Keynotes & Conference Talks
Delivered to audiences from individual schools to statewide conferences, on AI in education, instructional technology, creative learning, and intentional, balanced technology use for kids.
Michael Sammartano
Technology that earns its place.
More than twenty years in K–12 public education – Apple ecosystems, 1:1 programs, AI literacy, professional learning that changes practice. I advocate for thoughtful, intentional technology use and honest conversations about screen time.
Professional Experience
Director of Technology
Pleasantville School District · Pleasantville, NY
2024 – Present
Director of Technology
Pleasantville School District · Pleasantville, NY
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead district-wide technology vision and program strategy for a K–12 school district, aligning initiatives with instructional goals and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Oversee all aspects of the district technology department, including staffing, vendor relationships, and cross-departmental collaboration with curriculum and administration.
Device Programs & Systems
- Manage a 1:1 MacBook program at the high school level, including procurement, deployment, MDM configuration, and ongoing device lifecycle planning.
- Design and maintain district technology systems architecture, including mobile device management (Mosyle), network infrastructure, and app ecosystem.
- Lead device transition planning across grade levels, coordinating hardware refreshes, policy updates, and stakeholder communication.
AI & Emerging Technology
- Drive district-wide AI literacy initiatives, helping staff and students develop practical, responsible frameworks for integrating AI tools into teaching and learning.
- Research and evaluate emerging technologies, including generative AI, for instructional applicability, equity considerations, and alignment with district values.
- Model thoughtful, critical adoption of AI as a creative and pedagogical tool rather than a shortcut.
Professional Learning
- Design and facilitate professional development for faculty and staff on technology integration, Apple tools, and emerging instructional practices.
- Build and maintain staff- and student-facing knowledge resources, including self-service documentation portals and app directories.
- Serve as an internal expert and thought partner for administrators navigating technology decisions at the building and district level.
Budget & Operations
- Manage department budget including hardware procurement, software licensing, and service contracts across a multi-school district.
- Evaluate and negotiate vendor agreements, balancing cost, support quality, and educational value.
- Maintain compliance with district policy and data privacy requirements across all technology platforms and third-party tools.
Creativity & Innovation
- Champion technology as a vehicle for student creativity and expression, prioritizing tools and programs that expand what students can make and do.
- Foster a culture of experimentation and intentional risk-taking within the department and among faculty adopters.
- Write and publish publicly about education technology practice, contributing to the broader professional conversation around Apple, AI, and meaningful innovation in schools.
Instructional Specialist
Katonah-Lewisboro School District · Katonah, NY
2022 – 2024
Instructional Specialist
Katonah-Lewisboro School District · Katonah, NY
- Managed, developed, and delivered professional learning for all staff (instructional, administrative, support) on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the latest iterations of learning standards.
- Spearheaded districtwide initiatives for integrating educational technology, enhancing instructional practices, and promoting digital literacy.
- Oversaw curriculum development, focusing on K–12 technology integration, New York State Science Learning Standards, and New York State Digital Fluency and Computer Science Learning Standards.
- Designed and developed innovative technology curricula, the New York State Instructional Technology Plan, and the New York State Professional Learning Plan.
- Developed communication tools and protocols to support internal and external connections.
- Conducted needs assessments and data analysis to inform strategic planning and resource allocation for curriculum and technology integration.
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary teams to develop and implement STEAM programs that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of curriculum and professional learning programs through data-driven assessments and feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement.
- Fostered partnerships with parents, community organizations, and industry experts to enhance educational opportunities and resources for students and staff.
- Supported district technology infrastructure, student and teacher device model, upgrade cycle, data privacy protocols, and network security.
Director of Technology and Innovation
Garrison School District · Garrison, NY
2020 – 2022
Director of Technology and Innovation
Garrison School District · Garrison, NY
- Reported directly to the superintendent of schools, responsible for designing, overseeing, and training in all aspects of curriculum for all grade levels and disciplines, with a specific emphasis on STEAM subjects and curricular technology integration.
- Oversaw all district technology infrastructure and devices, including research and planning, collaborating with vendors, budgeting, and professional learning.
- Developed and implemented district communication strategies and branding.
- Participated in oversight and management of Human Resources efforts including hiring, APPR observations, and professional learning.
- Engaged in ongoing strategic planning, budget development and presentation, state and federal compliance, and other district initiatives and objectives.
- Served as the district Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring compliance with state regulations, protocols, and guidelines.
Instructional Technologist
Mamaroneck School District · Mamaroneck, NY
2015 – 2020
Instructional Technologist
Mamaroneck School District · Mamaroneck, NY
- Managed and oversaw a 1:1 technology program for over 5,000 students.
- Designed and delivered professional learning experiences for teachers, administrators, and staff.
- Planned, budgeted, purchased, and implemented for short and long-term technology initiatives.
- Oversaw the transition to Google Workspace as the K–12 LMS and productivity platform.
- Delivered professional learning experiences to support secondary science teachers in adopting and implementing the Next Generation Science Standards.
- Ideated, designed, and implemented innovative programs including digital citizenship, computer science, journalism, collaborative design, literacy, and independent reading.
- Designed and developed the district website and content management system.
Director of Technology
STEM Leadership Center · White Plains, NY
2010 – 2026
Director of Technology
STEM Leadership Center · White Plains, NY
- Designed and delivered professional learning programs for educators from pre-K to higher education.
- Developed NGSS/NYSSLS-informed STEM programs for pre-K to 12 students.
- Researched, budgeted for, purchased, and managed all instructional technology.
- Designed and implemented the Regeneron STEM Teaching Fellowship.
- Developed communication strategies, creating marketing materials (logos, brochures, press releases), and managing the company’s online presence (website, social media).
Secondary Science Educator
Mamaroneck School District · Mamaroneck, NY
2005 – 2015
Secondary Science Educator
Mamaroneck School District · Mamaroneck, NY
- Designed and delivered engaging and innovative Regents-focused Earth Science curriculum, emphasizing hands-on and personalized learning.
- Managed the 1:1 technology program for all students.
- Delivered professional learning on technology integration and curriculum design.
- Wrote and was awarded multiple technology grants, enabling the purchase of a digital recording studio, one-to-one iPods, classroom iPads, and classroom interactive displays.
- Led the research-focused districtwide Instructional Technology Committee.
Higher Education, Credentials & Recognition
Higher Education
Degrees and certificates from Harvard, NYIT, Lehman College, Manhattan College, and Fairfield University
5 institutions
Higher Education
Degrees and certificates from Harvard, NYIT, Lehman College, Manhattan College, and Fairfield University
Certificate in School Management and Leadership
Harvard Business School
Advanced Certificate in School District Leadership
Manhattan College
Master of Science in Instructional Technology
New York Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Secondary Science Education
Lehman College
Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Music
Fairfield University
Professional Certifications
Active New York State Education Department certifications in leadership, technology, and science
3 certifications
Professional Certifications
Active New York State Education Department certifications in leadership, technology, and science
School District Leader, NYSED
Instructional Technology Specialist, NYSED
Secondary Science Educator, NYSED
Recognition & Credentials
Recognitions and certifications across Apple, Google, and major instructional platforms
9 credentials
Recognition & Credentials
Recognitions and certifications across Apple, Google, and major instructional platforms
Apple Distinguished Educator
Apple Learning Specialist
Apple Learning Coach
Apple Teacher
Google Certified Trainer
Camtasia Certified
SoundTrap Certified Educator
BookWidgets Ambassador
EdPuzzle Coach
Focus Areas
Where my work concentrates day-to-day across leadership, classroom practice, and strategy
9 areas
Focus Areas
Where my work concentrates day-to-day across leadership, classroom practice, and strategy
- K–12 Technology Leadership Primary
- Apple Ecosystems in Education Primary
- 1:1 Device Programs Primary
- Professional Learning Design Primary
- Screen-Time Awareness & Intentional Use Primary
- AI Literacy & Policy in Education Core
- Instructional Technology Integration Core
- Strategic Planning & District Vision Core
- Web Development & Communications Active
Consulting, Workshops & Speaking
Hands-on Workshops
Practical, classroom-ready sessions for faculty on Apple ecosystems, digital creativity, AI literacy, and Next Generation Science Standards.
Strategic Consulting
District-level guidance on technology vision, device program design, AI policy, and instructional integration, grounded in intentional use and a healthy, honest approach to screen time.
Professional Learning Design
Multi-session PD programs built around your district’s actual goals, with documentation and follow-up resources that outlast the sessions.
Recent Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Recent keynotes, workshops, and professional learning sessions delivered to educators and districts
Recent Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Recent keynotes, workshops, and professional learning sessions delivered to educators and districts
The Risks and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Digital Empathy: Nurturing Relationships with Students in a Technology-Obsessed World
The Creativity Toolbox: Engaging Students through Digital Creation
Spatial Computing, AR, and VR: Engaging Students in Immersive Learning Experiences
A Minimalist Approach to Educational Technology
Build and Engage with a Personal Learning Network
Developing Digital Responsibility
Differentiate Instruction with Self-Guided Learning Experiences
Make Learning Stick with a Challenge-Based Approach
Design and Deliver Impactful Presentations through Design and Storytelling
Reaching All Learners with iPad Creativity Tools
Authentic Engagement through Podcasting and Audio Stories
Blogging and Vlogging for Engagement
Diving into Data Collection and Analysis
Celebrate Learning with Building Digital Portfolios
Deploying MacBooks at Scale: A District 1:1 Playbook
iPad Deployment for K–12: Apple School Manager to the Classroom
Local AI on Apple Silicon: On-Device Models for Education
On-Device vs Cloud AI: Privacy, Cost, and Tradeoffs
Prompt with Purpose: Thinking Alongside AI
The Human in the Loop: Generative Tools in the Classroom
Calm Technology: Classrooms That Protect Attention
From Burnout to Balance: Sustainable Practice for Educators
Make, Don’t Just Take: AI in Student Creation
Co-Intelligence: Working With AI in Education
Screens Down, Minds On: Rethinking Device Norms
Sound Design for Learning: Music Production in the Classroom
Fact, Fiction, and Fabrication: AI Literacy for Students
Publishing for Real Audiences
Curriculum by Design: Using AI to Plan and Differentiate
Visual Storytelling: Photography and Film for Learning