Unplugged Panels

Panel 1: What Have We Learned From a Decade of 1:1 Devices?

Has the proliferation of technology in our classrooms had an impact on student achievement — and at what cost? What lessons have we learned from the last 10 years?

  • Lynn Girolamo, Assistant Director of Digital Innovation, Greece Central School District
  • Greg Taranto, Ph.D., Superintendent, Canon-McMillan School District, Canonsburg, Pa.
  • Dr. Dennis Z. Kuo, Chief of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group
  • Margaret Dean, English Department Chair, St. Lawrence Central High School; President, St. Lawrence Central United Teachers
  • MaryJo Ginese, Vice President for Special Education, United Federation of Teachers

Panel 2: AI in Schools: Tool, Tutor or Threat?

What uses of AI support learning and what uses undermine it? In this panel, union leaders and tech experts will discuss the promise and peril of AI and offer recommendations for a safe path forward.

  • Ron Roaldsen, Technology Coach, East Williston Union Free School District; President, East Williston Teachers Association
  • Sarah E. Domoff, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University at Albany
  • Nalique Smith, Student, University at Albany
  • Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, Ph.D., Parent; President of Community Education Council 4; Associate Professor, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  • Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers
  • Mary Vaccaro, Vice President for Education, United Federation of Teachers
  • Lucy Collins, Ph.D., Parent; Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Fashion Institute of Technology

Panel 3: How Can State and Local Policy Support Building Human-Centered Schools?

How do we embrace innovation without losing human connection? What does developmentally appropriate use of technology look like? What should New York’s technology policies look like in 2030?

  • Dr. James V. McDonald, M.P.H. Commissioner, New York State Department of Health
  • Mary Banaszak, Immediate Past President, New York State School Counselors Association
  • Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair, Senate Education Committee
  • Assemblymember Gabriella Romero
  • Cecily Wilson Turner, Ed.D., Superintendent, Shenendehowa Central School District

Closing Conversation: Where Do We Go From Here?

Building human-centered schools in Croton, NY.

  • Ilana McConville, President, Croton Teachers Association
  • Jen Moore, Past President, Croton Teachers Association
  • Laura Dubak, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Croton-Harmon Schools
  • Ashley Valentine, English Teacher/Instructional Coach, Croton-Harmon High School