VITAL EDUCATORS DIRECTORY

Currently an Instructional Coach with a BOCES located in the Capital Region. I have been an educator for nineteen years and have held the roles of Classroom Teacher, Literacy Specialist, and Adjunct Instructor.

Literacy Specialist and Social Studies educator with experience teaching across learning environments. Over the last three years, implemented a Response to Intervention program for English Language Arts at the secondary level, as well as developed data monitoring tools, procedures for progress monitoring, and put into action regular ‘data chats’ between stakeholders to ensure transparency and partnership. Collaborated to develop and provide professional development focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, mindfulness practices in the classroom, and trauma-informed teaching. Teaching and leadership philosophies lie at the intersection of relationship-based approaches and data driven decision making for continuous improvement.

Jenny has been transforming organizational and instructional performance through collaboration for the past 25 years as a National Board Certified Teacher, K-12 Coordinator of Professional Learning, Building Principal, Educational Data Team Leader for 50 school districts, and as the Coordinator for Virtual Learning at the MORIC. She is passionate about helping ALL students to be successful, regardless of their learning environment. Jenny is currently pursuing her PhD with a focus on The Datafication of Education in Online Learning.

Dr. Frawley's career started in the West Seneca Central School District. She taught general elementary education for eleven years, and gifted/talented education for seven years. While working as a teacher, both in West Seneca and as an adjunct at Canisius, she completed her school administrator certifications. During this time, Dr. Frawley also worked as the director of the West Seneca Teachers' Center, serving the professional development needs of the district's 500 plus teachers. For the last seven years, Dr. Frawley has worked as an elementary school principal. Recently, she completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership at D'Youville University studying teacher professionalism and data-use in schools.

Dr. Kroog is an accomplished educational leader with over 15 years of experience. He began his career with the NYC Teaching Fellows program and is currently a district leader at BOCES. Dr. Kroog earned his doctoral degree from Fordham University in 2022, studying virtual professional learning and teacher self-efficacy. He also holds a master's degree in education from Pace University and certificates in school and district leadership from Stony Brook University. Additionally, he has a master's degree in developmental psychology from Boston College. Dr. Kroog regularly presents at educational conferences on topics including special education, universal design for learning, classroom technology, and educational leadership.

Michael Sheridan is an Instructional Technology Coach in the Schenectady City School District. A 19 year educator, Michael has always had a passion for integrating technology into instructional practices and augmenting the assessment process with new and innovative approaches. Michael is a Google Certified Trainer, ISTE Certified Educator and has presented on the local, regional and national levels about technology integration and innovative instructional practices. Michael has worked on ways to use technology within the instructional setting to eliminate barriers for student accessibility, and to ensure that ALL students are successful by meeting learners where they are.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 9 years of experience in social service and mental health, I've worked in non-profit, public, and clinical settings, honing skills in psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, child welfare, and counseling. Currently, as a school Social Worker in District 79, I support students on superintendent suspension, focusing on boosting their confidence, academic outcomes, and fostering stronger relationships within their school communities. Serving as a liaison between students, parents, teachers, and administrators, I aim to address challenges and provide comprehensive support to help these students navigate their suspension period and succeed academically and emotionally.

Vicki grew up in Lockport, N.Y. and attended Nazareth College earning both a B.S. in Biology (with Teacher Certification) and an M.S. in Education. She went on to earn a doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in 2011 at the University of Rochester. Vicki was a science teacher and school administrator in the Canandaigua City School District for 23 years. She went on to serve in visiting education professor roles at Elmira College, SUNY Potsdam, and SUNY Brockport. While she officially “retired” in 2022, Vicki is enjoying her new role as a virtual tutor for CiTi BOCES. She resides in Canandaigua and Vero Beach and is the mom of two thriving adult children.

Mark Hitt is a passionate educator dedicated to fostering student success in science. With expertise in chemistry, biology, computer science, and physics, he earned acclaim for his research into virtual instruction strategies. As a NYS VITAL educator, Mark champions innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement. Committed to excellence, he creates supportive learning environments where all students can thrive. Mark's impact extends beyond the classroom, as he actively contributes to professional development and school community engagement, inspiring students and colleagues alike.

Margaret is a Lead eLearning Specialist providing virtual and on-site professional development on various digital platforms and learning management systems. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation by leveraging the power of technology and pedagogical best practices. In addition, Margaret administers a virtual learning program where technology is transforming education in a dynamic environment, empowering students to succeed in their academic and personal pursuits.

As an educator for the past 26 years, I have had the joy of using my art and special education certifications in different capacities throughout my career. In recent years, I have regularly incorporated SEL practices into my art classroom and presented those practices at local, regional, and state conferences for PVCSD, NYSATA, and PNW/BOCES. In addition to teaching in-person high school art classes, I am also an adjunct-online Student Teacher Supervisor for both Art and Special Education students through Liberty University.

As an experienced educator with a diverse background in teaching math, chemistry, and academic intervention services, I am deeply passionate about integrating technology into the classroom to enhance learning experiences. With a focus on streamlining educational processes and improving student engagement, I strive to empower both students and teachers alike. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a proud parent of two girls and have a supportive husband who shares my commitment to education and technology. Through workshops and professional development sessions, I aim to equip fellow educators with the necessary skills to leverage technology effectively while prioritizing meaningful relationships and quality classroom instruction.