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References and Resources
About the Authors
Meg Ormiston, in her role as a consultant, partners with school systems that have committed to 21st century learning experiences for everyone. Meg creates a unique partnership in each district, reflecting the mission, vision, and direction that local leaders identify. Her districtwide projects include guiding teams through the visioning process, designing and delivering professional development, facilitating classroom modeling, developing student leaders in technology, and educating parents.
Meg is a teacher, a keynote speaker, and an author of seven books, including Creating a Digital-Rich Classroom, which received an honorable mention in the education category for the 2010 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. After twelve years teaching and coaching in the classroom, Meg volunteered on her local school board, facilitated grant projects, and continued researching and writing about best practices.
Meg has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the National College of Education at National Louis University and travels globally, sharing her passion for real change in the classroom. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Brian; her sons, Danny and Patrick; and her golden retriever puppy, Sonoma.
To learn more about Meg’s work, follow @megormi on Twitter.
Beth Hatlen is a kindergarten teacher in a full-day kindergarten program in a 1:1 school district in west suburban Chicago and is currently transitioning to a reading specialist position. Since 2000, Beth has taught preschool and first grade, and she is a certified reading specialist. She has a passion for making learning hands-on, meaningful, and fun while integrating technology into everyday instruction.
Beth was the Downers Grove Elementary Education Association Teacher of the Year in 2012 and a nominee for the Downers Grove Elementary Education Foundation Distinguished Service Award in 2017. She has given presentations on differentiated learning at state and national conferences and on how to integrate technology into the classroom at many district-level in-service days. Beth is a Seesaw ambassador and is active in district and regional collaborations for STEM, language arts, and full-day kindergarten development.
Beth has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Elmhurst College and went on to complete two master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and in reading through National Louis University. Beth is a wife to Brian and a mother to a son, a daughter, and a golden retriever.
To learn more about Beth’s work, follow @MrsHatlen on Twitter.
Kristy Hopkins is a kindergarten teacher in a 1:1 district in suburban Chicago. She began teaching preschool in an early childhood education program in 2006. Kristy considers herself creative and collaborative and loves to take on new challenges to continue her own learning. She has a passion for helping every student learn in fun, innovative, and developmentally appropriate ways that make every day meaningful.
Kristy is a Seesaw ambassador who holds a special education certificate of approval and an endorsement for teaching English learners. She was nominated for the 2015 Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 Distinguished Service Award and has mentored many new teachers. She has presented at district and school in-service days on how to use technology in the classroom and in social-emotional learning.
Kristy has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. Kristy is a wife and a mother to two young girls and loves to spend her free time with her family, go on outdoor adventures, and read anything and everything.
To learn more about Kristy’s work, follow @HopkinsKinder on Twitter.
Kirstin McGinnis is a veteran kindergarten teacher in a 1:1 iPad classroom that hosts teachers nationwide for site visits. She feels passionate about providing all students with access to a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate education tailored to each student’s needs.
Kirstin is an EdTech consultant and has presented at local, state, and national conferences. She consults for the Technology in Early Childhood Center at Erikson Institute in Chicago and is an elementary education and EdTech blogger at Hip Hooray in K.
Kirstin has a master’s degree in differentiated instruction from Concordia University Chicago where she is also finishing a second master’s degree in leadership. Kirstin loves spending downtime with her husband, sweet baby girl, and dogs, as well as rescuing and fostering dogs, baking, and completing DIY projects.
To learn more about Kirstin’s work, follow @kirstinmcginnis on Twitter.
Lissa Blake is an instructional technology integration coach who, for thirteen years, has transformed that role from a computer lab teacher to a true instructional coach supporting K–2 teachers and students. Lissa loves sharing what she has learned by creating exciting presentations that actively engage participants at local conferences and often engage and enlighten all learners.
Lissa is a Seesaw ambassador, Nearpod pioneer, and Google-certified educator and is working to complete her certificate as a Certified Education Technology Leader. She has had the privilege of speaking at local, state, and national conferences.
Lissa received her bachelor’s degree in education at Indiana University and earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. She currently has a technology specialist endorsement and is pursuing a second master’s degree in technology in education. Lissa loves spending all her free time exploring life with her two young girls, husband, and dog.
To learn more about Lissa’s work, follow @D60HolmesTech on Twitter.
Nicole Ring serves as an instructional coach in a suburban 1:1 school district. She spent four years teaching fourth grade and seven years teaching first grade. As an instructional coach, Nicole works as a colleague alongside classroom teachers to support student learning and growth. She works with teachers to develop and implement instructional strategies in all content areas while integrating technology in meaningful ways.
Nicole is a Seesaw ambassador and sits on several committees in her district. She was also nominated for the Downers Grove Elementary Education Foundation Distinguished Service Award in 2013. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences.
Nicole completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at North Central College. Nicole maintains a growth mindset, wanting to learn more and more each day, and she loves to spend her free time with her husband and two boys.
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