One afternoon while checking her email third grade teacher Marina Pisto-Lombardo saw one from the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education. It was not unusual for her to receive correspondence from this organization, as she has attended and even spoken at their conferences. This particular email, however, was different.

 

“It was a nice surprise,” she said.

 

This email informed her that she had been selected as the NYSCATE Teacher of the Year.

Pocantico’s Educational Technology Director, Alana Winnick, nominated Ms. Pisto-Lombardo for the honor. In her letter to the selection committee, she wrote, “Marina is an educator who consistently thinks outside the box and embraces innovation with open arms.”

Ms. Winnick continued, noting “she is unafraid of experimentation and is quick to recognize that true growth often comes through embracing challenges and learning from setbacks. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate technology in a meaningful and purposeful manner within her classroom. What sets Marina apart is her unwavering commitment to using technology as a powerful tool to enhance the educational experience of her students. She meticulously designs lessons that leverage technology to achieve deeper and more engaging learning outcomes.”

In addition, Ms. Winnick said the teacher has integrated technology into her classroom by teaching her students how to code and instructing them on the ethics of artificial intelligence all done through hands-on activities integrated into the existing curriculum.

 

Since 2020 Ms. Pisto-Lombardo has been presenting workshops at NYSCATE conferences and in 2022 she participated in their TEDTalk master class, later using this experience to present a TEDTalk of her own.

 

“I feel like this organization has brought me a lot of unexpected moments,” Ms. Pisto-Lombardo said, adding that at the 2022 conference, she was selected to deliver her TEDTalk before the keynote speaker, which came as a complete surprise to her, as her presentation was scheduled to be in front of a smaller group.

 

“This organization is validating the work I do and the person I am,” she said. “It’s a safe space for educators across the state to have a voice.”

 

“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Marina,” Principal Adam Brown said. “She has been a strong supporter of the work NYSCATE does and it’s so appropriate for them to recognize her for all her contributions to them and her students.”

 

“I am so happy Marina was selected as the NYSCATE Teacher of the Year,” added Superintendent Rich Calkins. “She has grown so much in her work and has embraced technology in her classroom, learning right along with her students. She finds the latest technological tools to enhance her student’s learning, preparing them for the future. Congratulations Marina!”

 

Ms. Pisto-Lombardo said being a member of NYSCATE has helped her with the work she does with her students and has helped inform her of what is available to educators to become better teachers.

 

“I feel that it’s an organization that gives you that space to say, ‘go ahead and do that,’” she said. “They’ll help make it better for you and your students.”

 

She said too that the organization focuses on what is relevant to students including social/emotional learning and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. And, she added, that the organization benefits all those involved across the education spectrum, from school administrators to teachers.

 

“The more I went to their sessions, the more I felt this is where I belonged,” she said. “With 17 years of teaching, I found a space in this professional life that helped me grow.”

 

Having a relationship with these types of organizations, Ms. Pisto-Lombardo said, is a great way to learn new things and not become stagnant.

 

This year Ms. Pisto-Lombardo has also done volunteer work with NYSCATE, saying she has helped other educators develop presentations and developed curriculum for the TED-Style Talk program.

 

“I feel like I am giving back because they have given me so much,” she said.

 

While the organization’s focus is on technology, Ms. Pisto-Lombardo encouraged other educators to become involved even if their focus and interest is not technology.

 

“It all comes back to honoring our kids, honoring the world they live in,” she said, adding that this is especially true as children grow in a world full of AI.

 

“We have a responsibility to understand this is their world,” she said.