being a teacher, Erin loves being a mom and wife. When not at school, you can find her playing with the two most inquisitive boys she knows — her kids. Learn more about Erin.

Nikki Jones - Option 2

Nikki Jones

Nikki Jones

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Prince William County School District, Virginia

Nikki is an Instructional Technology Coach at Chris Yung Elementary School who is all about student empowerment by way of meaningful technology integration. She is passionate about collaborating with teachers to explore ways to create opportunities for student creation using digital tools, like Microsoft Flip and Adobe, for all students in every content area.

Josh Luukkonen

Josh Luukkonen

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Edmonton Catholic School District, Alberta

Josh Luukkonen is a junior high teacher and tech coach in Edmonton, Alberta. Originally from the United States, he has worked in the US, the UAE, and now in Canada. He loves playing with new tech toys in the classroom to help students learn and express themselves in different and innovative ways. He is an Apple Teacher, Level 2 Google Certified Educator, and is a Microsoft Innovative Educator trainer. Josh is excited to partner with teachers around North America to develop ideas and activities for students in classrooms everywhere. Learn more about Josh.

Morgan Keena

Morgan Keena

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Nampa School District, Idaho

Morgan graduated from South Dakota State University in 2017 with a degree in history and secondary education. She spent a year working for a public school system in Virginia that allowed her to build experience before moving to Nampa, Idaho where she is currently located. Since beginning her current job in 2018, Morgan has participated in many events including conference presentations regarding device usage in the classroom, showcasing the school as an HP Spotlight School, and moving to standards-based grading. Currently, Morgan is a candidate for a master’s degree in history from Arizona State University. Learn more about Morgan.

Cathleen Lacey

Cathleen Lacey

Cathleen Lacey

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Richland School District One, South Carolina

Cathy serves as the Curriculum Resource Teacher at Crayton Middle School. Committed to professional learning, she provides continuous training and support to the staff. Cathy serves as a micro-credential developer and assessor, creating and evaluating competency-based assessments for educators. Cathy is an evaluator for the Schools to Watch program, recognizing exceptional middle schools. She has been a speaker at ISTELive 23 and AMLE50, where she shares her passion for accessibility and research-based practices. Her accomplishments include recognition as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Fellow, along with an ‘Emerging Leader’ title from the SC Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Alva Laster

Alva Laster

Alva Laster

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts

Ms. Alva Laster is a passionate computer science teacher at STEM Middle Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts. She teaches Intro to Computer Science to sixth graders and is known for her innovative teaching methods that make learning fun and engaging for her students. Her dedication to teaching has earned her several accolades, including the 2022 November MassCue Educator of the Month and the spokesperson for Springfield Public Schools’ 2022 Computer Science Education Week. Ms. Laster strongly believes that technology is essential for academic excellence and the development of critical thought in secondary education and beyond. She holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State University and an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology from the American College of Education, giving her a unique perspective on incorporating technology into the classroom.

Dana MacDonald

Dana MacDonald

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, Ontario

Dana MacDonald is an educator who has committed her time, talents, and energy to drive a technological revolution. She has empowered staff and students to become 21st century dreamers, thinkers, and leaders through engaging, hands-on lessons and her positive approach to all relationships. She has been a forerunner with emerging technologies and STEM trends, pioneering innovative approaches that have introduced LEGO robotics, Scratch and more for our K-8 students. Dana skillfully blends the arts and literacy into STEM. The impact of her work has been so effective that she has spoken at many PD opportunities and conferences. Learn more about Dana.

Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Alvord Unified School District, California

Dr. Christopher Martin has been an educator for 21 years, during that time he has been a continual innovator in the instruction of engineering and computer science. Additionally, Christopher serves as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Educational Technology at Concordia University, Irvine. Learn more about Christopher.

Vicky Masson

Vicky Masson

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Norwood School, Maryland

Vicky Masson is an educator, a #TeachSDGs Ambassador, a GWATFL board member and ACTFL LILL participant, and a former SmithsonianEdu Fellow. Born in Argentina, she studied to be a bilingual teacher. Vicky has been teaching Spanish in the United States for over 15 years. She is now teaching Spanish in elementary and middle school at Norwood School in Bethesda, Maryland. Vicky is passionate about education and teaching for global competence. She wants to inspire her students to become lifelong language learners who use technology to transform the world as agents for change. Learn more about Vicky.

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Robert Maxwell

Robert Maxwell

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Houston Independent School District, Texas

Robert is a Technology Instructor at John Marshall Middle School Academy of Fine Arts who is always looking for ways to integrate various digital platforms, including Office 365, to engage students in learning in an 1:1 environment. He is focused on advocating for students to learn how to leverage tech tools and applications to successfully prepare for high school and post-secondary programs.

Toronzo McInnis

Toronzo McInnis

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Toronzo McInnis is a mathematics educator at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, OK. Toronzo strives to push students toward success in whatever direction their life shall take them. His goal in teaching high school mathematics is to transform the nature of the mathematics classroom from its traditional teacher–led dynamic to a student–led environment where learning is organized through complex, interdisciplinary projects, and discourse driven interactions. He teaches for the future success of ALL students because the challenges of our future society will require intelligent and ethical leadership and solutions from ALL persons in our communities.

Colleen McNerney

Colleen McNerney

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Elizabeth Board of Education, New Jersey

Colleen McNerney is an instructional technology coach at the Elizabeth Board of Education in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from The University of Tampa and is working toward a master’s degree in educational technology with an interest in distance learning. She has had the great privilege of teaching technology courses to all grade levels from pre-K to 12th grade. She finds it fun and exciting to see teachers and students at all levels become motivated and engaged when learning about technology. She is the lucky one who gets to teach “the fun stuff.” Learn more about Colleen.

Susan Mejia

Susan Mejia

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Susan Mejia is a middle school science and computer science teacher at Ramblewood Middle School in Broward County Public Schools in south Florida. She teaches physical science and basic computer programming to students, and incorporates programming into science instruction for a deeper understanding of testing and tools for learning. She incorporates project-based learning with an emphasis on using technology and creating social good projects. Learn more about Susan.

Anna Miller

Anna Miller

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Shelby County Schools, Alabama

Anna Miller currently teaches 8th grade English and gifted at Helena Middle School in Alabama. Her 100+ students learn in a classroom equipped with technology and flexible seating – student choice is a key element of her instruction. She loves collaborating with other content area teachers and desires to see every student be as successful as possible! Learn more about Anna.

Kim Mishkin

Kim Mishkin

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Hudson Lab School, New York

Celebrating her 25th year as an educator and school leader, Kim Mishkin is currently the founding middle school educator at Hudson Lab School, a progressive, project-based school in New York. Previously, she was the assistant head of lower school at The Spence School and she worked in public and independent schools in both urban and rural settings serving grades K-12. An entrepreneur, Kim founded SAS for Women, a consultancy helping divorced women. Kim holds a bachelor’s in education from Miami University, a master’s in science education from Wright State University and is licensed in educational leadership through The Ohio State University. Learn more about Kim.

Monika Moorman

Monika Moorman

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Monika is currently a 4th grade teacher at a public school in south Florida. She has been an educator for nearly twenty years in grades ranging from first grade to adult education in both general and gifted settings. She is a proud NBCT in early and middle childhood literacy, but her interests go beyond the realm of literacy. She is a STEM, computer science and sustainability enthusiast, a robotics coach, a Newsela Fellow, and a Solar System Ambassador, to name a few of her current interests and engagements. Her mission as an educator is to ensure that all of her students maintain a lifelong curiosity about the world around them. Learn more about Monika.

Alina Morelli Baima

Alina Morelli Baima

Alina Morelli Baima

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, School Township High School District 211, Illinois

Alina Morelli Baima is a passionate, dedicated educator with 20+ years of experience. She started by teaching GED preparation & ESL to adults in Cook County Department of Corrections. Alina holds a Master’s in Special Education with endorsements in Spanish, ESL, and Bilingual Education, and has taught special education across Chicagoland. As an instructional coach, she partners with educators to develop their practice. Alina excels in leveraging research, best-in-class techniques, and data to drive increased learning outcomes. She skillfully designs and facilitates learning experiences focused on technology integration, culturally responsive practices, differentiation, and high-impact learning strategies.

Vickie Morgado

Vickie Morgado

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Ontario

Vickie has been an elementary educator in Ontario, Canada for 20 years. She has taught multiple grades and is currently an elementary guidance experiential learning teacher. Vickie believes in empowering her students to take charge of their learning to create positive change in the world becoming agents of change. She holds a Masters of Education in curriculum studies and has presented throughout southern Ontario at various conferences including BIT and Connect as well as internationally at ISTE. Vickie is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE), Global Mentor, Nearpod PioNear, Global Goals Ambassador, National Geographic Certified Educator and Micro:bit Champion. Learn more about Vickie.

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Àngels Natal-Asensio

Àngels Natal-Asensio

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, School District, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia

Àngels is a Spanish instructor at Oakton High School in Vienna, VA. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English linguistics and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Àngels utilizes technology to make thinking visible, collaborative, creative, and reflective. As a World Languages teacher, she understands the importance of modeling a variety of technologies so that students learn to exchange ideas and become global and ethical digital citizens. She believes in showcasing and celebrating student learning experiences, and delivering professional learning for other educators to support the powerful use of technology in the classroom.

Nemeil Navarro

Nemeil Navarro

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Long Branch Public Schools, New Jersey

Nemeil Navarro was born and raised in the Philippines. His name “Nemeil” is partly an acronym for the Apollo 11 crew. He has three sisters and a brother. He met his wife, Soledad, at the University of Perpetual Help in Las Pinas. His son is attending New Jersey Institute of technology and his daughter will be attending Franklin and Marshall this fall. His youngest child is a junior at Long Branch High School. He has been with Long Branch Public Schools since 2002. He teaches algebra, principles of engineering and civil engineering, and architecture. He also coaches volleyball and basketball. Learn more about Nemeil.

Kimberly Niebauer

Kimberly Niebauer

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Duval County Public Schools, Florida

Kim is a teacher of K-5 Gifted at Loretto Elementary School who also fosters collaborative partnerships with teachers in support of technology integration in the classroom. She believes that successful technology integration, with tools like Microsoft Flip and MinecraftEDU, also involves voice, choice, and authentic, real world connections. She is a Microsoft Innovative Education Expert, a Global Minecraft Mentor, and is a Level 2 Flip Certified Expert.

Samira Parhizkar

Samira Parhizkar

Samira Parhizkar

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Alief Independent School District, Texas

Samira Parhizkar, a dedicated science and tech specialist at Best Elementary, Alief Independent School District, boasts eight years in education. She extends expertise to K-4 students and educators, while pursuing an educational tech master’s. Proficient in tech, she deploys gamified learning, feedback, social media engagement, and diverse digital content. Notably, she tailors online platforms for personalized learning, accommodating individual needs and paces. Samira’s technology journey started with captioned videos, overcoming hearing challenges. They empowered her learning pace and revealed tech’s transformative power. Online resources furthered her education, showcasing tech’s potential for inclusive learning.

Jim Pedrech

Jim Pedrech

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, London District Catholic School Board, Ontario

Jim Pedrech is the English and Canadian & world studies department head at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Strathroy, Canada. He strives to provide meaningful learning experiences for his students by extending the learning environment beyond the confines of classroom walls. He is particularly interested in the way all texts—ranging from primary sources of the past to video games—can help students better understand real and fictional worlds. Through the “Scanning History” and “Rebuilding Rome” projects, Jim’s students use 3D technology to not only recreate the past but also to share the past with authentic audiences. Learn more about Jim.

Mahfuza Rahman

Mahfuza Rahman

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Toronto District School Board, Ontario

Mahfuza Rahman is a hybrid teacher-digital lead learner and assistant curriculum leader of science at West Humber Collegiate Institute. A lifelong learner, she continues to learn about different ideas and apps, sharing her learning with those around her. She has been a math, physics, chemistry, and general science teacher, as well as a guidance counsellor and a teacher-librarian. In all of these roles, she has utilized technology to engage and support her students and colleagues. Mahfuza empowers her students to see themselves as producers and change-makers, and as such, incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals and maker learning into her curriculum. Learn more about Mahfuza.

Steven Ramirez

Steven Ramirez

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Santa Ana Unified School District, California

Steven Ramirez is an enthusiastic teacher, cheerleader, active listener of verbal and nonverbal communication, connector of services, problem advisor, father of one teenage boy, and advocate for real-world creative learning experiences. Steve believes in equity over equality and asks his students what they need to achieve their goals rather than providing each student with the same materials and instruction. Learn more about Steven.

John Remus-Everitt

John Remus-Everitt

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Rocky View School Division, Alberta

John Remus-Everitt, B.Ed. has been teaching career and technology studies/foundations (CTS/CTF) for the last eight years in Airdrie, AB. Having successfully implemented the robotics program at Muriel Clayton Middle School, John embraced the challenge of becoming the lead teacher/course developer for both the junior and high school robotics programs. His current focus has been the design and implementation of the Academy of Mechatronics which is part of the high school redesign project at W.H. Croxford High School. John created the inaugural program for the 10 level students in 2017 and branched the program out to the 20 level in 2018. Learn more about John.

Jesse Robinson

Jesse Robinson

Jesse Robinson

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jesse Robinson joined the Senior School faculty as director of the Glimcher Tech and Design Hub in 2019. Prior to SSA, he was the director of information technology at an independent school in Connecticut where he designed the technology curriculum and academic technology plan, assisted in developing the STEAM signature program, established Lower and Upper School makerspaces, implemented a 1:1 laptop program, taught computer science, advised the robotics club and coached fencing. He also served on the planning committee for the Westport (Conn.) Maker Faire and spearheaded The Great Duck Project, an initiative to create the world’s largest crowdsourced 3D-printed duck.

Thomas Rogers

Thomas Rogers

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Edmonton Public Schools, Alberta

Thomas Rogers is a maritimer that went west. Graduating with his teaching degree from the University of Alberta in 2011, Thomas has taught in both the private and public education sectors in Alberta. Thomas has taught several elective courses as well as social studies and English language arts, and has a passion for exploring new ways of teaching and learning. Thomas also has experience as a school administrator. He believes that engaged students allow for the most powerful and authentic learning experiences. Learn more about Thomas.

Jessica Sarr Lewis

Jessica Sarr Lewis

Jessica Sarr Lewis

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Marysville School District 25, Washington

As an English Language Arts and Spanish educator, Jes enjoys using hands on learning opportunities and various technology tools to empower student creativity and innovation. Utilizing technology tools, students explore stories, invite discussion, and encourage collaboration to strengthen connections and community.

Christian Scott

Christian Scott

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts

Christian Scott is a Boston Public Schools middle school teacher focusing on social studies and computer science. A native of Daytona Beach Florida, Christian moved to Boston after graduating with a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales. After a long career in the fine dining industry he went back to school to pursue literature and a teaching degree. Christian loves field trips, art supplies, making movies and video games, all of which figure into his classroom regularly. Learn more about Christian.

Pashupati Shah

Pashupati Shah

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Shelby County School District, Tennessee

Goal-oriented math teacher with a zest for science, math, and technology, Pashupati Shah is a Geometry teacher at Wooddale High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and a minor in mathematics. He has a great passion for using technology to create interactive and applied learning experiences for students so that they can be global citizens equipped with 21st century skills. Learn more about Pashupati.

Birlly Silvestre

Birlly Silvestre

Birlly Silvestre

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Houston Independent School District, Texas

Ms. Birlly Silvestre is a passionate and experienced VILS coach and Tech and Media Service Specialist at Deady Middle School in Houston, TX. She is going into her 16th year in education and loves helping teachers integrate technology in the classroom. She is committed to transforming education and believes that technology can be a powerful tool for learning. She is also passionate about her community and gives back by giving her time and dedication to her school, her teachers, and her students. In her free time she assists her school community in the Fine Arts Department, making sure that the students are not only innovators and leaders in the classroom but also in the Arts and around the community.

Alexis Siqueiros

Alexis Siqueiros

Alexis Siqueiros

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Tucson Unified School District, Arizona

Alexis is an Instructional Coach at Pueblo Gardens PK-8 School and was a VILS Cohort 6 Coach for the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative, a Lab Mentor for the Verizon Innovation Lab, and a Teacher Technology Leader for the district. Day-to-day, you can find her in classrooms working with teachers on integrating technology in meaningful ways to advance student learning and engage them in the curriculum.

Tiffany Smith

Tiffany Smith

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Tiffany Smith is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. She received a masters of special education from Concordia University. She has been a dedicated educator for 22 years; the last eight years as a special education teacher. She is passionate about students’ needs being met and parents knowing their rights. She often provides real–life, hands–on experiences for her students. For example, she created a McDonald’s and often cooks with them. In Ms. Smith’s spare time, she likes to travel and garden. Ms. Smith is the mother of three children. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Cindy Snyder

Cindy Snyder

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Nampa School District, Idaho

Cindy Snyder is a self-contained special education teacher at Lone Star Middle School in Nampa, Idaho. She serves students in grades 6-8 and provides services in social skills, life skills, reading, writing, and math. Cindy focuses on cultivating independence in her students through student-led IEP meetings and overseeing her classroom’s student-led coffee/bake shop. She is a M.S. Ed candidate through Johns Hopkins University, where she is focusing on expanding her knowledge of equity in special education. Cindy has a passion for learning about educational technology that promotes independence in and out of the classroom for her special education students. Learn more about Cindy.

Patrick Snyder

Patrick Snyder

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Iowa City Community Schools, Iowa

Patrick Snyder is an instructional design strategist for Iowa City Schools who helps facilitate development and growth for all learners. Patrick finds sustained success with enhancing experiences and achievement through emphasizing and modeling innovative ways to engage learners. Expanding how students creatively show their learning deepens enthusiasm and creates a contagious culture of greatness for all. Learn more about Patrick. Learn more about Patrick.

Olivia Snyder

Olivia Snyder

Olivia Snyder

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Shelby County Schools, Alabama

Olivia Carroll is a Special Education Teacher at Helena Middle School in Helena, Alabama. She serves in the AAS class/self-contained setting. She serves as her school’s robotics sponsor and assistant coach to the Helena Unified Cheer and Gymnastics Team. She has served in education for four years.

Chad Sorrells

Chad Sorrells

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Shelby County School District, Alabama

Chad Sorrells is a middle school math teacher at Helena Middle School within the Shelby County School District in Alabama. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Mississippi State University. He also has a master’s degree in elementary education and an educational specialist degree in teacher leadership from the University of West Alabama. Chad works diligently to integrate technology as a powerful tool to assist student learning. In addition to his work with middle school students, he also teaches education courses at the University of West Alabama. Learn more about Chad.

Dan Spada

Dan Spada

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Ellington Public Schools, Connecticut

Dan Spada is a library media specialist with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Michigan, and a post-graduate certificate in technology integration from Boise State University. Having previous careers in marketing and television production, Dan uses his unique background to work with teachers to infuse technology and media into their curriculum in order to provide rich and meaningful learning experiences for students. Dan created The EdTech Show on YouTube in order to share creative and innovative ways for teachers to use technology in their classrooms. Learn more about Dan.

Stephanie Peppers

Stephanie Peppers

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Stephanie Peppers is an elementary school teacher in Tulsa Public Schools. She has taught grades 1-5. She is passionate about using technology to allow her students to be their most creative and authentic selves as well as empowering other teachers to do the same! Being 1-1 with Chromebooks, her classroom is centered around student voice and choice and allowing ALL learners to be successful. She is also the site tech at her school and enjoys being the teacher that can ‘work her magic’ on any technology problem.

Michelle Strickland

Michelle Strickland

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Trigg County Public Schools, Kentucky

Michelle Strickland is a credit recovery and computer-based instruction teacher, a makerspace facilitator, and a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle coach. Michelle came to education later in life than most. Her undergraduate degree is in educational psychology and she has a Master of Divinity. She spent several years teaching in church before she came to education in a traditional classroom. She worked more individually with students who needed help with credit recovery for eight years, and has worked with Trigg County High School’s makerspace for the past three years. She has maintained the computer-based instruction classes and dual credit students while also helping students intern through their CTE pathways in the makerspace. Michelle lives with her husband Jason and their son. Learn more about Michelle.

Joshua Tabor

Joshua Tabor

2021 HP Teaching Fellow, Denton Independent School District, Texas

Dr. Joshua Tabor is a digital learning specialist in Denton Independent School District in Denton, Texas. He has been in education for over 20 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M – Commerce and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. His research fields include effective online learning, blended learning, and gamification. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas. Joshua lives in McKinney, Texas with his wife, Amanda, and their son, Braxton. Learn more about Joshua.

Lynn Thomas

Lynn Thomas

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Grand Erie District School Board, Ontario

Lynn Thomas is a secondary school English teacher at Dunnville Secondary School in Dunnville, Ontario. She serves as a digital lead learner in Grand Erie District School Board, is the treasurer for the Educational Computing Organization of Ontario, is an active member of Microsoft’s educator learning community as a Microsoft Fellow, and is a part of the Kakuma Academy curriculum development team, leading on English. Lynn writes a blog at www.wordsgrow.com covering her many interests and experiences in education including making learning relevant and supportive by teaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals, incorporating mental health and wellness, collaborating globally, and using educational technology to increase accessibility and inclusivity. Learn more about Lynn.

Rola Tibshirani

Rola Tibshirani

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Ottawa Catholic Public School Board, Ontario

Rola Tibshirani is a seventh grade French immersion teacher at All Saints High School with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Rola is passionate about students taking ownership of their learning and applying integrative thinking and design thinking processes when embracing challenges. She is also passionate about connecting students with real-world problem solving to take action and make a difference in their communities locally and globally. Learn more about Rola.

Dao Tran

Dao Tran

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Peel District School Board, Ontario

Dao Tran is a secondary science/biology teacher and curriculum leader from the Peel District School Board, Ontario, Canada. As an advocate for marginalized voices in education, her current focus is to provide leadership practices that promote culturally relevant and responsive instruction and asset-based assessment that centered students’ identity and lived experiences. She believes that habitual conversations about critical consciousness with staff and students can change invisible colonial practices that demote inclusion and collectively build equitable school for all learners to succeed. Dao received her science education and teacher training at the University of Toronto, St. George campus where she obtained her master’s degree in science and bachelor’s degree in education.

Dean Vendramin

Dean Vendramin

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Regina Catholic Schools, Saskatchewan

Dean Vendramin has been an educator for over 20 years. He is currently the education leader for math/science at Archbishop M.C. O’Neill Catholic High School in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He has a passion for all things in education with emphasis on technology integration, assessment, professional development, and 21st century education. He is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Minecraft Global Mentor, Skype Master Teacher, Flipgrid Ambassador, Wakelet Ambassador, and GoFormative Certified Educator. He is currently taking his masters in education and curriculum instruction and publishes articles for the provincial teacher’s bulletin. You can find out more on his e-portfolio deanvendramin.weebly.com or on Twitter @vendi55. Learn more about Dean.

Amanda Voth

Amanda Voth

Amanda Voth

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Baldwin City School District, Kansas

Manda is a Technology & Business Educator at Baldwin Junior High School who teaches everything from Computer Foundations and Career & Life Planning to Robotics and Coding. As a CTE educator, she understands the importance of integrating simple skills, like keyboarding, with innovative and challenging skills, like digital citizenship and website design, all in efforts to improve our learning and our lives.

Jason Watson

Jason Watson

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Lynwood Unified School District, California

Jason Watson lives and works in southern California where he is a husband, father, and an experienced teacher skilled in education management, budgeting, state and local assessments, classroom management, instructional design, and educational technology. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology and a master of education (M.Ed.) focused on educational/instructional technology. He currently works for Lynwood Unified at Hosler Middle School, where he holds a single subject social science credential and an administrative credential. His goal has always been to create a fun environment for his students where they will learn skills they can use for life. Learn more about Jason.

Drew Williams

Drew Williams

2020 HP Teaching Fellow, Nampa School District, Idaho

Drew Williams is a personalized learning instructional coach at Lone Star Middle School in Nampa, Idaho. She also teaches digital photography and yearbook to grades 7 and 8. Drew has a master’s in art education from Boise State University, with a research focus on STEAM in K-12 classrooms. She is an advocate for experiential and lifelong learning. Drew finds joy in helping teachers and students to develop their confidence and capacities with technology as a tool for creative, meaningful, and personal learning objectives. Learn more about Drew.

Eleanor Williamson

Eleanor Williamson

Eleanor Williamson

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, New York City Public Schools, New York

Ellie Williamson has been an educator for the past 24 years. She has taught various science, math, and education courses at the secondary and graduate levels. Her teaching career began in Jamaica, where she also completed her undergraduate studies at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus. She also has a Master’s in Science Education from the City University of New York, Lehman College. Ellie is passionate about developing a strong, rigorous, fun, and creative curriculum, which she has shared with teachers nationwide at various science-teacher conferences. Other highlights of her career include receiving the LUTE award from Lehman College and the Muller Award in 2023. She is also a three-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship.

Marcus Wilmore

Marcus Wilmore

Marcus Wilmore

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Houston Independent School District, Texas

Marcus Wilmore currently holds the position of Director of Bands and Fine Arts Chair at Billy Reagan Educational Center in Houston, Texas. With 16 years of extensive teaching experience across all K-12 levels – elementary, middle, and high school – Mr. Wilmore has consistently dedicated himself to fostering Musical Literacy. This entails equipping students with the skills to Read, Write and Comprehend Music through various approaches proficiently. With a newly implemented 1:1 device integration on his campus, Marcus can showcase how technology can empower Fine Arts students to autonomously drive their learning process, aligning seamlessly with his overarching objective.

Melissa Wrenchey

Melissa Wrenchey

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Lake Washington School District, Washington

Melissa Wrenchey is an educator in the Lake Washington School District and part of the planning and implementation team for a STEAM High School in Redmond. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, a Microsoft Innovative Expert, certified trainer, and NCWIT Nationally Recognized Educator. Her passion is using STEM to inspire underrepresented people to change the trajectory of technology and make it more inclusive with better user experience and informed design. She currently teaches entrepreneurship to ninth graders and designs integrated learning with an emphasis on the UN Sustainable Development Goals to solve authentic problems. She is an avid user of hashtags #TeachSDGs, #engipreneurism, and #TSTEMHS. Learn more about Melissa.

James Yanuzzelli

James Yanuzzelli

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Old Bridge Township Public Schools, New Jersey

James Yanuzzelli is a technology integration specialist for Old Bridge Township Public Schools in New Jersey. He started his career in 2005 as a middle school social studies teacher. He holds a bachelor’s in history and education, a master’s in educational technology and online learning, and a master’s in educational leadership. He holds a Standard Certificate for Teacher of History, a Standard Certificate for Supervisor, a Certificate of Eligibility for School Leader with Principal Endorsement, and a Certificate of Eligibility for School Administrator. Jim lives in Aberdeen, New Jersey and has two daughters with his wife Lindsay. Learn more about James.

Brittany Zamora

Brittany Zamora

Brittany Zamora

2023 HP Teaching Fellow, Houston Independent School District, Texas

As a former educator, Brittany Zamora transitioned into the role of an Instructional Technologist with Houston Independent School District at Stevenson Middle School. With a passion for integrating technology to enhance learning experiences, she now leverages her teaching background to support and empower both students and fellow educators in the effective use of educational technology. Her commitment to fostering innovation and creating a dynamic learning environment makes her an invaluable asset to the school community.

Melissa Zeitz

Melissa Zeitz

2022 HP Teaching Fellow, Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts

Melissa is a Digital Literacy & Computer Science Teacher at Zanetti Montessori School and a Technology Curriculum Resource Coordinator for the Springfield CSforALL grant. She is focused on bringing the design thinking process to students, including setting sustainability goals to create innovations aimed at spurring positive change, through the use of tech tools and computer science, like Makecode, Minecraft, and Flipgrid. You can also find her co-facilitating professional learning workshops for teachers to learn how to make computer science accessible and engaging for all students.

Jenna Zucha

Jenna Zucha

2019 HP Teaching Fellow, Clear Creek Independent School District, Texas

Jenna Zucha is a high school language arts teacher with a masters degree in literature from the University of Houston in Texas. She is a lover of literature and an advocate for a multiple literacy approach to teaching. In this rich-text world we live in, Jenna is helping students learn how to read everything from video games to documentaries to podcasts, and she encourages them to create products that reflect the powerful role technology has in shaping their experience. Jenna blogs with her students, challenges them to tweet favorite authors, and write insta-poetry. Jenna believes that technology can bring literature to life and can move students from the role of mere consumer to creator. Learn more about Jenna.

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