2025 NJECC NJ Educational Technology Conference: Full Schedule

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NJECC’s 39th Annual Technology Conference ~ March 11, 2025 - March 12, 2025

10:00am EDT

AI Essentials for Your Toolbox: Empowering Educators & Librarians with Practical Tools

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 2012

Join us for a dynamic presentation on AI tools tailored for educators! This session will explore practical AI resources that enhance teaching, streamline workflows, and support student engagement. Participants will discover tools for research, content creation, and personalized learning. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and insights on integrating AI effectively into their educational practices, equipping them to navigate the evolving tech landscape with confidence. Perfect for educators looking to expand their tech toolbox!

Speakers

Elissa Malespina

School Librarian, Newark Public Schools

With over 24 years in education, I've been a high school history teacher, special education teacher, and a teacher librarian at multiple schools. I served as the Coordinating Supervisor of Educational Technology in Parsippany-Troy Hills and am a Board of Education Member for South... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 2012

AI Session, General Technology

Grade Levels K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 1

10:00am EDT

Explainable AI: Using Space Weather to Help Students Understand AI

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 2010

In this talk, we will explore Explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI), a concept that helps people understand AI without having to understand all the complex code. We will explore AI in the context of Space Weather, a fun space science topic that has impacts on our computing networks and CyberInfrastructure. The first 10 attendees who complete a questionnaire will get amazon gift cards and there will be raffles for bigger prizes.

Speakers

Dr. Katherine Herbert

Professor, School of Computing, Montclair State University

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 2010

AI Session, Science

Grade Levels All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 1

10:00am EDT

Elevate your EdTech Expertise: Google for Education’s FREE Certifications

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 2008

This informative session will provide a comprehensive overview of the various Google for Education certifications available to all educators. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, or district admin, learn how these transformative endorsements can enhance professional development and even open up new opportunities. From Level 1 to Certified Innovator, you can leverage any or all of these credentials to improve practice, increase qualifications, and boost networking

Speakers

Renee Sudol Margotta

Instructional Technology Teacher/District Technology Coach, Denville Township School District

Renee has over 25 years of K-5 teaching experience and has worked in various roles, including classroom teacher, Gifted and Talented teacher, and enrichment coordinator. She is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer and has written several blogs for Big Deal Media, an Edtech Pub... Read More →

Ashley Shanley

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Berkeley Heights School District

Ashley Shanley, an Instructional Tech Facilitator in Hamilton Township School District since 2020, has been a full-time public school educator since 2016. She's a Level 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator and Certified Google Trainer, dedicated to bridging tech and pedagogy, helping educators... Read More →

Daniel Cyckowski

Technology Coach, Hillsborough Township Public Schools

Daniel Cyckowski is a technology coach at the Hillsborough Township Public School District and an international distance learning teacher at Banyan Global Learning. He has 7 years of experience working with middle school students and staff and has presented at numerous EdTech conference... Read More →

Denise Spina

Media Specialist/Tech Coach, Hunterdon Central Regional High School

After spending ten years as a classroom social studies teacher, Denise went back to school to become a library media specialist. Since making the switch, she has earned an MS in Educational Technology, was accepted as a Google Certified Trainer, Coach, and Innovator, and has become... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 2008

General Technology, General Technology

Grade Levels K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 1

10:00am EDT

Are you AI Ready?

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 3008

Evaluating AI applications and ensuring organizational readiness for your classroom, school, or district. With the unprecedented surge in AI solutions for education, it’s vital to consider factors to ensure that this new technology aligns with educational goals and benefits both students and educators and also incorporates the required guardrails for safety, ethics, and long-term sustainability.

We will guide participants through Data Privacy and Security, Model Performance and Accuracy, Bias and Fairness, Interpretability and Explainability, Scalability and Sustainability as well as Interoperability and Training for implementing AI in a district. We will provide guidance on how schools and districts can be thoughtful and prepared for AI adoption and use. This will be a workshop format and provide materials for districts to use with teams back in their schools and districts.

Speakers

Joel Lathrop

Education Strategy Director, PowerSchool

For over 30 years Joel has held roles with Microsoft US Education, AWS US Education, NuSoft US EDU Solutions where he advised, consulted and supported school districts, colleges and State Departments of Education throughout the US. Joel's roles have included: US Education Systems... Read More →

Amy Knighten

Senior Solution Engineer, PowerSchool

Amy Knighten, Senior Solutions Engineer, has 25 years supporting K-12 education. Beginning her career as a Special Education Teacher, she transitioned into roles supporting both school-based and district level instructional initiatives. Over the past 12 years she has supported customers... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 3008

Vendor Session, Artificial Intelligence

Grade Levels All
Audience Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, IT Staff, General (for All Audiences), Administration (Superintendents/Principals), Administators
Type of Session Workshop
Session Session 1

10:00am EDT

Building Global Networks Through Virtual Exchange

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 3006

Learn how Reach the World's Traveler Program fosters meaningful global networks between students, teachers and travelers. Through case studies, discover strategies for integrating virtual exchanges into your curriculum, and explore how these exchanges can ignite your students’ curiosity, confidence and compassion!

Speakers

Chris Ahearn

Reach The World

Christopher Ahearn is Chief of Staff at Reach the World. He is a former Middle School Social Studies educator who has led the development of high-quality curricula and other learning opportunities for students of all ages. For about seven years, Christopher served as Director of Partnerships... Read More →

Andrew Han

Senior Associate, Reach the World

Andrew Han is Reach the World’s Senior Program Associate. In this role, he assists with programming and partnership development for our network of travelers and explorers dedicated to making the benefits of travel accessible to students nationwide. Andrew graduated from New York... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 3006

Vendor Session

Grade Levels All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 1

11:00am EDT

Ask the Experts: AI's Role in Shaping Tomorrow's Infrastructure

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Lecture Hall 1010

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring leading experts in artificial intelligence and infrastructure. This session will explore the transformative potential of AI to revolutionize how we design, build, maintain, and operate the critical infrastructure that supports our modern world. Explore how AI is impacting areas like predictive maintenance, structural health monitoring, traffic optimization, resource management, and cybersecurity.

Speakers

Mohammed Saleh

CTO, Paterson Public Schools

Adrian Cepero

Executive Director of Technology, Morris School District

Adrian Cepero, Executive Director of Technology for the Morris School District, is an innovative EdTech leader with over a decade of experience. He specializes in infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI literacy, and equitable digital access, driving transformative change to enhance learning... Read More →

Peter Cook

Director of Technology, Paramus Public Schools.

Yanal Saleh

Director of Information Technology, Elmwood Park Public Schools

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Lecture Hall 1010

AI Session, Artificial Intelligence

Grade Levels All
Audience Technology Supervisors or Directors, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 2

11:00am EDT

The Impact of AI in Education: A Panel Discussion of Emerging Dissertation Research

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Room 2013

Join us for a moderated panel discussion featuring doctoral candidates presenting their dissertation research on the transformative impact of AI and technology in education. Topics include AI's effect on teacher burnout, enhancing teacher efficiency through AI, effective strategies for implementing music technology in K-12 education, and the informal adoption of ChatGPT by community college faculty. Participants can expect to gain insights into current research findings and practical implications for integrating AI technology in educational settings.

Speakers

Enrique Noguera

Assistant Dean at Passaic County Community College, NJCU

Enrique Noguera, Assistant Dean at Passaic County Community College and doctoral candidate in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University, champions educational technology advancement. His research explores generative AI applications in teaching and learning. Recently... Read More →

Melissa Welz

Music Teacher and Ed.D Doctoral Student, Franklin School - North Bergen School District

Melissa Welz is a seasoned music educator with over 20 years of experience. She holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from New Jersey City University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership, expected in May 2025. Melissa teaches in... Read More →

Ojas Ray

Doctoral Candidate, New Jersey City University

Randy Narvaez-Ruiz

Assistant Principal/ Doctoral Candidate, Edison Public Schools/ New Jersey City University

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Room 2013

AI Session, Roundtable

Grade Levels All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 2

11:00am EDT

Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Room 2042

In today's digital world, schools face growing cybersecurity threats. Addressing these threats requires buy-in and support of the entire school community. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to build a robust culture of cybersecurity within your school community. This will include empowering students and staff to secure their personal and professional information and also creating a collaborative environment that encourages support and engagement. This workshop will provide you with practical steps and resources to create a safer and more secure learning environment for everyone.

Speakers

Randall Palmer

Technology Director, Spectrum 360

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Room 2042

General Technology, Cybersecurity

Grade Levels All
Audience Administration, Classroom Teachers, IT Staff, General (for All Audiences), Tech Coaches, Library/Media Specialists, Technology Supervisors or Directors
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 2

11:00am EDT

SECURITY BEYOND THE EXPECTED

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Room 3006

In today’s classroom, learning takes place online as much as it does with books. That means school systems must keep students and teachers safe online and comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

To strengthen endpoint protection, layered, next-generation security capabilities and streamlined manageability are a must for the education community. Bitdefender is the de facto provider for school districts.

Speakers

Odessa Criales-Smith

EDU Contracts Manager, White Rock Cybersecurity

I have been providing software and technology to schools for nearly 30 years. I am committed to bring best-in-class cyber solutions at cooperative discounts to our NJ schools! Check out our presentations by vendor partners Adlumin and Bitdefender!

Yasser Fuentes

Principal Solutions Architect, Bitdefender

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Room 3006

Vendor Session, General Technology

Grade Levels All
Audience Technology Supervisors or Directors, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 2

12:30pm EDT

Empowering School Librarians & Educators with AI

Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Lecture Hall 1010

This hands-on presentation introduces school librarians to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and explores practical applications within libraries. Participants will engage in interactive activities, including a game called "Is it AI?" and a deep dive into various AI tools for library use. Attendees will learn how AI can enhance research, lesson planning, personalized learning, and assistive technologies while also discussing challenges like data privacy and bias in AI.

Speakers

Elissa Malespina

School Librarian, Newark Public Schools

Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Lecture Hall 1010

AI Session, General Technology

Grade Levels K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 3

12:30pm EDT

Cybersecurity Challenges in Education: Protecting Sensitive Data in a Vulnerable Environment

Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Room 3006

Educational institutions face significant cybersecurity challenges due to unique network infrastructures and security policies, often made vulnerable by users bypassing protections. Recent incidents, such as a North Korean cyberattack using an online game to spread malware, highlight the risks posed by seemingly harmless activities, like students disabling antivirus software to play games on school laptops. While some educational institutions have taken steps to secure their systems, others have seen vulnerabilities exposed through inadequate controls, especially in research labs that store valuable and sensitive data. With schools increasingly targeted by ransomware and data breaches involving personal and financial information, it’s crucial to address these vulnerabilities. Join this session to explore how educational institutions can strengthen cybersecurity defenses against evolving threats.

Speakers

Kyle Auer

White Rock Cybersecurity

Odessa Criales-Smith

EDU Contracts Manager, White Rock Cybersecurity

Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Room 3006

Vendor Session, Cybersecurity

Grade Levels All
Audience Technology Supervisors or Directors, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 3

1:30pm EDT

Student AI Applications

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 2006

Discover how students can harness AI to enhance their learning while maintaining academic integrity. This engaging 45-minute presentation explores practical applications of AI tools in education and provides actionable strategies to guide responsible AI use. Learn how to empower students to use AI as a learning companion—not a shortcut—ensuring technology supports, not replaces, meaningful education. There will be a Q&A discussion at the end of the session.

Speakers

Haley Scheerer

Media Specialist, Passaic Public Schools

As a Media Specialist with a passion for emerging technology and intellectual freedom, Haley Scheerer is happily working for Passaic Preparatory Academy and Passaic Academy for Science and Engineering. She was recently given the Governor's Educational Services Professional of the... Read More →

Emily Griesbach

Media Specialist, Passaic Public Schools

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 2006

AI Session

Grade Levels 6-8, 9-12
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 4

1:30pm EDT

The Big 3 - Everything You Need in 3 AI Tools For All Educators

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Lecture Hall 1010

It's confusing when you have so many choices when learning how to use AI in your classroom. This session will teach you the big 3 AI tools that can do it all.
From lesson plans to rubrics this presentation will cover the 3 tools and then give you time to experiment and play with all 3. You will leave this session with tools you can use the next day in your classroom.

Speakers

Bruce Reicher

Technology Teacher, @breicher

Bruce Reicher has been an educator for over 25 years. He is in his first year at Ramsey Public Schools creating a Multimedia Program and TV studio. Reicher is an ambassador for WeVideo, Brainpop and Wakelet. His is also the co-author of the book Scripted - An Educator's Guide To Media... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Lecture Hall 1010

AI Session, General Technology

Grade Levels K-5, 6-8, 9-12, All
Audience Classroom Teachers, Tech Coaches, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Library/Media Specialists, Curriculum Staff, Special Education Teachers, IT Staff, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), General (for All Audiences)
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 4

1:30pm EDT

Sounding the Alarm: The Impact of Bells, Paging, Alerts, and Security on IT Operations and Workflow”

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 3004

We will discuss the shifting responsibility from Facilities to IT for Bells, Paging, Alerts and Security. Topics will include: Defining clear paths of responsibility for maintaining Bell Schedules; Who maintains the system(s) and what tools should they have available; What can be done to ensure teacher safety and how does the communication flow work in the event of an emergency; How do you make disparate systems work cohesively; What expectations should you have for cost of ownership; Platform considerations, what are the advantages of open platform communication systems; Considerations for Audible and visual alerts.

Speakers

Farah Ihsan

Education Consultant, Boxlight

Farah Ihsan is a former classroom teacher now transitioned into the ed-tech world. Direct classroom experience allows Farah to help teachers and students utilize their new technology in innovative ways.

Jim McHarg

Regional Sales Manager, Boxlight

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 3004

Vendor Session, IT

Grade Levels All
Audience IT Staff, Technology Supervisors, Technology Supervisors or Directors, Administration, Administration (Superintendents/Principals), and IT Coordinators/Directors
Type of Session Presentation
Session Session 4