Betsy and a colleague presenting about robotics at ISTE

Presenting at ISTE 2019 with colleague Michelle Chenevert on computational thinking.

WORK EXPERIENCE

MANAGER, TECHNOLOGY at Teaching Lab from January 2022 to May 2024

  • Founded the technology department at Teaching Lab, overseeing the administration of all technology platforms, systems, and services to support organizational goals, emphasizing efficiency, effectiveness, and security.

  • Administered all technology platforms including Microsoft365, Google, Adobe, Slack, Monday, Canvas, and Zoom, ensuring seamless operation and integration across the organization.

  • Developed and deployed a strategic roadmap for technology use aligned with Teaching Lab's mission and objectives, including system settings, policies, and training initiatives.

  • Conducted an audit of the existing technology stack, resulting in the development of a multi-phased project plan to leverage non-profit pricing and centralize purchasing processes, achieving annual savings of $100,000.

  • Collaborated closely with the Finance and Human Resource departments, serving as an instructional designer for both the creation of an employee onboarding course and the addition of training for new platforms.

  • Oversaw the research and adoption of a new Learning Management System (LMS) to replace Moodle, resulting in the implementation of Canvas for internal and external professional learning.

  • Developed and delivered a comprehensive Canvas training course for programmatic team members and business function leads, resulting in 100% compliance within two months of its launch.

  • Successfully conducted a comprehensive inventory of hardware, resulting in the implementation of a new technology purchase rotation plan, leasing agreement, and enrollment in a new Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, Microsoft Intune, saving the company $50,000 over the last two years.

  • Designed and implemented a robust technology support ticketing system, continuously iterating on the tool to accommodate additional shared operation teams, achieving a remarkable 100% user satisfaction rate.

  • Utilized the Canvas, Qualtrics, and Monday.com APIs to integrate and streamline data collection.

ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge from August 2014 to June 2020

  • Administered academic technology programs, including Canvas, PowerSchool, Seesaw, Clever, Google, and Microsoft365, delivering training sessions to parents, students, and teachers to ensure effective utilization.

  • Oversaw the transition of the Learning Management System from Blackboard to Canvas, educating faculty on best practices such as online course development, instructional design, multimedia creation, and accessibility.

  • Developed a Canvas resource hub for faculty members, resulting in a 60% initial reduction in helpdesk tickets.

  • Responsible for integrating additional platforms and tools through the Canvas API and LTI tools.

  • Spearheaded the realignment of the K-8 science curriculum through collaboration with the faculty and administration, creating meaningful, enriching STEM lessons to supplement the curriculum

  • Provided coaching and support to teachers in implementing the new curriculum through direct-to-student lessons, teacher coaching sessions, and professional development initiatives.

  • Developed a comprehensive K-8 coding and robotics curriculum along with a project management plan for a three-year phased implementation, ensuring successful integration with the existing curriculum.

  • Supervised the establishment and ongoing operation of two design studios, providing training to students and staff on the utilization of 2D and 3D software and equipment for enhanced learning experiences.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CONTENT COMMUNITY LEADER at Teach for America from August 2014 to June 2020

  • Led a leadership team of alumni to cultivate an active, engaged online community of early childhood educators.

  • Collaborated with the Interactive Learning and Engagement team, providing ongoing support through advice, Webex sessions, resource recommendations, and discussion board facilitation to improve student outcomes.

  • Managed and updated the web-based resource hub for current corps members and alumni, ensuring accessibility and relevance of resources for the intended audience.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER at South Walker Elementary from August 2008 to June 2014

  • Achieved a 100% promotion rate in an inclusive classroom environment with 20-24 kindergarten students annually, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to student success.

  • Managed a team of paraprofessionals, training them to support students with significant special needs

  • Successfully secured grant funding for the acquisition of new classroom furniture, iPads, and instructional materials, significantly improving the learning environment and resources available to students.

SPECIAL EDUCATOR at Denham Springs Elementary from August 2005 to June 2008

  • Maintained a structured and supportive learning environment in a self-contained classroom for students with autism, collaborating closely with students, parents, therapists, and administrators to analyze individualized education needs and develop comprehensive instructional plans tailored to meet specific learning objectives.

  • Cultivated strong partnerships with families through effective communication and relationship building, ensuring alignment between educational goals and student needs.

  • Utilized data-driven instruction and ongoing assessment to track student progress and adjust teaching strategies to optimize outcomes.

  • Managed a team of four paraprofessionals, training them in the use of assistive technology.

  • Developed curriculum materials for a state-wide literacy initiative utilizing augmentative and alternative communication technology, contributing to improved literacy rates among students.

  • Collaborated with the Louisiana Department of Education and fellow educators to develop rigorous state standards for students with significant special needs, ensuring access to high-quality education for all students.

SPECIAL EDUCATOR at Westminster Elementary from August 2002 to June 2004

  • Instructed students with special needs as part of the Teach for America 2002 South Louisiana Corp Member program, promoting academic and personal growth among students.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

PRESIDENT, Canton CT Lions Club from 2021 to the Present

  • Led a group of civic-minded volunteers in various initiatives, including agenda setting, charity board leadership, fundraising, and fostering collaboration with community organizations.

AMBASSADOR, iRobot Root Robotics from 2018 to 2021

  • Collaborated with the Learning Experience Design team to develop and refine lesson plans, facilitating effective integration of robotics into educational settings.

  • Piloted new products with students to gather user feedback, contributing to product improvement and alignment with educational needs.

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER, Dremel Dreams from 2016 to 2017

  • Piloted Dremel’s 3D printing technology in classroom settings, providing feedback for product enhancement.

  • Created, tested, and provided feedback on curricular materials, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance in educational contexts.

CONFERENCE PRESENTER

  • I have presented at the following conferences on topics that include integrating coding into the elementary math curriculum, teaching with Scratch, and teaching computational thinking skills.

SKILLS

TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION

  • Microsoft 365, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD), Google Workspace, Apple Business Manager, Adobe, Slack, Monday.com, KnowBe4, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, Paylocity, Netsuite, Ticket Tailor, Canva, Genially, Freepik, Expensify

  • Learning Management Systems such as Canvas, Moodle, Synap, and Blackboard

  • API and LTI integrations for Canvas, Qualtrics, and Monday.com through both the platforms’ API and Zapier

EDUCATION

MASTER OF ARTS, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2021

  • Coursework included Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design, Programming Interactive Media, and Adult Learning and Leadership

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, Bates College, 2002

  • Dual majors in Geology and Classical/Medieval Studies with a secondary concentration in Latin

ADDITIONAL GRADUATE LEVEL COURSES

  • Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

    • Technology in Education, Spring 2007

    • Educational Research, Fall 2006

  • Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA

    • Behavioral Assessments and Interventions, Fall 2006

    • Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities, Fall 2005

  • University of Phoenix

    • Decoding of Reading Skills and Reading Practicum, Spring 2008

    • Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties, Spring 2008

    • Primary Reading Methods, Spring 2008

BADGES & CERTIFICATIONS