FY24 A.I. Embracing Digital Equity through Strong Technology Ecosystems

Eileen Belastock, CETL, is an EdTech Leadership Specialist with the Office of Edtech and the CEO of Belastock Consulting. She serves as an edtech strategist who understands and promotes the critical relationship between technology and education. Throughout her career in corporate and academic settings, Eileen has encouraged and supported adult and student learners to challenge themselves to find their passions, be lifelong learners, and contributing citizens in the global environment.

Andréa (A.J.) Coté, M.Ed., CETL has over 20 years of educational experience in the areas of digital learning, adult learning & professional development, assistive technology, and special education. The first 15 years of A.J.’s career were dedicated to serving in Massachusetts public school districts supporting students and educators as an Instructional Technology Specialist and nationally Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL). A.J. has been with the DESE for over a decade, having served as the Coordinator of Digital Learning and Accessibility in the Office of Digital Learning, as the Statewide Professional Development Programs Manager in the Office of Special Education Planning and Policy Development, and in her current role as the Assistant Director of Educational Technology. She has extensive experience teaching students as well as providing interactive and engaging adult professional development at the school, district, state, and national levels.

Jackie Gantzer is the Director of Educational Technology and School Support at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In this dual capacity she leads the Department’s efforts to promote equitable and effective use of edtech and supports the Chief of School’s strategy towards Deeper Learning for all students. She previously served as the Director of Remote Learning, where she played a leading role coordinating and implementing the state’s pandemic response for K-12 schools. Jackie brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to her role at the Department, including previous service as a classroom educator, school system leadership, city government, and nonprofit.