Florence Sullivan is a Professor of Learning Technology and Chair of the department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her primary research interest regards student learning processes with computational media including collaborative learning, collaborative creativity, creative problem solving, and computational thinking. Dr. Sullivan is the author of Creativity, Technology, and Learning: Theory for Classroom Practice, published by Routledge. She is currently serving as the PI on a National Robotics Initiative grant focused on developing and engaging in research of a co-robotics curriculum for middle school aged children. She is also the Co-PI on a National Science Foundation CSforAll grant that focuses on teacher co-design of CT-integrated curriculum at the elementary level.

Jody Sommerfeldt is a Senior Lecturer in the Teaching & Learning Department at Old Dominion University, with special emphasis in Instructional Technology and Elementary Education. She also served as the Director of the Office of Clinical Experiences at the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University, where she was responsible for all field experiences preparing all future teachers, and others going into educational professions. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education from the College of William & Mary, along with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Technology and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at ODU, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Educational Leadership. She is passionate about preparing future-ready teachers, public education, effective leadership, and the integration of technology and innovative practice as a way to engage students and support higher level thinking.

Jody has served several public school systems in the Hampton Roads Area both as a classroom teacher and a Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist, and continues to serve surrounding school divisions through collaboration and support on grants. During her time in the classroom, she was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Reading Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and the Sallie Mae First Year Teacher of the Year. While in Newport News, her school received the VA Department of Education Technology Program of the Year Award. She has conducted many workshops and presented at local, state, and national conferences on Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, and 21st century skills, online teaching, and how to effectively teach in a 1:1 environment.