20 to Watch
Recent Recipients
Delrose Adkinson is an instructional technology coach turned assistant principal in Newport News, Virginia. Her vision is "Transformational leadership through service and authenticity.” She believes that learner-agentive teaching practices, powered by positive, productive relationships, are the key to student success.
Sean Arnold is the director of school pathways for New York City Public Schools. They help guide key future readiness efforts in computer science, esports, AI, financial literacy, college prep, career and technical training. They remain committed to accessibly and equitably reaching all students through innovative technology and practices.
Nkiru Azza is an elementary teacher and digital lead learner with the Toronto District School Board in Ontario, Canada. She supports fellow educators in integrating technological tools into their teaching practices, and has initiated coding clubs at different schools. Additionally, Azza serves as a mentor for the all-Black Umoja 7712 FIRST Robotics team.
Ronda Blevins, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of education and the director of the Job-Embedded Practitioner Program at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She's passionate about leveraging technology to enhance student learning, engage students with material, differentiate learning and make the lives of educators a little easier.
Tommy Clay is a digital learning specialist with Atlanta Public Schools. Throughout his career, Clay has been consistently innovating and adapting to the evolving education landscape. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast dedication to educational principles, Clay is a catalyst for positive change in how we approach and embrace learning in today's world.
Jeff Glade is a digital learning consultant at Heartland Area Education Agency. He collaborates with various districts, guiding staff and students in integrating technology to enhance learning, while emphasizing social-and-emotional learning and daily well-being. His work is deeply rooted in access, equity and inclusion, ensuring every student benefits from the digital revolution.
Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., is the chief academic officer for Learn21. She spent five years as the director of online learning for the Davidson Academy Online. Prior to that, she worked on the industry side of education, serving as a consultant to school districts and other organizations on developing and implementing blended learning programs.
John Heffernan is the professional development coordinator for the Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education & Training Board, which delivers education in the second level and vocational sectors across three Irish counties. Despite being a history teacher, most of his career has involved technology in areas including educational technology or digital humanities.
Sirhajwan Idek, Ph.D., is the head of research and innovation at Keningau Vocational College in Sabah, Malaysia. In 2022, he pioneered the online internationalization program Virtual, Remote & Live that enables him to connect students and teachers across the globe via real-time master classes, exchange classes, roundtables, conference presentation sessions and virtual chats.
Cammie Kannekens is a district instructional lead in rural Alberta, where she works to integrate technology and innovation with rural sustainability. She provides learning experiences across great distances for both students and teachers by introducing them to pedagogy and digital tools that help them connect, build relationships and amplify community-based projects.
Olga Kazarina is a passionate and results-oriented edtech specialist, ISTE Community Leader, ISTE Certified Educator and Google Champion. She empowers educational institutions across Chile by equipping educators with seamless technology integration skills, ultimately enhancing the educational experience.
Ying-Chen Lin is a seventh grade science teacher at Lakeside Middle School in Lexington, South Carolina. His passion lies at the intersection of the science of learning, the art of teaching, and the design and integration of technology for human development. He is constantly exploring ways to support student learning and teacher pedagogy.
Riya Nathrani, Ed.D., is an instructional technology coach in the Northern Mariana Islands. Nathrani aims to ensure all students have access to high-quality educational experiences. She takes pride in her ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, and help educators create inclusive and meaningful learning experiences for their students.
Jackie Patanio is the executive director of School Planning, Modernization and Partnerships-EdTech for the Division of Instructional and Information Technology Staten Island team in New York City Public Schools. Her experience encompasses edtech visioning, professional development, infusion of the ISTE Standards, growth of technology frameworks and content-infused technology, along with leadership development with digital citizenship.
Shane Saeed is the elementary English language arts curriculum coordinator for St Vrain Valley School District in Colorado. Her passion is sharing and collaborating about evidence-based instructional practices with educators near and far. She facilitates professional development locally and nationally on community building, science of reading and science of learning practices.
Allen Schagene is the director of innovative learning at The Shlenker School in Houston, Texas, and a consultant for Rice University's Office of STEM Engagement. He’s passionate about exploring how to integrate subjects to help students take their learning to the next level, as well as helping elementary school teachers learn how to leverage AI in their classrooms.
John Shoemaker is an educational strategist, esports facilitator, futurist and educational technology specialist for the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. He’s a passionate advocate for the transformative power of technology, with a focus on emerging technology. He is dedicated to building a future where technology unlocks endless possibilities for learning and growth.
Debbie Tannenbaum is a school-based technology specialist with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. She advocates for starting with pedagogy, and then transforming learning experiences by using technology tools. She empowers educators with practical strategies, innovative ideas and insightful guidance for leveraging technology to amplify student success.
Perla Zamora is a program assistant at Narrative 4 Mexico and an educational consultant at Narrative 4 Global. She’s an advocate of learning experiences that care for and respect human beings by promoting the ethical use of technology to close learning gaps and provoke cultural connections as a priority.
Nicole Zumpano has impacted education throughout her career as a classroom teacher, instructional technology coach, director and adjunct instructor for three universities. An ISTE Certified Educator, National Board Certified Teacher, and Google Trainer and Coach, Zumpano continues to seek opportunities to grow and share her passion for education and technology with her professional learning networks.