Speaker Biographies
Stephanie Helfand
Monday, December 5
Stephanie Helfand is currently the K-8 Instructional Technology Coordinator for CUSD 95 in Lake Zurich, IL. Stephanie’s teaching experience as a 4th grade classroom teacher for students in advanced curriculum and resource-special education teacher for K-2 and 8th grade students helped her develop her strengths for teaching with technology. All of her knowledge comes from direct application in the classroom where she integrated technology such as Video Conferencing, Virtual Field Trips, Personal Learning Networks for her students and Social Networks for their parents. In August 2011, Stephanie was honored by ePals.com as the Spotlight teacher for her nation-wide project titled, ‘I Know My Region’ where she brought students from across the United States together to learn about the 5 regions of our country. Stephanie strives to help teachers and students develop into lifelong learners through the use of technology.
Dr. Bob Mann
Monday, December 5
Dr. Bob Mann is an associate professor of mathematics at Western Illinois University. Prior to joining WIU, Dr. Mann taught mathematics at the high school and community college levels. He has taught a wide variety of mathematics courses and is always excited about working with current and future teachers of mathematics at all levels. His research focuses on mathematical prolem-solving, student achievement, and innovative practices in teaching and learning mathematics. Dr. Mann has published numerous articles and regularly speaks to diverse audiences at local, regional, and national conferences. Dr. Mann has served as chair of the editorial board of the NCTM journal Teaching Children Mathematics, and as a board member of ICTM. Dr. Mann's passion for learning mathematics is eclipsed only by his passion for teaching mathematics and by his desire to share the wonders of mathematics with others. You can contact Bob Mann by phone at 309- 298-2037 or email at RR-mann@wiu.edu.
Carol Jago
Tuesday, December 6
Carol Jago has taught English in middle and high school for 32 years and directs the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA. She is president of the National Council of Teachers of English. Carol served as AP Literature content advisor for the College Board and has published six books for teachers with Heinemann. She has also published four books on contemporary multicultural authors for NCTE’s High School Literature series.
Carol has written a weekly education column for the Los Angeles Times, and her essays have appeared in English Journal, Language Arts, NEA Today, as well as in other newspapers across the nation. She edits the journal of the California Association of Teachers of English, California English, and served on the planning committee for the 2009 NAEP Reading Framework and the 2011 NAEP Writing Framework.
Hank Thiele
Tuesday, December 6
Dr. Thiele is currently the Chief Technology Officer for District 207 in Park Ridge, IL and the President of SET Connections. Before taking on these roles, he was a technology coordinator and also taught science and music at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, IL. He has earned his Doctorate from Roosevelt University in Chicago while investigating the impact online communication can have on learning. Dr. Thiele is a Google Certified Teacher, Administrator, and Trainer. He believes that personalization of instruction, assisted by technology, allows students, parents, community, and staff to improve their skills to become adaptable and productive in today's world and into the future.
