Technology Integration Coach

• Sep 2019 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Computer Science

• Jun 2022 - Present

In collaboration with the University of Rhode Island Computer Science Department, Vanessa worked to transform the Code.org Professional Development Course for Code.org Discoveries into a university course. Undergraduate, graduate and veteran teachers joined this course. Completion of the course qualifies students to apply for a Computer Science endoresment in the state of Rhode Island. In collaboration with the University of Rhode Island Computer Science Department, Vanessa worked to transform the Code.org Professional Development Course for Code.org Discoveries into a university course. Undergraduate, graduate and veteran teachers joined this course. Completion of the course qualifies students to apply for a Computer Science endoresment in the state of Rhode Island.

Innovation Directors Network

• Jun 2021 - Present

The IDN is a professional community of practice of school system leaders who are implementing, innovating, and scaling blended, personalized, and/or mastery-based learning within (and beyond) their district and CMOs. TLA launched the Innovation Directors Network (IDN) to bring together system leaders from around the country who are charged with scaling innovation initiatives across their districts and school management organizations. With participants serving a highly diverse group of over 800,000 students nationwide, the IDN’s goal is to accelerate collective learning through knowledge development, sharing, and evidence-building. Through ongoing virtual and in-person meetings, this network is collaboratively identifying and testing approaches for solving commonly-held problems and sharing that knowledge broadly with the field. Show less

Board Member

• May 2023 - Present

The Mission of the Rhode Island Society of Technology Educators (RISTE) is to promote excellence in education through the integration of existing and emerging technologies. RISTE provides technology leadership, support and training for K-12 educational community - including technology directors, tech coaches, librarians, data managers, and teachers. The membership meets regularly to promote innovative educational practice. RISTE also facilitates member networking as a means of support. The Mission of the Rhode Island Society of Technology Educators (RISTE) is to promote excellence in education through the integration of existing and emerging technologies. RISTE provides technology leadership, support and training for K-12 educational community - including technology directors, tech coaches, librarians, data managers, and teachers. The membership meets regularly to promote innovative educational practice. RISTE also facilitates member networking as a means of support.

Computer Science Discoveries Facilitator

• Jul 2018 - Present

Code.org counts on engaging, committed, and knowledgeable facilitators to develop and support the next generation of computer science (CS) educators. Code.org's Facilitator Development Program is a highly-selective professional learning program designed to prepare and support facilitators to deliver quality workshops on Code.org's curriculum. Vanessa is currently a co-facilitator serving educators in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut in the CS Discoveries Professional Development Program through the partnership between Code.org and the University of Rhode Island. Show less

Fuse RI Fellow

• Aug 2017 - Jun 2019

Fuse RI strives to share, implement, evaluate, and scale blended learning by working with educators and districts across the state. Fellows are partnered with another district (separate from the one they work in) to assess readiness, analyze data, and help disseminate best blended learning practices based on each district’s specific needs. Vanessa and her team are currently partnered with the Beacon Charter School for the Arts in Woonsocket, RI. These districts are supported through the creation of tailored resource playlists, statewide professional learning communities around identified topics, collaboration opportunities with other LEAs, workshops/unconference events, and consulting support through the Highlander Institute. The Fuse RI initiative, a two-year fellowship for RI educators, in which Fuse RI Fellows assist Local Education Agencies to embrace technology and blended learning. Show less

Enrichment Teacher

• Sep 2009 - Jun 2019

A resource consultant, peer coach and facilitator to the students and staff through the use of technology and other materials to: Provide ALL students with enrichment opportunities through interest-based activities before and after school; Provide classroom teachers with resources and strategies to assist in the development and revision of differentiated instructional units and/or lessons with emphasis on higher-level thinking skills. (i.e. differentiated instructional strategies addressing content, process and products) and collaborate with teachers within the classroom on the delivery of differentiated units and/or lessons; and Provide identified students with challenging learning experiences and projects that are extensions of the regular curriculum, investigations and explorations of real world problems which delve deeper into the curriculum and are based on student interest. Research projects culminate in a fair or exhibition. Teacher of robotics and computer science for students in grades 6-8. Theatre Productions: Shrek The Musical, 2014 The Wiz, 2013 Annie Jr., 2012 Peter Pan, 2011 Wonka Jr., 2010 Show less

Board Member

• Jun 2013 - Sep 2016

Rhode Island School of the Future is dedicated to helping all Rhode Island children improve their lifelong learning skills by: supporting their teachers and mentors; providing opportunities for applied learning in mathematics, science and engineering; and nurturing technological fluency, confidence, communication skills and leadership. Rhode Island School of the Future (RISF) is primarily known for running three programs, Robotics Park, FIRST® LEGO® League and Jr. FIRST LEGO League. All of these programs encourage students to get involved in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math while developing their ability to communicate and work in teams. Additionally, RISF has a 20-year history of piloting robotic design activities in Rhode Island’s classrooms, often implementing concepts from MIT's graduate course in total quality design. Each year RISF offers a variety of workshops for teachers to encourage the use of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) across the curriculum. Rhode Island School of the Future is registered as a non-profit with the State of Rhode Island, and is a 501(c)(3) charity. Your donations to RISF (DBA FIRST LEGO League Rhode Island) are tax deductible as allowed by law. Show less

Behring Teacher Ambassador 2015-2016

• Feb 2015 - Jun 2016

Behring Teacher Ambassadors will work with students and teachers to help them better understand the 2015-2016 National History Day theme and to expand NHD programs in their regions. Participating teachers will attend a training workshop in July, collaborate with their program’s affiliate coordinator to develop a working plan and implement an action plan to support and expand NHD activities. NHD is a nonprofit education organization in College Park, MD. Established in 1974, NHD offers yearlong academic programs that engage over half a million middle and high school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. These research- based projects are entered into contests at the local and affiliate levels, where the top student projects have the opportunity to advance to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD also seeks to improve the quality of history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators. NHD is sponsored in part by Kenneth E. Behring, Patricia Behring, HISTORY®, Jostens, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, Southwest Airlines, Weider History Group, Inc. and the WEM 2000 Foundation of the Dorsey & Whitney Foundation. For more information about NHD, visit www.nhd.org. WEBSITE: www.nhd.org TWITTER: @NationalHistory Show less

Educator Ashore

• Jun 2010 - Sep 2010

Helped to bridge the gap between scientist and student during the Summer 2010 E/V Nautilus expedition in the middle east lead by Dr. Robert Ballard. My tasks included communication with the ship, management and blog postings on the nautiluslive.com website and development of lesson plans connecting to the expedition and ocean exploration. Helped to bridge the gap between scientist and student during the Summer 2010 E/V Nautilus expedition in the middle east lead by Dr. Robert Ballard. My tasks included communication with the ship, management and blog postings on the nautiluslive.com website and development of lesson plans connecting to the expedition and ocean exploration.

Director of Education

• Aug 2006 - Sep 2009

Developed standards-based arts integration curriculum implemented in all of the company’s theatre enrichment classes. While in this position, I have developed training materials and delivered training in the areas of enrichment education, arts education in the schools, and creative problem solving. I have supervised new teachers and interns, developed new classes, written grants to support the company, and and taught and collaborated with classroom teachers on elementary and middle school enrichment courses in theatre. Show less

Co-Teacher

• Sep 2004 - Jun 2006

Assistant/co-instructor to lead Humanities teacher in a 3rd and 3rd/4th split classroom. While at this position, I developed and taught the geography curriculum to be used in 3rd-5th grades, the writing curriculum to be used in 3rd-5th grades, assisted in re-writing curriculum for the division, assisted and taught lessons in history, facilitated literature circles, served on various school committees, and administered and directed division plays for both school years. Assistant/co-instructor to lead Humanities teacher in a 3rd and 3rd/4th split classroom. While at this position, I developed and taught the geography curriculum to be used in 3rd-5th grades, the writing curriculum to be used in 3rd-5th grades, assisted in re-writing curriculum for the division, assisted and taught lessons in history, facilitated literature circles, served on various school committees, and administered and directed division plays for both school years.

Associate Director of Education

• Jun 2003 - Sep 2004

Developed and managed supplementary education plans for 90 students, and instruction of 20 teachers, responsible for the recruitment of students and staff, as well as training of staff, communication and follow-up between schools, parents, and students. I also taught reading, math, algebra, writing and geometry, grades K-12 Developed and managed supplementary education plans for 90 students, and instruction of 20 teachers, responsible for the recruitment of students and staff, as well as training of staff, communication and follow-up between schools, parents, and students. I also taught reading, math, algebra, writing and geometry, grades K-12