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ISTE 20 to Watch Award

Nominations are now closed.

ISTE recognizes 20 individuals who are up and coming and are already making a difference through their work. Winners have exemplified excellence through projects or artifacts that others can replicate. Nominations and applications are accepted starting in December. Winners:

  • Demonstrate the ability to both deliberately plan for and apply technology to improve the educational setting.
  • Continuously improve their professional practice through the exploration of new techniques and the consistent evaluation and reflection on current practices.
  • Share their work as a model that reflects ISTE’s mission to innovate teaching and learning, accelerate good practice and solve tough problems in education.
  • Award-winning examples may be executing a new professional development program for their staff, developing game-based curriculum for their students, or integrating global collaboration and social responsibility into their work.

2024 20 to Watch Award Winners

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

About the Awards Package

ISTE 20 to Watch Award winners receive:

  • An engraved plaque acknowledging their outstanding achievement.

  • A one-year premium individual ISTE membership ($295 value).

  • A complimentary registration to ISTELive 24 virtual ($225 value).

  • Recognition at ISTELive 24.

  • Recognition on the ISTE website.

  • Opportunities to contribute to the field.

2023 20 to Watch Award Winners

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

Briana H. Clarke is a STEM teacher for Park Day School in Oakland, California, and a curriculum designer. A national advocate for education equity, Clarke is passionate about modeling classroom innovation. In 2023, she earned the Urban Teacher Award from the National Science Teachers Association.

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

Danelle Brostrom is an edtech coach for Traverse City Area Public Schools in Traverse City, Michigan. She also has experience as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, principal intern and edtech consultant. Brostrom is also the co-creator of the WIREDTC EdTech Conference and co-host of the “TCAPSLoop” podcast.

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

Dhouha Jemai is a computer science teacher and robotics coach at Mustapha Khraif Middle School in Jundubah, Tunisia. As an eTwinning ambassador and professional development specialist, she mentors teachers locally and globally. Jemai is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and enabling all learners to achieve their potential through education.

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

Emily Thomas is a technology integrator and trainer for Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She’s a Google Certified Trainer and Coach, and an ISTE Certified Educator. Thomas recently created an accessible STEAM mobile makerspace to provide PK-post-high school transition students with access to emergent edtech.

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

Greta Sandler is learning innovation leader at Belgrano Day School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Also an ISTE Certified Educator and Google Certified Trainer, Sandler is dedicated to empowering learners by giving them a voice and choice in their education, nurturing their creativity and prioritizing their social-emotional needs.

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

Heidi MacGregor is the K-5 STEM integration specialist for Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Massachusetts. She previously taught fourth grade at Russell Street Elementary School. MacGregor is the president-elect of the MassCUE Board of Directors, co-chair of its Influence and Advocacy Committee and the leader of the MassCUE Makerspace & STEM SIG.

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

Joe Grabowski is the founder and director of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants (EBTSOYP) in Ontario, Canada. An award-winning science educator, he founded EBTSOYP to inspire a new generation of scientists by bringing those on the frontlines of science, conservation and adventure into classrooms through virtual speakers and field trips.

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

Justin Patterson is an interactive media production instructor and technology education department chair at Chesapeake High School STEM Academy in Baltimore County Public Schools in Maryland. Also a doctoral student, Patterson leads students and faculty in the development of immersive video games and extended reality simulations.

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

Kristen Brooks is a technology specialist for the Cherokee County School District in Canton, Georgia. She has nearly three decades of experience as an instructional technology specialist and tech coach, training teachers on technology integration, designing and implementing technology-based learning programs, and providing support and resources for students and educators.

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

Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff is a former classroom teacher and administrator who now serves as a digital learning specialist, consultant and adjunct university professor in San Bernardino, California. Her areas of expertise include digital citizenship, media literacy, blended learning, curriculum instruction/design, educational law and edtech innovation.

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

Laurie Guyon is the coordinator for model schools at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Saratoga Springs, New York. She’s also the capital region director and a trainer for The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education, and an adjunct professor for SUNY Plattsburgh.

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

Logan Childress is an emerging technology specialist for Bristol Virginia Public Schools in Bristol, Virginia. Also an accomplished music educator and producer, Childress built two state-of-the-art virtual reality labs that were instrumental in helping his district earn one of 12 “Top Schools and Universities” designations in Virginia.

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

Matthew Winters is a senior technical trainer for the Utah Education Network in Salt Lake City, Utah, president of the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology and co-leader of Google Educator Group Utah. He’s passionate about leveraging edtech to support student choice, personalized learning and competency based learning at all education levels.

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

Michelle Eckler, Ed.D., is the supervisor of technology for teaching and learning for Waterbury Public Schools in Waterbury, Connecticut. She’s also the founding administrator of the district’s Virtual Learning Academy, an online nighttime program that allows high school students to take courses they can’t fit into their busy daytime schedules.

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

Molly Dettmann is a teacher librarian for Norman Public Schools in Norman, Oklahoma. She was named her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2021-22. Dettmann also serves as chair of the Oklahoma Library Association’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Intellectual Freedom Roundtable, and is incoming chair of the Oklahoma School Librarian’s Division.

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

Nadine Ebri is a district specialist in the Technology Innovation Department for Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida. After creating viral videos with students, she was motivated to design additional educational resources, including books and videos, for educators. Ebri was also instrumental in developing systems for 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 and a district equity leader at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois.She’s also a global educator, presenter, equity strategist, curriculum designer and the 2022 Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) 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 for Pickerington Schools in Pickerington, Ohio, and the CEO of Gold EDU and Control the Chaos EDU. She’s also an adjunct professor at Ashland University, and co-author of Control the Chaos: Creating Order in the Classroom and Teaching Executive Functioning Skills.

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

Victoria Thompson is a customer success account manager for Microsoft Education in Redmond, Washington, an ISTE Community Leader and an edtech consultant. Her work focuses on digital transformation, STEM integration in schools, technology in instruction and using technology to bridge equity gaps 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 in Minneapolis. She leads professional learning opportunities centered on culturally responsive sustaining education for an international network of educators. With 14 years of experience in urban education, Villalba provides effective strategies and resources for educating and supporting BIPOC students and families.

2022 20 to Watch Award Winners

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.