What Tech Should Stay With The “New Normal”
Moderated by Kevin Hogan, eSchool News, Editor-at-Large
While best-case scenarios suggest back-to-school this fall may look like ones pre-pandemic, the way we teach and learn inside and out of the classroom, especially in grades k-5, may never be the same again. What new tools, techniques, and innovations should stick around in primary schools even though COVID has been tamed? In this webinar, veterans educators recall their work-around strategies during the massive shift to remote learning and suggest which ones should be kept to create new hybrid learning models for younger students.
Brittany has been profoundly involved in education since 2010. She began her educational journey through Americorps Reading Campaigns in Seattle and Austin. She officially began her tenure in the Kindergarten classroom at KIPP Austin, where she led many Academic communities and professional learning communities focused on differentiation and student-focused culture. Brittany has also participated on a board focused on Teacher Career pathways to ensure teacher growth and celebration to develop the best communities for our student population. While at KIPP Jacksonville, she concentrated on small group structures to meet all students academically and began implementing Restorative justice circles to ensure a focus on intentionality around students’ social learning. She brought those life lessons into her time as an online educator at Florida Cyber Charter Academy before moving into a Corporate Leadership Position as a Production Specialist for Training at Stride/K12.
Brittany lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband and two fur babies. She currently works as a Production Specialist for Stride. In her free time, she loves to volunteer with “Stronger than Stigma,” a non-profit focused on removing the stigma around mental health and promoting awareness.
Meet Your Speakers
Brittany Churchill
Production Specialist
Stride
Brittany has been profoundly involved in education since 2010. She began her educational journey through Americorps Reading Campaigns in Seattle and Austin. She officially began her tenure in the Kindergarten classroom at KIPP Austin, where she led many Academic communities and professional learning communities focused on differentiation and student-focused culture. Brittany has also participated on a board focused on Teacher Career pathways to ensure teacher growth and celebration to develop the best communities for our student population. While at KIPP Jacksonville, she concentrated on small group structures to meet all students academically and began implementing Restorative justice circles to ensure a focus on intentionality around students’ social learning. She brought those life lessons into her time as an online educator at Florida Cyber Charter Academy before moving into a Corporate Leadership Position as a Production Specialist for Training at Stride/K12.
Brittany’s mission is to spread what she has learned to work toward personalized learning for all students. “My true purpose is getting to know my learners to develop an individualized plan based on who they are! Every student can be like Misael and deserves to be cherished and empowered like Misael. This way, ALL can have the opportunity for a journey that provides opportunity and a path to a choice-filled life.
Frank Pileiro
Supervisor of Technology @Linwood Public School District (Southern New Jersey)
Staci Dillon
Elementary Teacher @Alabama Virtual Academy
Staci Dillon serves as a fifth grade teacher at Alabama Virtual Academy. She was voted teacher of the year in the 19-20 and 20-21 school years and represents ALVA in the Stride Ambassador program. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education followed by an M.A. in Human Services and M.Ed in Early Childhood Education. Staci is passionate about virtual education and building strong relationships with our students.
Kristan Haberstro
Lead Teacher @Digital Academy of Florida, powered by Stride, Inc.
Kristan Haberstro is a Lead Teacher at the Digital Academy of Florida powered by Stride, Inc. She is responsible for mentoring teachers, supporting learning coaches, and working with administrators and other staff members to improve all students’ learning experience and academic growth.
Learning is a continuous process for Kristan Haberstro. Originally from Ohio, she graduated from Cleveland State University. This will be her 11th year as an educator. She is currently enrolled at the American College of Education pursuing her master’s degree in educational leadership. Her expected graduation date is November 2021, and she is looking forward to continuing her career in virtual education. She believes in continuous professional growth, including leadership development and improving student learning and engagement in the virtual environment. She is very reflective of her practice and is always seeking out opportunities to collaborate with other educators. Kristan is very honored to have been selected for the 2021-2022 Grow Emerging Leader Program at Stride, Inc. This program helps to identify and develop candidates that show high leadership potential.
Previously a Preschool Director, she has a passion for early childhood education and believes in its foundation for academic success. She believes in providing a safe and supportive learning environment where greatness can be achieved so that all students have a bright and successful future.
Kristan Haberstro is committed to ensuring instructional excellence and student academic growth. She was a top-performing teacher at Stride, Inc., ranking 5th out of 500 educators in 2019-2020. 95% of her students achieved one year’s growth as measured on the NWEA Map Reading Assessment. In the 2020-2021 school year, nine-grade level teachers that she serves achieved at least 67% student growth as measured on the NWEA Map Growth Reading Assessment. She believes in academic coaching and recognizing the achievements of others to help boost staff culture and morale.
Student-centered learning is priority number one for Kristan Haberstro. She believes in providing individualized and differentiated instruction to maximize the learning potential of all students. In the 2020-2021 school year, she coordinated a “virtual walk to” MTSS model across Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Students received explicit phonics instruction according to their reading ability and level. This was a success, and all grade levels in K-5 will be using this model in the 2021-2022 school year.
She lives in Florida with her husband and her two daughters. She enjoys walking on the beach, reading, and spending time with her family.
Moderator– Kevin Hogan
Editor-at-large @eSchool News
Kevin is a forward-thinking media executive with more than 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print, and face to face. He is an acclaimed writer, editor, and commentator covering the intersection of society and technology, especially education technology. Most recently, he has was Managing Director of Content for Tech& Learning. You can reach Kevin at KevinHogan@eschoolnews.com