Opening Keynote:
Shaping the Future With STEM Education

9:15 a.m. Monday, November 13
Camsie McAdams, Director of Global STEM Curriculum at Discovery Education
Toni Robinson, Manager, Statewide and Strategic Partnerships at Discovery Education

Why STEM, why now, and why YOU? Join us to find the answers and embark on a journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Toni Robinson
Camsie McAdams

In this interactive and thought-provoking keynote presentation, Camsie McAdams and Toni Robinson will share emerging trends in STEM as they ignite the crucial conversation about the advancement of STEM education. They will discuss the evolving landscape of STEM and challenge you to reimagine education through the transformative lens of STEM, grounded in a human-centered approach that goes beyond traditional problem-solving.

You’ll discover why STEM is the driving force behind the future and why there’s no better time than now to be involved. From exploring the critical role of students as STEM Solution Seekers to unpacking the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Grand Engineering Challenges, Camsie and Toni will inspire and motivate you to actively shape the future with STEM. Camsie will showcase exciting examples of STEM solution seekers in Egypt, China, and the UAE, demonstrating how students are making a tangible impact in their communities. You will leave enlightened and energized to nurture a new generation of solution seekers.

About the Speakers

An experienced STEM education leader with 25 years in urban, public K-12 education, Camsie McAdams is the Director of Global STEM Curriculum at Discovery Education. Camsie leads work on US and international STEM curriculum and content development. She is the lead for science and multidisciplinary curriculum development in Egypt, and is the lead architect behind the award-winning curriculum STEM Connect. Camsie is a former classroom teacher, coach, and curriculum/instructional leader at school, district and national levels. Camsie served in the Obama Administration as the Deputy Director for STEM at the U.S. Department of Education. Camsie was the recipient of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship at the National Science Foundation and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching for the state of New York. Camsie worked as the Director of STEM for DC Public Schools and was a Partner with TNTP – The New Teachers Project. Camsie received a degree in general engineering and political science from the University of Denver, and a Masters of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Toni Robinson is an innovative and versatile educational professional with more than two decades of experience working to transform teaching and learning through digital integration, professional development, and equitable practices. Toni has worked extensively with educational leaders across the country to increase student access and achievement by enhancing teacher performance and addressing policies, practices and barriers that negatively impact student learning. She’s passionate about helping educators embrace change, achieve measurable results, and step into new possibilities for teaching and learning. Toni’s expertise extends beyond the United States, as she has delivered impactful workshops and trainings in diverse international settings, including Spain, South Africa, Chile, and Japan.”

Lunch Keynote:
Teaching and Leading in the Era of Spatial Computing


12:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 14
Adam Mangana, Chief Innovation Officer, Optima Independent

Spatial computing is rapidly transforming the way we learn, work, and play. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies are creating new and immersive learning experiences for students of all ages.

In this presentation, Adam Mangana, Chief Innovation Officer at Optima Independent, will discuss the latest trends in spatial computing and how secondary STEM educators can use these technologies to enhance their teaching and leadership.

Mangana will begin by defining spatial computing and explaining how it differs from traditional computing. He will then provide an overview of the different types of spatial computing devices and applications that are available.

Next, Mangana will discuss the benefits of using spatial computing in the classroom. He will show how AR, VR, and MR can be used to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences for students. He will also discuss how these technologies can help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills.

Finally, Mangana will offer tips and advice on how secondary STEM educators can get started with spatial computing in their classrooms. He will also discuss how educators can use spatial computing to lead their schools into the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • What is spatial computing and how does it differ from traditional computing?
  • What are the different types of spatial computing devices and applications that are available?
  • What are the benefits of using spatial computing in the classroom?
  • How can secondary STEM educators use spatial computing to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences for students?
  • How can secondary STEM educators use spatial computing to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills in their students?
  • How can secondary STEM educators get started with spatial computing in their classrooms?
  • How can secondary STEM educators use spatial computing to lead their schools into the future?


This presentation is designed to help secondary STEM educators learn about the latest trends in spatial computing and how they can use these technologies to enhance their teaching and leadership. Mangana’s presentation will be informative, engaging, and inspiring, and it will leave attendees with the knowledge and skills they need to bring spatial computing into their classrooms.

About the Speaker

Adam Mangana is a highly respected figure in the education industry, known for his expertise in integrating virtual reality (VR) into the classroom experience. As the Executive Director and founder of Optima Ed, he has been instrumental in creating VR curriculum development solutions that cater to the unique needs of modern-day learners.

Prior to founding Optima Domi, Adam served as the Head of School at Benedict Day School, where he established the first-ever Virtual Reality Lab in the Pine Belt. He has also worked as the Director of Extended Reality Lab at Jackson Preparatory, where he helped build the Southeast’s largest Extended Reality Lab in K-12 schools. Adam is passionate about curating the best educational experiences in VR and empowering students to create their own content in VR.

Adam has been a featured speaker at various education conferences, including the National Association of Independent Schools, The Southern Association of Independent Schools, and The People of Color Conference for NAIS. He is also the co-host of the popular “Ready Teacher One” podcast, which focuses on the role of VR in education and its potential impact on the future of learning.

With a Bachelor’s Degree from Brown University and a Master’s Degree from Vanderbilt University in Independent School Leadership, Adam has a solid foundation in both education and technology. He’s also a Teach For America Alumni and an Albert Bennett award recipient.

Adam’s passion for education and innovation has made him a respected authority in VR education. His expertise and insights have helped countless schools and organizations stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional learning experiences to their students.