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Recent Recipients

Mckenna akane 3
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
McKenna Akane

McKenna Akane leads K–8 STEM at Alberton School in Montana. A University of Montana graduate, she’s been nationally recognized for innovative tech use, earning Discovery Education’s 2024 National Educator of the Year, SHAPE Montana Rookie Educator of the Year, and Project Lead The Way’s 2025 National Outstanding Teacher awards.

Hanan Attiyah
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Hanan Attiyah

Hanan Attiyah is an educational leader committed to advancing technology integration, STEM innovation, and equitable learning opportunities for elementary students. She specializes in designing developmentally appropriate digital ecosystems, creating STEM pathways for K–4 learners, and leading initiatives that transform early classrooms into vibrant hubs of creativity and discovery. She has collaborated with leaders across the state to expand early access to STEM education.

Mohd Al Khalifa Bin Mohd Affnan 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Mohd Al Khalifa Bin Mohd Affnan

Khalifa Affnan teaches English at Keningau Vocational College in Malaysia. He leads tech-integrated, game-based projects like KVC Nexus and The Good Games Project. Active in global networks, he promotes digital literacy and creativity through UNESCO, SEAMEO, and Australia Awards initiatives.

Lisa Blank 1
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Lisa Blank

Lisa Blank leads STEM initiatives in Watertown, NY, and advocates for national equity in education. A DoD STEM Ambassador and award-winning leader, she serves on multiple advisory boards and councils focused on STEAM, computer science, and curriculum innovation.

Jeff bradbury 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a Digital Learning Teacher and creator of TeacherCast. A TEDx speaker, author, and ISTE leader, he supports educators through tech integration, media, and professional learning. He’s also a proud father of the EduTriplets.

Jeffrey chernosky 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jeffrey Chernosky, Ed.D.

Dr. Chernosky coordinates graduate programs in educational leadership and instructional tech. A strong advocate for AI and culturally responsive teaching, he prepares future educators at Texas A&M–Kingsville while promoting ethical innovation in higher education.

Rebecca colangelo 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Rebecca Colangelo

Rebecca Colangelo leads the Learning Lab at South Fayette Elementary, inspiring students through hands-on STEAM experiences. A Carnegie Science Award recipient, she designs active, meaningful learning and is a proud mom and advocate for creativity in education.

Constance De More Savine
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Constance DeMore Savine

Dr. Constance DeMore Savine has 29 years in education and currently supports teachers and designs professional learning in Trinity Area School District. A former teacher, gifted coordinator, and university instructor, she is committed to student success and college and career readiness.

Sean gaillard 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sean Gaillard

Sean Gaillard is a principal, author, and professor who champions creativity and student-centered learning. Known for blending pop culture with leadership, he promotes STEAM and joyful school culture through his book The Pepper Effect and his Beatles-inspired university course.

David garringer 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
David Garringer

David Garringer leads Chatsworth Park Urban Planning Magnet in LA, with 24+ years of experience. He promotes STEM/STEAM, robotics, and project-based learning, helping students thrive through exploration, productive struggle, and hands-on engagement.

Maegan gayle 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Maegan Gayle

Maegan Gayle is in her 12th year of teaching for Mobile County Public Schools, where she is the STEM Lab teacher at Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of Math, Science, and Technology. Ms. Gayle attended Auburn University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2012. She achieved National Board Certification in 2020 and is a 2024 finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

Evo hannan 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Evo Hannan

Evo Hannan is a global design educator and founder of Innovation X. Evo has over 20 years of experience teaching Design and serving as Head of Innovation at several schools in Dubai. A two-time TEDx speaker, Evo is a globally recognized keynote speaker, has been featured in international publications and is widely recognised for his passion for driving innovation and meaningful change in education.

Jeff Kilner
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jeff Kilner

Jeffrey Kilner, M.Ed., supports tech integration for Delaware’s Indian River Schools. A former STEM Educator of the Year and Stanford Hollyhock Fellow, he empowers teachers to use technology equitably and effectively. Off-duty, he enjoys beach life with his family.

Kyung kim 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Kyung Kim, Ph.D.

Kyung Kim, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Republic of Korea. Dr. Kim leads research on AI-enhanced learning and developed the Active Learning Classroom. He’s also CEO of EdTech startup No One Behind, promoting equity in personalized education.

Taniya Mishra
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Taniya Mishra, Ph.D.

Dr. Taniya Mishra is the founder and CEO of SureStart, a NYC-based AI education startup that offers mentoring-focused AI learning programs for middle-school, high-school and undergraduate students. Working with AI for over 15 years, Taniya’s AI expertise and deep commitment to technical mentorship of students across the globe has garnered multiple global awards and Taniya is a recognized advocate for inclusive, impactful AI education.

Zahra rahi 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Zahra Razi

Zahra Razi is a leader in the fields of educational technology and K–12 computer science education, dedicated to empowering teachers and students to explore and apply the transformative potential of technology. An Amazon Future Engineer Ambassador and 2025 ASU+GSV AI Innovator, Zahra designs hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that inspire and empower students.

Lauren richardson 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Lauren Richardson

Lauren Richardson is the Experienceships Coordinator at Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, focusing on strategically employing innovative, research-backed approaches to empower educators and cultivate thriving learning environments. Holding a Master's in Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology and a Bachelor's in Spanish Education, Lauren has designed and delivered professional learning opportunities for Indian Hill staff.

Kirsten salonga 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Kirsten Salonga

Kirsten Salonga teaches Environmental Science and chairs the science department at Justice High. A Fulbright Scholar and project-based learning advocate, she brings global and local perspectives to science education through inclusive, hands-on initiatives.

Samantha shane 2
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Samantha Shane

Samantha Shane is an innovative career and technical education (CTE) instructor teaching high school students who want to pursue a career in education. Samantha is shaping relevant and engaging CTE experiences that empower students to take charge of their learning. Her focus is on empowering student choice in learning, ensuring each lesson equips students with meaningful, real-world skills that prepare them for their chosen career paths.

Alana Winnick
2025 20 to Watch Award Winner
Alana Winnick

Alana Winnick is a visionary leader who is actively shaping the future of education. Author of The Generative Age, Alana currently serves as the Educational Technology Director and Data Protection Officer for Pocantico Hills CSD in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and as a Director for the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education. She also founded Students for Innovation to amplify student voices in education reform.

Past Winners

Adkinson Delrose 24 20tw 4
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Delrose Adkinson

Delrose Adkinson is an assistant principal and former instructional technology coach in Newport News, Virginia, dedicated to transformational leadership and learner-centered teaching through authentic relationships.

Arnold Sean 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sean M. Arnold

Sean Arnold is the director of school pathways for NYC Public Schools, leading equity-focused initiatives in future-ready education including AI, esports, and technical training.

Azza Nkiru 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Nkiru Azza

Nkiru Azza is a Toronto-based elementary teacher and digital lead learner who mentors an all-Black robotics team and champions tech integration through school coding clubs.

Blevins Ronda 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Ronda Blevins, Ed.D.

Ronda Blevins, Ed.D., is an assistant professor and program director at Carson-Newman University, passionate about using technology to differentiate instruction and simplify teaching.

Clay Tommy 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Tommy Clay, Ed.S.

Tommy Clay is a digital learning specialist in Atlanta Public Schools, known for driving innovation and educational transformation through evolving tech practices.

Glade Jeff 24 20tw 3
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jeff Glade

Jeff Glade is a digital learning consultant at Heartland AEA who supports schools in integrating technology with a strong focus on SEL, equity, and inclusion.

Hawthorne Stacy 24 20tw
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D.

Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., is the chief academic officer at Learn21 with extensive experience in online and blended learning leadership, including directing Davidson Academy Online.

Heffernan John 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
John Heffernan

John Heffernan is the professional development coordinator for Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB in Ireland, where he applies his background in history and edtech to support vocational and secondary education.

Idek Sirhajwan 24 20tw 3
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sirhajwan Idek, Ph.D.

Sirhajwan Idek, Ph.D., is head of research and innovation at Keningau Vocational College in Malaysia and the creator of a global online internationalization program connecting students and educators worldwide.

Kannekens Cammie 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Cammie Kannekens

Cammie Kannekens is a district instructional lead in rural Alberta who bridges distances through innovative digital pedagogy that fosters connection and community in remote education.

Kazarina Olga 24 2tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Olga Kazarina

Olga Kazarina is an edtech specialist and ISTE Community Leader who empowers Chilean educators with effective technology integration skills to enhance learning.

Lin Ying Chen 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Ying-Chen Lin

Ying-Chen Lin is a seventh grade science teacher in South Carolina who merges learning science, pedagogy, and technology to support student growth and teacher development.

Nathrani Riya 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Riya Nathrani, Ed.D.

Riya Nathrani, Ed.D. is an instructional technology coach in the Northern Mariana Islands who helps educators create inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for diverse student populations.

Patanio Jackie 24 20tw
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jackie Patanio

Jackie Patanio leads edtech planning and partnerships in NYC Public Schools, driving innovation through ISTE Standards, professional development, and digital citizenship leadership.

Saeed Shane 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Shane Saeed, Ed.D.

Shane Saeed is an ELA curriculum coordinator in Colorado who trains educators nationwide in evidence-based practices tied to the science of reading and learning.

Schagene Allen 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Allen Schagene

Allen Schagene is the director of innovative learning at The Shlenker School and STEM consultant at Rice University, helping educators integrate subjects and AI to deepen student learning.

Shoemaker John 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
John Shoemaker

John Shoemaker is an educational strategist and tech specialist in Palm Beach County, Florida, focused on emerging technologies and using edtech to shape future-ready learning environments.

Tannenbaum Debbie 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Debbie Tannenbaum

Debbie Tannenbaum is a school-based technology specialist in Virginia who empowers educators to enhance pedagogy through innovative, tech-integrated teaching practices.

Zamora Perla 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Perla Beatriz Zamora González

Perla Zamora is a program assistant and global consultant at Narrative 4, advocating for ethical, human-centered uses of technology that bridge learning gaps and build cultural empathy.

Zumpano Nicole 24 20tw 2
2024 20 to Watch Award Winner
Nicole M. Zumpano

Nicole Zumpano is an ISTE Certified Educator and former teacher and coach who leads and mentors educators in tech integration through her work as a director, adjunct instructor, and national trainer.

20t W Award 23 Briana Clarke
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Briana H. Clarke

Briana H. Clarke is a STEM teacher and curriculum designer in Oakland, California, recognized nationally for promoting equity and innovation in science education.

20t W Award 23 Danelle Brostrom
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Danelle Brostrom

Danelle Brostrom is an edtech coach in Michigan and co-creator of the WIREDTC Conference, known for her leadership in edtech integration, podcasting, and educator support across roles.

20t W Award 23 Douha Jemai
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Dhouha Jemai

Dhouha Jemai is a computer science teacher and robotics coach in Tunisia who mentors educators globally and fosters inclusive learning environments as an eTwinning ambassador.

20t W Award 23 Emily Thomas
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Emily Thomas

Emily Thomas is a Google Certified Trainer and ISTE Certified Educator in Minnesota who developed an accessible STEAM mobile makerspace supporting PK-post-high school transition students.

20t W Award 23 Greta Sandler
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Greta Sandler

Greta Sandler is a learning innovation leader in Argentina, certified by ISTE and Google, focused on empowering student voice, creativity, and social-emotional growth.

20t W Award 23 Heidi Mac Gregor
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Heidi MacGregor

Heidi MacGregor is a K-5 STEM integration specialist in Massachusetts and president-elect of the MassCUE Board, leading advocacy and makerspace initiatives.

20t W Award 23 Joe Grabowski
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Joe Grabowski

Joe Grabowski is an award-winning science educator and founder of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, bringing frontline scientists into classrooms via virtual experiences.

20t W Award 23 Justin Patterson
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Justin Patterson

Justin Patterson is a tech education department chair and doctoral student in Maryland who guides students in creating immersive video games and extended reality projects.

20t W Award 23 Kristen Brooks
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Kristen Brooks

Kristen Brooks is a seasoned instructional technology specialist in Georgia with nearly 30 years of experience training teachers and designing tech-based learning programs.

20t W Award 23 Laurel Aguilar Kirchhoff
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff

Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff is a digital learning specialist and adjunct professor in California, specializing in digital citizenship, media literacy, blended learning, educational law, and edtech innovation.

20t W Award 23 Laurie Guyon
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Laurie Guyon

Laurie Guyon coordinates model schools in New York and serves as a capital region director and trainer for NYSACET, as well as an adjunct professor at SUNY Plattsburgh.

20t W Award 23 Logan Childress
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Logan Childress

Logan Childress is an emerging technology specialist and music educator in Virginia who created two VR labs that helped his district earn top state recognition.

20t W Award 23 Matthew Winters
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Matthew Winters

Matthew Winters is a senior technical trainer in Utah, president of the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology, and co-leader of Google Educator Group Utah, promoting personalized and competency-based learning.

20t W Award 23 Michelle Eckler
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Michelle Eckler, Ed.D.

Michelle Eckler, Ed.D. supervises technology for teaching and learning in Connecticut and founded her district’s Virtual Learning Academy for high school students.

20t W Award 23 Molly Dettmann
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Molly Dettmann

Molly Dettmann is a teacher librarian in Oklahoma, who was named her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2021-22, and chairs multiple diversity and inclusion committees in library associations.

20t W Award 23 Nadine Ebri
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Nadine Ebri

Nadine Ebri is a district technology specialist in Florida who creates educational resources, including books and videos, and helped develop the world's first Minecraft Lab.

20t W Award 23 Sawsan Jaber
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sawsan Jaber, Ph.D., NBCT

Sawsan Jaber, Ph.D., NBCT is a high school English teacher, district equity leader, curriculum designer, and 2022 Illinois Digital Educators Alliance Teacher of the Year.

20t W Award 23 Stephanie Howell
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Stephanie Howell

Stephanie Howell is an instructional technology coach, CEO of Gold EDU and Control the Chaos EDU, adjunct professor, and author focused on classroom organization and executive functioning skills.

20t W Award 23 Victoria Thompson
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson is a Microsoft Education customer success manager, ISTE Community Leader, and edtech consultant specializing in digital transformation, STEM integration, and equity in education.

20t W Award 23 Yaritza Villalba
2023 20 to Watch Award Winner
Yaritza Villalba

Yaritza Villalba is an educator innovation lead at Microsoft Flip who designs culturally responsive professional learning and supports BIPOC students and families with 14 years of urban education experience.

Alberto Herraez
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Alberto Herraez

A sixth-grade teacher from Davis School District in Farmington, Utah.

Amanda Nguyen
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Amanda Nguyen

A program director for the Centers for Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.

Ashley McBride, Ed.D.
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Ashley McBride, Ed.D.

A digital learning initiative consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bhavna Mathew
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Bhavna Mathew

An International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program practitioner at Pathways World School in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

Camille Dempsey, Ed.D.
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Camille Dempsey, Ed.D.

An associate professor at Edinboro University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Caroline D. Haebig
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Caroline D. Haebig

A digital learning coordinator and instructional coach for the school district of New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Francis Jim Tuscano
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Francis Jim Tuscano

A grade school edtech coordinator at Xavier School in San Juan City, Philippines.

Jason Trinh
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Jason Trinh

A coordinator for global competencies and STEM/ICT for the Toronto District School Board in Ontario, Canada.

John Anderson Harp, Jr.
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
John Anderson Harp Jr.

An education technologist at The School at Columbia University in New York City.

Kaylah Holland, Ed.D.
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Kaylah Holland, Ed.D.

An Instructional technology and blended learning associate at BreakFree Education in Columbia, Maryland.

Kimberly Carlson
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Kimberly Carlson

An innovation specialist at Lakota Local Schools in Liberty Township, Ohio.

Lakisha Brinson, Ed.D., Ed.S.
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Lakisha Brinson-Thomas, Ed.D., Ed.S.

A director of instructional technology and library services for Metro Nashville Public Schools in Tennessee.

Leslie Renee Fagin
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Leslie Renee Fagin

An instructional technology coach for Griffin Spalding County School System in Griffin, Georgia.

Lindsay Blass
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Lindsay Blass

An education specialist at Adobe for Education in San Francisco.

Mario Herraez
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Mario Herraez

A fifth grade teacher at Davis School District in Farmington, Utah.

Patricia Aigner
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Patricia Aigner

A director of technology at Rutland City Public Schools in Vermont.

Raymond Mitchel Africa
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Raymond Mitchel Africa

An International Baccalaureate Program Creativity Activity Service coordinator and a science, sports and design educator at Manila Xiamen International School in Xiamen, China.

Selcuk Yusuf Arslan
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Selçuk Yusuf Arslan, Ph.D.

A teacher, teacher-trainer and researcher for Ataturk MTAL in Ankara, Turkey.

Sharla Berry
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sharla Berry, Ph.D.

An assistant professor of education leadership at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.

Sonal Patel
2022 20 to Watch Award Winner
Sonal Patel

A digital learning innovation coordinator for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in San Bernardino, California.