Office of Instructional Technology

Troy Fischer, Director // TFischer@schools.nyc.gov

Instructional Technology

Nancy Woods, Associate Director // NWoods@schools.nyc.gov

Instructional Technology

In July 2007 Nancy joined the Office of Instructional Technology as Associate Director. By following the Office's model for change , Nancy believes that it is most necessary and urgent in this age to better prepare our students for entering the global economy.

Throughout her teaching and administrative career, Nancy has extensive experience with various student populations and areas of education administration. As the Title IID Coordinator for the Bureau of Nonpublic School Reimbursable Services she worked closely with the D irector to manage federal resources to New York City's nonpublic school population , including the largest Title I nonpublic school program in the country. As a Regional Technology Staff Developer and English teacher, Nancy wrote numerous award winning grants and worked closely with administrators and teachers in elementary and middle schools, integrating, executing and showcasing technology projects.

Nancy's educational philosophy focuses around developing innovative strategies to achieve success, fostering intelligent global citizenship, and promoting respect for America's traditions.

Jemimah Hendrix, Special Assistant // JHendrix@schools.nyc.gov

Instructional Technology

Valarie Scott, Secretary // VScott@schools.nyc.gov

Instructional Technology

James Leahy, Manager // JLeahy@schools.nyc.gov

Hardware/ Software Services

James' teaching career began in 2001 when he started teaching 8^th grade English and Social Studies at IS77 in Ridgewood Queens. This was his first full time teaching experience after graduating from Dowling College with his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After a year of teaching 8^thgrade, James transferred to PS89 in Elmhurst queens to continue his work elementary school that we started at Dowling.

While teaching at IS 77 and PS89 James began a Masters of Instructional Technology program at New York Institute of Technology. Within two years of starting the program James graduated with Distinction from the school and quickly began working for Region 4 as a technology staff developer. James spent the next two years training over 130 schools located within districts 24, 30 and 32 on the latest instructional technology practices.

In 2006 James was offered the position of Hardware/Software Manager for instructional technology with the Office of Instructional Technology. At this position, his main focus is to assisting schools and offices in making technology decisions that meet their curriculum goals. His main focus is to make technology work so that teachers and staff don't have to think about technology, it just works.

Lisa Nielsen, Manager // LNielsen@schools.nyc.gov

Professional Development Services

I currently serve as the professional development manager for the Office of Instructional Technology at the New York City Department of Education. I have worked in education for more than ten years both in New York City Schools and districts and at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to joining the Office of Instructional Technology in 2004 I worked in various capacities including as a literacy coach, staff developer, program developer, teacher, and librarian.

Jennifer Kupinse, Manager // JKupinse@schools.nyc.gov

Capital Projects

Before coming to the NYC Department of Education, Jennifer Kupinse directed the Distance Learning Project at Teachers College where she also received her MA in Communication and Education and where she completed her coursework for her EdM in Instructional Technology. Previous to her time at Teachers College, she worked as Education Manager at the Albany, New York area PBS/NPR station. She has taught English in Iowa, India and Sri Lanka and video production in a number of New York City schools. Currently, Jennifer manages the Office of Instructional Technology 1:1 Mobile Computing project iTeach iLearn.

Daphne Franklin, Assistant Manager // DFranklin@schools.nyc.gov

Capital Projects

Christine Mazza // CMazza4@schools.nyc.gov

Instructional Technology Trainer

Susan Levine // SLevine6@schools.nyc.gov

Consultant

After teaching math in middle school, high schools and an alternative high school, as well as to adults at NYU who were math-phobic, since the 1980's Susan Levine has been involved in instructional technology. She was the Project Manager for the installation of the original 500 high school instructional technology laboratories to integrate technology into high school instruction; she was part of the Project SMART project team, bringing technology into middle school classrooms; and she spearheaded various grants and other projects that focused on improving instruction through technology via software, distance learning and at-home computing. In addition she was the Project Manager of citywide technology planning efforts as well as for the creation of the DOE Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Although officially retired for 5 years, Susan works with OIT to assist with organizational issues and planning efforts.

Xu Xu // XXu2@schools.nyc.gov

Portal Media Developer

Xu Xu is an accomplished media artist (interactive video installation and documentary) with an impressive portfolio of video art. Currently, Xu is the Portal Media Developer at OIT. A native of China, Xu has lived in New York for twelve years. Prior to joining OIT, she worked as the Diplomatic Officer at the U.S Department States Office of Foreign Missions. Xu received her B.A. from Hunter College in Cinema Studies and her M.P.S. from the Interactive Telecommunications Program at Tisch School of Arts, New York University.

Saeed Fawwaz // oit@schools.nyc.gov

Intern