Session Hosts
Jon Fila is an experienced educator, curriculum coordinator, and author, with a passion for promoting equitable access to high-quality educational materials and experiences for all learners. He has worked in education for over 20 years where he has led digital accessibility initiatives, developed curriculum, and facilitated the adoption and update of Open Educational Resources (OER). In addition to his work at District 287, Jon serves as an educational consultant, offering his expertise in instructional design, digital curriculum, accessibility, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom.
Donna Roper, holds a bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota, is an esteemed educational leader. With over 25 years of dedicated service to students, teachers, staff, community members, and school boards, she currently serves as the Executive Director of REA and Information Systems in the St. Cloud Area School District. Donna's expertise spans diverse educational settings, including urban and suburban districts of varying sizes, such as Rosemount, Minneapolis, Edina, and Eden Prairie. Recognized for her unwavering commitment to public education and advocacy for positive change, she fosters inclusive environments and strategic thinking to drive systemic transformations. Donna's approach combines sensemaking strategies, implementation science, research, practitioner insights, and student perspectives, empowering teachers, students, and schools to embrace nimble, authentic, and responsive solutions that enhance the success of all learners. Her dedication, experience, and trusted leadership make her a driving force in the field of education, consistently working towards the advancement of practices and ensuring the growth and achievement of every student.
I am Joel VerDuin and I am enjoying my 30th year in education. I have been a teacher and administrator in 3 states and in school districts as small as 1000 students and as large as 38,000. I currently serves as the Chief Technology and Information Officer for the Anoka-Hennepin School District and have been in this role since 2012. One of my biggest "why's" in education is to hopefully have a large impact on how school is designed so that we can focus on the most essential skills students need for success in whatever they choose in life. My philosophy of technology is simply to use it as a lever to help others change what and how our students experience at school.
David Boxer has over twenty years of experience in educational technology, including service as a classroom teacher and curriculum development. He is CIO at The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN. He is a learning design coach for Global Online Academy’s professional learning team, where he focused on implementing online pedagogy. David adores spending time on the bike trails and city lakes, canoeing with his family, and traveling.
David Boxer
The Blake School
Ryan Bisson has been in education for nearly two decades. Her passion and focus has always been on empowering scholars and staff with tools and skills to elevate their learning and teaching experiences. Ryan has taught elementary school, developed and led district-wide professional learning, and, for the last three years, been part of the admin team that both designed and built the largest pandemic response school in the state of Minnesota and 279Online, a K-12 comprehensive online school in Osseo Area Schools.
Anthony Padrnos is an innovative educator pushing the boundaries for how technology can redefine education. He has been in public education for over 15 years as a teacher, instructional coach, building administrator, public speaker and district administrator. Anthony is currently serving as the Executive Director of Technology for Osseo Area Schools, and is a highly respected ed tech expert on district-level technology, online security, and classroom ed tech. Mr. Padrnos has been interviewed regarding data analytics by EdTech Magazine, has given popular cyber security talks at the Minnesota Association of School Administrators Conference, and has made presentations on ed tech topics with the Learning Council to rave reviews. He is this year's recipient of the MASA (Minnesota Associate of School Administrators) Central Office Leadership Award for his dedication in education
Anthony Padrnos
Osseo Area Schools