Dan Agins
Twitter:@DanAgins | Blog: danielagins.wordpress.com
I have been teaching social studies to 8th graders in Pawcatuck, CT for the past seven years. In that time I have moved from a traditional “industrialized” mindset to a rationalized constructivist approach. I was afraid of technology until 2005 when I had an epiphany and realized that there was no secret combination of buttons I could press on a computer that would cause it to explode. This understanding has allowed me to better incorporate technology to assist students in creating meaningful and relevant work. I loathe the questions “Why do we have learn this?” and “Is this graded?” and seek to frame my classes so that those questions do not arise. I am finishing up my master’s in educational technology from the University of Connecticut this July. In my spare time I enjoy making the hip hop scratching sounds on my turntables and reading books to my daughters.
Judy Arzt
Twitter:@judyarzt | Blog: judyarztblog.blogspot.com
Formerly a high school English teacher in Windsor Connecticut, I now teach education courses at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut. Most of the courses I teach are in the field of computer education, and I particularly enjoy working with teachers and pre-service teachers helping them envision and implement technology tools in their teaching. I hold a BA and MA in English from The State University of New York at Albany and earned a 6th Year in Administration and Supervision and PhD in Education, with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, from The University of Connecticut. When I am not teaching and engaged in professional work, I love to travel, and have visited more than 40 countries and almost every US state.
Twitter: @sedson | Blog: www.sarahedson.com
I joined the Ethel Walker School community in 2009 after more than a decade working in the fields of education and academic technology. After graduating from Middlebury College with a B.A. in history, I attended Harvard University where I completed my master’s degree in education with a focus on technology and innovation in education. I’ve worked as a Spanish teacher, instructional designer, professional development leader, program manager, and producer of various learning technologies, and I’m thrilled to help bring the edcamp revolution to Connecticut!
Michelle Gohagon
Twitter: @mgohagon | Website: rsd13techint.weebly.com
I am a technology integration specialist in Regional School District 13, in Durham and Middlefield, CT. For the past five years I have worked with grades K-8 students and teachers in finding new ways to use technology to improve learning and educational experiences. Previously, I was a history, Social Studies, and Fire Fighting (yep, you read that right-long story) teacher at New Britain High School. I received my B.A. in History and Secondary Education at University of Hartford. My love for educational technology began when pursuing my master’s degree in Special Education at Simmons College, and I realized the potential of assistive technologies. I have since completed my studies in Educational Technology at Central Connecticut State University. My passion is understanding how to use technology, instruction and authentic learning experiences to foster children to be independent, confident learners.
For the third year in a row, I am very excited to learn, be inspired and make connections with the phenomenal educators at EdCampCT.
Jen Weeks
Twitter: @jweeks21
I am a French teacher and academic technology coordinator at Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, CT. I have also worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, instructional support teacher and faculty trainer. I have a B.A. from Bowdoin College in French and Government and Legal Studies, and I hope to finish my Master of Education degree from Plymouth State College with a specialization in Online Teaching and Learning in 2013.
I love dreaming up new ways to improve student learning and engagement, and I am excited to brainstorm with fellow educators about curriculum and technology at EdCampCT.
After attending the EdCampCT unconference, you will be so hooked that you may never go to a traditional conference again! And, I wouldn’t blame you.
Ben Wildeboer
Twitter: @WillyB | Blog: blog.benwildeboer.com
Born and raised in Michigan, I moved to Connecticut in 2008. I graduated from Calvin College with a degree in geology for secondary education, and recently completed my master’s degree in secondary education with a focus on instructional models and practices. I’ll be teaching Physics at the Connecticut River Academy in East Hartford next year. I enjoy working to design interesting and meaningful learning experiences for students and am super excited to help organize EdCampCT!
