Welcome to our 2nd Annual NYSCATE Metro Conference ‘09!

This year’s conference theme, Discovering Your Digital Destination, is another example of NYSCATE’s ongoing commitment to lead the statewide transformation of teaching and learning through the efficacy of technology.

Located in scenic Rye Brook, NY, convenient to Long Island, New York City, and Lower Hudson Valley school districts, the Metro Conference is most conducive for creating a unique retreat like environment where you and your district team are able to literally settle in, relax, and focus on all of the outstanding professional development, networking, information gathering, and sharing opportunities this exceptional conference has to offer.

In response to challenging economic times, our outstanding committee has worked tirelessly to deliver a quality and value conscious conference experience reflective of the feedback and needs of educators, like you, from across the entire metropolitan area. Much attention has been given to the crème of the crop selection of over 70 exemplary educator led presentations in addition to over 50 state-of-the-art exhibit floor product solutions showcasing best classroom practices, cutting-edge instructional tools, and emerging Web centric educational technology trends.

Monday morning’s The Way Forward Keynote Panel, led by New York State’s very own Stan Silverman, is an innovative educational technology “call for action” initiative complemented by embedded program presentation strands and data collection/analysis opportunities culminating with an exciting interactive conference closing presentation on Tuesday. In addition to keynote extraordinaire Hall Davidson, we are honored to host Dr. Helen Padgett, President-Elect of ISTE, as she shares the latest federal stimulus package news, her professional insights on curriculum and professional development models, and International Society for Technology in Education advocacy initiatives. Also, following Monday's program sessions is a delectable buffet reception on our exhibitor floor; and, for those attendees staying over, please join Dr. Richard Bernato for an engaging Monday evening discussion on “futuring” and “systems thinking” in relation to strategic planning, curriculum design, and implementation.

In addition to the unveiling of our hands-on WebWorlds interactive learning environment, specialized Vendor Showcase Sessions and Educational Solution Areas - you don’t want to miss our exciting student led Tabula Digita Competition and Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) poster sessions.

Looking forward to discovering our digital destinations together!

Guy A. Lodico
2009 Metro Conference Chairperson
NYSCATE Executive Board Member

NYSCATE Metro Conference '09 Conference Committee:
Director of Operations: Dan Gyoerkoe
Program: Dr. Sarah McPherson, Jean Benitez, Bonnie Williams

New York City: Celine Azoulay, Winnie Bracco, Jay Lefkowitz

Lower Hudson Valley: Jean Benitez, John Blaser, Peter Reilly, Marianne Smith, Bill Reynolds

Long Island: Maria Esposito, Matthew Hejna, Trish Iannacone, Debbie Kennedy, Patricia Koehler, Paula Pisano, Darlene Roces, Nancy Schempp, Dan Stein, Dr. Michael Uttendorfer, Jeanne Weber

Evaluation: Dr. Richard O’Lander