#NYCSchoolsTech Summit | Award Winners

Deborah Paradise
TEACHER / SPOC / TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

Current School: Leadership and Public Service High School | Years worked for NYCPS: 9 years

Ms. Paradise onboarded her entire school building to the DOE Grades and DOE Attendance within the first full year roll out and facilitated feedback from school staff to central DIIT staff. She worked to achieve 98% assigned central devices within the central DeviceHub system. Ms. Paradise also increased communication between SPOCs and central DIIT offices through feedback forms, office hours, and emails to improve how systems work at the school level.

MAJOR MILESTONES:
★ Started working at Leadership & Public Service HS in 2014.
★ Onboarded entire school to DOE Grades and DOE Attendance systems.
★ Worked to increase SPOC communication and feedback with DIIT.

Ellen Perlow Phillips
TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Current School: The Grand Central Parkway School | Years worked for NYCPS: 23 years

Ellen Perlow Phillips believes learning should be fun, and that the classroom is a place where students can express their knowledge and creativity fully and confidently, in a safe and nurturing environment. During Ellen’s 11 years at PS196Q, students created original work using graphic design, digital comics, animation, video, music and learned how to program robots and drones. They were introduced to coding using a variety of highly engaging programs such as Code.org, Scratch and CodeMonkey. Ellen led workshops for teachers about Google Tools, and how to use Google Classroom years before the need arose to implement remote learning in school. She facilitated meetings for parents and guardians to keep them apprised of classroom programs and projects, as well as overviews on topics such as cyberbullying and Internet safety for children.

MAJOR MILESTONES:
★ BA Hofstra University, English Literataurem MS Hofstra University, Elementary Education.
★ MS Touro University, Educational Technology.
★ NYSCATE 2007 Lee Bryant Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
★ Tech4Learning 2008 Innovative Educator.
★ Borough Technology Specialist in the Office of Educational Technology, Queens.
★ Implemented Title IID Grants in qualifying borough schools while in the Office of Educational Technology, Queens.
★ Introduced Coding, Animation, Graphic Design and Robotics in the technology curriculum at PS 196Q.
★ Ellen has presented technology workshops on a wide range of digital tools at NYSCATE and ISTE conferences across the country.

Erin Dietz
TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR/SPOC

Current School: PS 103 The Hector Fontanez School | Years worked for NYCPS: 20 years

Ms. Dietz is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to devices for staff and students. Especially during the pandemic, she made sure all students had working devices and even set up an information booth outside of our school for parents to come by and ask any technology related questions they had. Ms. Dietz is always eager to help staff with any tech related or device related issue, even after work hours.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Ms. Dietz started at PS 103 in 2004 as a 5th Grade teacher.
★ In 2012, Ms. Dietz took on the role of Technology Educator/ Coordinator.
★ Since her time as Technology Coordinator, she has been awarded many technology grants for her school.
★ She also worked hard to acquire an LED light for above the main doors of the building. This board provides updates to the parents about events happening in school, as well as gives a friendly touch to the main facade of the building.

Herson Pleitez
TECHNOLOGY TEACHER/SPOC

Current School: PS 109 Sedgwick | Years worked for NYCPS: 10 years

Mr. Pleitez created the #NYCSchoolsTech Info Sheet which contains many helpful technology resources used across schools. Mr. Pleitez volunteered to moderate the #NYCSchoolsTech Facebook group and has been a consistent contributer to those in need of technical assistance. Mr. Pleitez has helped with many technology related issues, within his school and those from other schools through his vast technical knowledge. Mr. Pleitez created the files for the efficient use of the state exams application.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Worked at Apple 5th Avenue Store prior to joining the DOE in 2014.
★ Lead technology for PS 109 Sedgwick since starting in 2014.
★ Handles all technology related items for the school.
★ Has been school Test Coordinator and SPOC for the school. Creates and develops many database styled items for use in the school.
★ Advocates for the better use of technology throughout the DOE.

Lisa Choi
TECHNOLOGY TEACHER, SPOC, STARS PROGRAMMER, WEBMASTER

Current School: P.S. 7 Queens | Years worked for NYCPS: 16 years

Lisa Choi is a Technology Teacher for elementary students and has been with the DOE for almost 16 years. Other roles include SPOC, STARS Programmer, and Webmaster/Content Creator. Lisa utilized game-based learning to foster 21st century skills and enjoyed teaching computer science, digital citizenship, and applied digital skills. She transformed two classrooms into vibrant Makerspaces so students can now also learn about 3D printing, hydroponics, and participate in more STEAM activities. Championing equity, she also launched the CS4All initiative at her school, giving more students a chance to explore computer science. As webmaster and content creator, she ensured an accessible website and helped grow her school’s social media presence, connecting families across Instagram and YouTube. As an advocate for meaningful tech integration, Lisa not only conducted professional learning at the school level, but also at #NYCSchoolsTech Summits, Meet Ups, and ISTE. Additionally, through her work as an LMS Adoption Specialist, Lisa has helped hundreds of schools transition to the DOE Google Workspace. Lisa is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Apple Learning Coach, Adobe Creative Educator Innovator, and has received badges in numerous ed tech apps/tools (Kami, Minecraft Education, Pear Deck, and more).

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Manage over 1600+ devices and provide tech support to 1200+ students, 100+ staff, and families.
★ Coached students as they participated in the 2023 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs and had three student teams move on to compete at the Queens Borough Championships!
★ Became a CS4All Lead and am spearheading efforts to expand CS access to all students at my school.

Mathew Gorin
MODEL TEACHER

Current School: P.S. K721 - Brooklyn Occupational Training Center | Years worked for NYCPS: 11 years

Mr. Gorin introduced students to text-toimage tools using Adobe Firefly. Mr. Gorin demonstrated to students the importance of using peer-to-peer communication to ensure that those with limited or no voice could express their thoughts. This approach aimed to provide all students with equal opportunities and ensure equity in participation in student government. Mr. Gorin has taught teachers to utilize Google’s wheel of names to make choices, and even has worked to use it to work on basic math skills, focusing on ease of access to provide an entry point to utilizing tech for all students in the school.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Matt started his carrier at the DOE in 2013.
★ He became a facilitator in the Teacher Leadership Program and worked on teaching teachers and administrators about student inquiry, staff development and Equity.
★ Matt has been a Model Teacher since 2021.
★ Matt has been a Teaching Academy Director for the Teaching Fellows Program.
★ Using simple tech devices, Matt has brought technology to special needs students by creating fun and interactive entry points so all students can use technology to learn and facilitate communication.

Samantha Barrett
OFFICE OF POLICY EVALUATION LEAD

Current School: Community School District 20 | Years worked for NYCPS: 16 years

Sam has moved up the DOE chain from being a school-based personnel who maintained system records for a school of 400 students to teaching Systems, Policy, Assessments and Performance for various iterations of support for schools. She takes her past knowledge working in educational operations with her to build systems and better practices to replicate in the schools she serves.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Sam started in the DOE in 2008 and worked up the ranks to now supporting over 40 schools in Brooklyn.

Sparkle Peters
ED TECH COORDINATOR

Current School: Virtual Innovators Academy | Years worked for NYCPS: 11 years

Ms. Peters has dedicated herself to advancing technology integration in education through various initiatives. Her work with one-to-one technology integration, exemplified by the Apple Connect Ed Grant in two previous schools, underscores her commitment to enhancing students’ learning experiences. In addition to this, Ms. Peters established a student tech leadership team, empowering students to take ownership of technology in education. Ms. Peters has worked diligently to foster responsible and ethical technology use among students, emphasizing the importance of digital citizenship in today’s digital age. Ms. Peters’ efforts in creating and building systems and structures for the Virtual High School have been pivotal in ensuring smooth operations and effective learning in the online environment. Furthermore, Ms. Peters has collaborated with staff to prepare and support them in using new educational technology tools and developing their ed tech competencies. Her collaborative approach has been instrumental in helping staff integrate technology into their teaching practices.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Created and implemented systems and structures for the Virtual High School, ensuring smooth operations and effective learning in the online environment.
★ Established a student tech leadership team, empowering students to take on leadership roles in technology integration efforts.
★ Successfully implemented one-toone technology integration through the Apple Connect Ed Grant.

Sparkle Peters
ED TECH COORDINATOR

Current School: Virtual Innovators Academy | Years worked for NYCPS: 11 years

MAJOR MILESTONES:

Staci Balice
LIBRARY/MEDIA TEACHER AND SPOC

Current School: Space Shuttle Columbia P.S. 58 | Years worked for NYCPS: 18.5 years

Mrs. Balice led the Space Shuttle Columbia P.S. 58 Shining Stars to a borough and citywide win in the Battle of the Boroughs. She introduced coding and Minecraft Education to an all-female team called “My Sister’s Keeper” who also were P.S. 58’s Girls Who Code. Mrs. Balice also assumed the lead, along with the CDW team and administration, on redesigning a new space for the library/media center at P.S. 58. Mrs. Balice has ensured that all students in our school community have a 1:1 device readily available by equipping all classrooms with Chromebooks and iPads, so that even the youngest students have technology at their fingertips. As SPOC, she has been the point of contact for all technology purchases. As the library/media teacher, Mrs. Balice made it her job to create a community where technology and digital media safety is the school’s #1 priority. She also welcomed our co-located school District 75, P.S. 373 into their space and provided their school with library resources and physical space to use when needed. Mrs. Balice has earned many certifications such as Adobe Creative Educator Level 1, 2 and Adobe ACE district badge. Mrs. Balice has also received her SPOC badge and retains a School Building Leader license. Mrs. Balice has secured many grants, most recently the SIA - Urban Arts: Creative Coders, and is currently beginning the soft rollout to her Girls Who Code. This grant will be implemented to support all modality of learners and introduce them to Digital Literacy/Media Safety in her school community.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ 2023 - CDW Blueprint to Design - The Bridge to Creating Collaborative Spaces Teacher Lead Leading the Redesign of library to library/media space.
★ 2023 - Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs Citywide Champions.
★ 2023 - Adobe Ace District Lead.
★ 2023 - E-Sports Success Story Guest Speaker at the Samsung Education Live Event.
★ 2023 - SIA Urban Arts x Minecraft for Education: Creative Coders.
★ 2023 - Certified DIIT/SPOC through WeLearn NYC.
★ 2022 - P.S. 58’s My Sister’s Keeper/GWC Lead.
★ 2022 - present - P.S. 58’s Lead Collaborator/ Facilitator with non-for-profit foundation Grandma’s Love Inc.
★ 2021 - 2023 - NYC DOE New Teacher Mentor through MTS.
★ 2021 - ComicsPlus Grant writer.
★ 2020 - Received a School Building Leader Certificate.

Steven Mudrick
DIRECTOR OF CTE VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SPOC FOR TECHNOLOGY

Current School: The Theatre Arts Production Company School | Years worked for NYCPS: 21 years

Steven Mudrick started teaching video production to middle school students 21 years ago at the Theatre Arts Production Company School in the Bronx. Since that time he has built one of the strongest and most successful multimedia and video production programs in the 5 boroughs. His work in the middle school led to the creation of a thriving high school CTE video production and work-based learning program where students work for outside non-profits and corporations to create industry-quality productions. In July of this year construction will begin on an in-school state-of-theart television production studio that will be one-ofits kind in the Bronx. Mr. Mudrick is a 5-time winner of the JP Morgan Multimedia in the classroom award, and has had multiple films accepted for the prestigious NYC Pubic School Film Festival. The TAPCo CTE Video program continues to grow and thrive under his direction.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Teaching video production for 21 years.
★ Created a CTE Video Production program that is now in its third year.
★ Oversaw the production of more than 500 videos in his video programs.
★ Currently working to create music video anthems for the DOE Office of Sustainability, which will be distributed to most NYC Public Schools.
★ Launched a video work-based learning program where students create industry-standard videos for non-profits and small businesses in the Bronx.
★ Received a Master’s degree in instructional technology from NYIT and received the John Jay Theobald Graduate Achievement Award for graduating first in the class.

Steven Mudrick
DIRECTOR OF CTE VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SPOC FOR TECHNOLOGY

Current School: The Theatre Arts Production Company School | Years worked for NYCPS: 21 years

MAJOR MILESTONES:

Théa Williams
GRADE 4 TEACHER

Current School: Brooklyn Arbor Elementary | Years worked for NYCPS: 20 years

Théa began her teaching career in 2003 as a cohort 6 NYC Teaching Fellow. In 2014, she was awarded the NYIT School Building Leader Award. Théa pivoted to computer science education through CS4All’s SEPjr program, and became committed to equity as a member of CS4All’s Exploring Equity in Computer Science group. She recently completed Hunter College’s CS Education program and received her CS Education K-12 license in July 2023. She has collaborated with teacher and EECS member Ashley Ufret to co-plan equity-focused CS lessons. She also co-designed a graduate level class at Brooklyn College (CUNY) for in-service teachers, which she teaches as an adjunct professor as part of the CSin6 program.

MAJOR MILESTONES:

★ Between 2003-2020 Wrote and was awarded more than 12 grants totaling more than 1 million dollars.
★ 2017 - Became an SEP Jr. Teacher Trainer and CS Lead working to scale computer science in my school, Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School.
★ 2020 - Became a member of CS4All’s Exploring Equity in Computer Science team - as a result - led CS equity work in my school, developed CS Equity focused curriculum, and co-faciltiated Girls Who Code club.
★ 2023 - Became one of the 1st 100 teachers in NY State to get CS Ed Certification.
★ 2023 - co-designed graduate level class at Brooklyn College (CUNY) for in-service teachers, which she teaches as an adjunct professor as part of the CSin6 program. Scaling CS with an equity focus on a broader scale beyond my school.

Brought To You By