teacher appreciation
March 25, 2022
As part of Women’s History Month, Sharita Ware, the 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her journey.
By Sharita Ware
As part of Women’s History Month, Sharita Ware, the 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her journey.
Program and Outreach Coordinator
Cara is an educator with over ten years in the field, encompassing instructional support, math and literacy intervention, curriculum development, and elementary teaching. A lifelong Brownsburg resident, she holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis and in Teaching from Indiana Wesleyan University.
District E-Learning Specialist
Tim Arnold is a District eLearning Specialist with Richmond Community schools in Richmond, IN. Prior to that he was a social studies teacher, coach, and educational leader at Nettle Creek Schools in Hagerstown, IN. Tim was selected as a Top Ten Educator in the State of Indiana, taught Social Studies methods in the Earlham College Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has presented at multiple local, state and national conferences (ICE, HECC, CanvasCon, InstructureCon, ISTE) on topics he is passionate about including blended learning, student engagement, Canvas, G Suite for Education, and Building Community through VR Tour Creator. Additionally, Tim holds certifications in Technology Leadership (CIESC Cohort 8), Google (Level 1), FlipGrid, and Nearpod and collaborates with @RCSLearn colleagues to host a Twitter chat with over 120 episodes, and is a HECC Board Member. Tim was honored to be a 2023 Indiana University School of Education Jacob’s Award Winner and to receive the Candice Dodson Award. Tim’s mantra is to serve others with patient persistence.
Technology Coach
Stevie Frank (she/her) is a Digital Learning Coach at her school in Zionsville, Indiana. Stevie has 14 years of education background and earned her master’s degree in Literacy Education from Indiana University at Indianapolis. She’s just recently been named one of Ed Tech Magazine’s top 30 K-12 Influencers to follow. When she’s not learning to become an educator for ALL students, she’s marking off travels with her family.
Instruction Technology Coordinator
Sara Atkinson is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Duneland School Corporation in Chesterton, IN. Sara served as an elementary teacher for 10 years and as an instructional coach for 5 years. Sara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University South Bend and her Master’s Degree in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University. Sara is currently working to obtain a Building Administrator License. She is passionate about supporting teachers and administrators through a partnership approach and designing curriculum that supports student growth and success. Sara is also a Google Certified Educator (Levels 1 and 2) and an Apple Learning Coach.
Director of EL Programming and Recruitment
Sandy Goehring is the Director of EL Programming and Recruitment for Global Special Education Associates. Prior to her current position, she served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, special education compliance coordinator, and assistant principal for five years. She is a proud Butler Bulldog. In her current position, she is responsible for supporting EL programs in several charter schools. She provides professional development on numerous student services topics. Last year, she had the opportunity to serve as a virtual second grade teacher in conjuction with her special education position. Because of her passion for digital learn, this was an exciting adventure!
Technology Integration Specialist
Nicole Nelson is the K-12 Technology Integration Specialist for Lewis Cass Schools in Walton, Indiana. Nicole is a certified educator with ISTE and Canvas. She uses this knowledge to support teachers in their efforts to implement technology in meaningful ways in order to increase student engagement. In addition, she works with the elementary media specialist on planning digital citizenship and computer science curriculum. Nicole has more than 20 years of classroom experience in the primary grades as well as STEM education with middle school students. She is a Google Certified Trainer and Educator with a passion for helping teachers leverage these tools to incorporate creativity, collaboration and critical thinking within their classrooms.
Educational Technology Specialist
Melissa Walley is the Educational Technology Specialist for Hanover Community School Corporation, located in Cedar Lake, Indiana. She has twenty-five years of experience in education and is an ISTE Certified Educator. Melissa has teaching experience in kindergarten through third grade and also has experience as an elementary school principal. In her current role with Hanover Community Schools, she oversees the elementary computer science curriculum and programming for the district, as well as 6-12 instructional technology coaching. She has worked on the implementation of technology integration through Google Classroom and Schoology. Melissa is a Board Member for Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators (HECC) and is a member of Indiana Connected Educators and ISTE. Her goal is to support educators and help them step out of their comfort zones.
Coordinator of Student Services / Director of Early Learning
Kristin Parisi is the Coordinator of Student Services and Director of the Early Learning Center in MSD of Washington Township. Kristin has over 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education along with special education. Her passion is inclusion, early literacy, and spending as much time as possible in the classroom with children. Kristin also works to help parents navigate the early intervention process as they transition their children from community services to school based services.
Instructional Technology Integration Specialist
Karisa Schwanekamp has been an educator for 20 years and is the Instructional Technology Integration Specialist for Plainfield Community School Corporation. She was Plainfield’s 2023 Teacher of the Year and was also an Indiana Top 10 Teacher of the Year finalist in 2023. Karisa was named a 2023 Indiana University Jacobs Educator for her innovative uses of technology. She believes strongly in real-world, authentic learning and is a founding member of YaySTEM!, a group whose mission is to bring joy to learning and teaching through STEM education. Karisa is an Innovation Coach with Keep Indiana Learning, serves on the Central Indiana STEM Ecosystem Advisory Board, is a MagicSchoolAI Pioneer, is a Book Creator Ambassador, serves on the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County Board, and is an Ambassador for Expeditions in Education. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis with a focus in autism from Ball State University. She makes a great team with her husband, Brent, who is a Plainfield High School administrator. They love to explore the outdoors with their 4 children.
Director of Elementary
Jonathan Winslow is Director of Elementary Education at MSD of Steuben County in Angola, IN. He is a former Elementary Educator and current Doctoral Candidate at Ball State University. In his school district he works with teachers in coaching cycles, facilitates professional development, and supports principals at the elementary level. In his coaching cycles and previous teaching experiences, he has developed successful blended learning environments based on the needs of the students he works with. He believes in meeting teachers, students, and staff where they are while developing plans to help them move forward in their craft.
ELA Teacher
With a 32-year career in education, John Wells brings extensive experience and passion to F.J. Reitz High School in Evansville, where he currently teaches English Language Arts (ELA). He holds both a BA and a MS from the University of Southern Indiana. In addition to classroom teaching, John actively collaborates with fellow educators to integrate technology into their teaching practices, enhancing the educational experience for students and has presented at numerous local, state, and regional conferences. John continues to contribute to the professional development of educators statewide as the President-Elect of the Indiana Connected Educators.
Media/STEM Specialist
Jessica Zepik is a Media/STEM Specialist at East Elementary, which is a part of South Madison Community Schools in Pendleton, IN. Her role includes managing the elementary library and supporting teachers and students with STEM/blended learning. She coaches the Spell Bowl team, sponsors the Girls Who Code club and serves on the School Improvement Committee. Jessica has a graduate certificate in Online Teaching and Assessment, a high ability endorsement, is a Project Lead the Way and Project Based Learning trainer and ISTE Certified Educator. She is a lifelong learner who is passionate about education and loves working with teachers and students!
STEM instructor
Jen Stewart is currently teaching a project based STEM class at Maxwell Intermediate School. This is her 26th year of teaching. Prior to this year she taught computer science, social studies, and language arts. Jen is a long-time Nearpod PioNear and a level three Nearpod Certified Educator. She is also an Apple Teacher and an Apple Learning Coach. She has led many PD sessions around the Midwest on using technology to increase student engagement and learning.
District Technology Instructional Specialist
Dianna Knox is a Technology Instructional Specialist for Clay Community Schools in Brazil, Indiana. She has held this position since 2017. Dianna also has a background in Spanish, English, Communications, and Theatre. She loves learning new things and and helping teachers become more comfortable with building relationships with students in online and blended environments. She is always seeking to learn more about UDL, Modern Classrooms Project, and best practices in blended and online learning. Dianna is an ISTE Certified Educator, a Canvas Certified Educator, a board member for Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators (HECC) and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Indiana Connected Educators, and ISTE. She also co-leads the Indiana Canvas Users and Educators group. She loves learning new skills and helping others.
Assistant Director of Educational Technology
Brenny Kummer is the Assistant Director of EdTech for Bartholomew Consolidated Schools in Indiana. She is a former social studies teacher, Google Certified Trainer, UIndy adjunct professor for UDL, accessibility and assistive technology, graduate of the University of Arkansas Educational Technology Master’s program, and University of Arkansas Educational Tech student of the year in 2022. In her role, she trains staff on how to use UDL to guide technology integration, supports assistive technologies, and coordinates eLearning. Brenny has a passion for UDL and experience teaching in a full inclusion setting. She has presentation experience at the local, state, national, and international levels. In her spare time she loves running, reading, and spending time with her husband and 2 Siberian huskies.
Technology Integration Specialist/ PLTW Launch Teacher (K-5)
Amy Stevens is the Technology Integration Specialist and PLTW Launch Teacher for grades K-5 at Tri Elementary. This is her 19th year as an Indiana elementary educator. Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University and her Masters in Arts of Teaching from Marian College’s (now Marian University) Transition to Teaching program. Over the years, Amy and her teammates have taken districts from a single cart of devices to 1:1, as well as from paper packets to meaningful virtual instruction. She has led her students, staff and other IN educators through various learning ed-ventures. As an Apple Teacher, an Apple Learning Coach her newest ed-venture is earning the distiction of Apple Distinguished Educator. Her passion is to encourage students to grow as problem solvers and to encourage teachers to grow the idea of “best practices in the classroom” while ensuring that all learners know that she is their biggest fan.
Karen is an educator with 23 years of experience in public education. She has taught K-2 and served in various leadership roles, including school curriculum coordinator, HA coordinator, and district science lead. Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education from Indiana University.
Erin Brown is a 17-year veteran of public education in Indiana. She is a graduate of DePauw University and Marian University with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She has been a fifth-, sixth-, and second-grade teacher, a K-8 Interventionist, and an Instructional Coach.
Lindsey has almost 20 years of education experience. Sheholds a BS in Secondary English Education from Indiana University, Indianapolis, and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University. Lindsey has served as a classroom teacher, a national education non-profit director, and she is the author of two books, her first addressing trauma in education. Lindsey is a passionate advocate for teacher well-being, and loves being able to support teachers, coaches, and students through the LIteracy Cadtre by implementing Science of Reading principles in grades K-3.
Kayla has over 10 years of experience in education. She holds a BS in Elementary Education from Ball State University and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from the University of Alaska – Anchorage. She has taught in Alaska, Kentucky, and Indiana. She specializes in literacy and EL instruction. She currently supports 10 literacy coaches through the Indiana Literacy Cadre to implement the Science of Reading in grades K-3.
Beth has been an educator since 2004. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in general and special education. She also has a masters in technology leadership and her administration license from Indiana University. Beth taught in the classroom for 10 years and was a literacy coach for 10 years. She currently is a Training Support Specialist with the Indiana Literacy Cadre focusing on improving reading outcomes utilizing research based practices and instructional coaching.
Natasha has over twenty years of experience in education. She is a graduate of Miami University (in Ohio not Florida!) and Indiana University. Natasha has served in a variety of roles in education including classroom teacher, department chair, and instructional coach. Natasha is passionate about multilingual learners in education and how to best serve their needs. She currently serves 6 schools within the Literacy Cadre by helping to implement Science of Reading principles and instructional strategies utilizing Student Centered Coaching.
Jane Ann has over 25 years of experience in education. Her BA is from Franklin College, MA from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Jane Ann is a dyslexia specialist and an educational diagnostician. She is currently supporting 8 literacy coaches participating in the Indiana Literacy Cadre
Karen has over 20 years experience in education. She holds a BS from Missouri Southern State University, MS from Pittsburg State University, and EdS from Liberty University. She currently supports 13 literacy coaches in implementing the Science of Reading in K-3 classrooms.
Tanika Kinartail began her education career in 2007 as an elementary teacher and became an Assistant Principal in 2014. Holding degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership, she specializes in administrative supports, fostering systems that enhance student learning.
Janet Antle, with 37 of experience in special education, has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive learning environments. She has taught across all grade levels and held leadership roles, including Special Education Coordinator and Life Skills and Autism Coordinator. Currently, as an Early Childhood Specialist with the Early Childhood Education Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, she supports aspiring educators while championing early childhood development.
Ryan Murray has been working in education since 2010 with a consistent focus on mathematics, science, and integrated STEM. He is committed to the development of networks and programs that support innovative strategies related to STEM education, partnerships, and AI initiatives.
Samantha Vidal has been in school counseling since 2008 at all developmental levels, PK-12. A dedicated advocate for the profession, she is committed to the development of equitable, data-driven, comprehensive school counseling programs that meet the needs of all students.
Professional Learning Specialist
Morgan Mason began teaching in 2015, serving grades 1, 3, and 4 before transitioning to instructional coaching. She supports teachers and schools with professional development in literacy practices, Science of Reading implementation, and early learning development.
Professional Learning Specialist
Erin spent eighteen years in the classroom as an English Language Arts and English as a New Language teacher/coordinator, and two years as the co-chair of English Education at Indiana University, where she continues to teach language and literacy courses every semester. Erin currently works with schools to implement literacy instructional practices for all students and to serve multilingual learners.
Lynn Bowman has over 10 years of experience in education, holding degrees from Baker College, Indiana Wesleyan University, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University. As an ECE RTAP specialist, she continually empowers students and shapes the future of education.
Professional Learning Specialist
Jessica supports teachers, schools, and districts in the areas of math and instructional coaching. She earned a Bachelor’s from Butler University and a Math Specialist Master’s from Ball State. Previously, she served schools as an elementary teacher, STEM teacher/coach, and instructional coach.
Professional Learning Specialist
Jeff is a 35 year veteran teacher of mathematics in public education. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics and an M.A. in Secondary Education. His interests include equitable grading practices, mathematics pedagogy, student engagement, and teacher development. He also hosts the Middle School Masterclass podcast.
Christy White has 24 years of experince as an urban public school elementary teacher. She holds a BS from Purdue University and MS from Indiana University Indianapolis. Christy currently supports Indiana Literacy Cadre coaches in the implementation of Science of Reading practices in grades K-3.
Digital Content Manager
Martie is a lifelong Hoosier who loves learning! She spent 11 years as a 7th grade Language Arts teacher, and before that, she spent 11 years as a technical trainer at USA Group/SallieMae. Martie earned her Bachelor’s in English Education from IU and Master’s in Leadership & Administration from Ball State. Martie is also a co-host of The Lit Gals show.
Director
Courtney has been an educator since 1997 in various roles. With an M.A. and an M.Ed. from Columbia University, and a PhD in progress at Indiana University, she’s passionate about changing the “I’m not a math person” narrative by inspiring teachers to teach ambitiously—and even have a little fun while doing so.
| Title | Description | Date | Tme | Presenter |
| AI-Driven Math Instruction: Story Problems & Spiral Review Simplified | Discover how to enhance math instruction using MagicSchool AI’s tools for generating standards-aligned story problems and efficient spiral review. Perfect for educators and leaders looking to personalize learning, reinforce key skills, and streamline planning. | September 8 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Ryan Murray |
| Bringing Science to Life: Virtual Labs & 3D Assessments with MagicSchool AI | Learn how MagicSchool AI’s Science Labs and 3D Science Assessment tools can transform your science instruction. Quickly create hands-on lab experiences and NGSS-aligned assessments that engage students in inquiry, application, and critical thinking, all with minimal prep. | September 22 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Ryan Murray |
| Communication Made Effortless: Report Card Comments, Newsletters & Professional Emails | Attendees will discover how to efficiently generate personalized report card comments, newsletters, and professional emails with MagicSchoolAI. Gain actionable strategies to strengthen communication with families, students, and coworkers. | October 6 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Jessica Miller |
| Mastering Assessments: Rubric Creation, Exemplars, & Multiple Choice Quizzes | Learn to build clear rubrics, exemplars of student work, and multiple-choice assessments with MagicSchoolAI. Walk away with practical tools to enhance assessment quality and provide meaningful feedback to students. | October 20 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Jessica Miller |
| Streamlined Lesson Planning: Unit Plans, Standards Unpacking & Question Generation | Explore how MagicSchoolAI can simplify unit and lesson planning, standards unpacking, and lesson question development. Gain confidence in designing lessons that deepen student thinking and align with your standards. | November 3 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Jessica Miller |
| Dynamic Classroom Resources: Worksheet & Presentation Generators | Discover how to quickly create customized worksheets and engaging presentations using MagicSchoolAI. Leave ready to enhance instruction with tools to efficiently create impactful resources. | November 17 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Jessica Miller |
| Structuring Student-Centered Learning with PBL and 5E Tools in MagicSchool AI | See how MagicSchool AI can support your instructional goals with efficient tools for designing PBL units and 5E lesson models. Learn how to promote deeper thinking and cross-curricular connections without adding to your workload. | December 1 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Ryan Murray |
| Collaborate & Choose: Crafting Engaging Group Activities and Choice Boards with MagicSchool | Explore how MagicSchool tools can help you design engaging group work activities and customizable choice boards with ease. Learn practical techniques to create collaborative learning experiences that promote student voice and choice while meeting diverse learning styles. Discover how to use MagicSchool’s versatile AI resources to build interactive group tasks and tailored choice boards that boost motivation and deepen understanding. Leave with ready-to-use ideas and step-by-step guidance to seamlessly integrate these tools into your classroom, making group work more organized, meaningful, and student-centered. | December 15 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Natalie Freeman |
| Advanced Student Supports: Tailored Tools for Diverse Learners | Explore how MagicSchoolAI resources can be tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Leave with practical approaches to support academic and social success for all students. | January 12 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Tanika Kinartail |
| Unlocking Student Success: Mastering MagicSchool AI Tools for Every Learner | Attendees will explore practical strategies for integrating MagicSchool AI-driven student tools to enhance student engagement and foster deeper understanding. Walk away equipped with actionable insights to confidently leverage MagicSchool’s innovative platform, empowering both you and your students for academic success. | January 26 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Natile Freeman |
| Supporting School Counselors: AI Tools for Communication and Planning | Attendees will learn how MagicSchoolAI can support counselors in communication, planning, and student engagement. Gain actionable strategies to enhance counseling services effectively. | February 9 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Tanika Kinartail |
| Multilingual Learners Thrive: Language Scaffolds & Translations with MagicSchoolAI | Discover ways to use MagicSchoolAI to provide language scaffolds, translations, and culturally responsive materials. Walk away ready to support multilingual learners in achieving academic success. | February 23 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Tanika Kinartail |
| Inclusive Innovation: Empowering Teachers of Diverse Learners with MagicSchool AI Tools | Explore over 100 specialized resources designed to meet diverse needs, from differentiated instruction and communication aids to tailored practice activities. Learn practical strategies for integrating MagicSchool tools to enhance engagement, scaffold learning, and foster independence in your special education classroom. Gain actionable insights and step-by-step guidance to confidently use AI-powered supports that empower every learner and promote inclusive, student-centered teaching. | March 9 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Natalie Freeman |
| Paraprofessional Empowerment: Enhancing Classroom Support with AI | Explore how paraprofessionals can leverage MagicSchoolAI tools to assist instruction, manage tasks, and support diverse learners. Leave equipped with actionable insights to enhance classroom collaboration and student outcomes. | March 23 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Morgan Mason |
| Humanities in Action: Crafting Informational Texts & Analyzing Content with MagicSchoolAI | Attendees will explore practical strategies for using MagicSchoolAI to create and analyze academic content, enhancing critical reading and writing skills. Walk away with actionable insights to confidently elevate humanities instruction. | April 6 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Morgan Mason |
| Early Literacy Made Simple: Creating Decodable Texts & Providing Instant Writing Feedback | Discover how to leverage MagicSchoolAI tools to design decodable texts and provide real-time writing feedback and proofreading. Gain practical approaches to support literacy development and foster student confidence. | April 20 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM | Morgan Mason |