Tool Factory's Educational Trainers

Mike Smith, PA - Mike brings an extensive and varied background to the Tool Factory as a Trainer. He has presented at local, state, regional, and national science and technology conferences across the country. A 30-year veteran of teaching in the Pennsylvania public schools, Mike holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees and teaching certificates in Geography, Earth and Space Science, General Science, Biology, and Photography. Prior to joining Tool Factory, Mike worked with the University of Alabama's Integrated Science Program as a teacher-trainer and consultant. He has photographed more than 200 weddings and numerous other events. Mike co-authored the "Digital Photography Guide for Educators" which is used in the curriculum for Tool Factory's Digital Camera workshops. Mike enjoys golf, bowling, and model railroading in his spare time in addition to volunteering with the Saxton Fire Company as a paramedic and certified firefighter. He also enjoys traveling the country with his wife, Robin and son, Neal. His ideal training lab? An enthusiastic and interested audience, lots of morning coffee, and a large package of Oreos.

Leslie Mcgoey, LA - Leslie received her Bachelors in Art Education back when one computer filled a room (It really wasn't that long ago). When she received her Masters in Education, it was a new era for technology and education. Leslie recently retired or had a "career change" in May of 2006 after 32 years as a traditional art, digital art, digital photography and technology teacher at the secondary level. She loves inspiring others with unique and exciting approaches to teaching and learning technology. She was honored to be an Apple Distinguished Educator of 2003 for her involvement in curriculum development and technology integration at all levels. Leslie loves to train and inspire teachers because they are the ones that will truly make a difference in education.

 

Heike Hudson, OH - Enthusiastic, energetic, creative, and caring are all adjectives that have been used to describe Heike Hudson's approach to teaching and learning. As an educator and independent consultant/trainer, Heike is committed to working with administrators, teachers, and parents to achieve their potential in integrating technology in education. Heike has a Masters Degree in Educational Administration with certification as a HS & Elementary Principal and Assistant Superintendent, and teaching certification in special education, German, and English. In addition to teaching, she has been a Special Education Supervisor, Federal Grants Writer, Elementary Principal, Curriculum and Testing Director, and Technology and EMIS Coordinator. She has presented at conferences, as well as developing and implementing technology integration workshops in schools. In her other life, she enjoys boating, skiing, tennis, travel, biking, roller blading, concerts, reading, gardening, and keeping up with her kids.

Jennifer Sweeney, VT - Jennifer Sweeney received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont in Psychology and minor in Chemistry. She has presented at various educational technology conferences throughout the US including NCETC, TIES, METC, KTLC, TechED and more. She has also taught digital camera workshops in over 10 different cities across the nation. As Special Education Manager at Tool Factory Inc., she manages the production, localization and marketing of all Special Education and mainstream software products. She also manages the Tool Factory trainers and all logistics of Educational Technology conferences. She continues to be dedicated in promoting the importance of technology to today's Educational professionals.

 

Visiting Special Education Trainers

Paul Nuttal - Director of SEMERC, UK - Paul has been involved in the running of SEMERC since the 1980s. He is highly respected for his extensive knowledge and understanding of special needs issues, ICT, curriculum and individual needs. Although Paul is in demand to speak at conferences at home and overseas he remains involved in every aspect of SEMERC's work from software and hardware development to participating in training.

 

 

Laura Cryer - Software Publisher at SEMERC, UK - Laura is passionate about creating outstanding resources to support learners with special needs. She has over 20 years teaching experience with children, teenagers and adults in mainstream and special education settings, including working as head of a resource for specific literacy difficulties. She is also a well-established author of special needs software and books, and she's a NOF trainer. Before joining SEMERC as Publisher, Laura worked for Sheffield LEA Support Services with responsibilities in special needs and technology integration.