Theme: Education

Education is changing. Our speakers will explore how to improve education through music, movement, technology, and service learning.

TEDx StroudsburgLibrary
1002 N. Ninth Street
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 18360
United States

Beth Rajan Sockman

Assistant Professor Media Communication and Technology

In 1991, I began my teaching career in the Stroudsburg Area School District with 4th grade, and then, 6th grade. Beginning in 2002, I taught at Penn State University for 2 years, INSYS 400 where I also served as a TELS fellow. Currently, I am a professor at East Stroudsburg University, in the Department of Digital Media Technologies (former known as Media Communications and Technology Department). In all courses we try to create experiences included building pedagogy, computer skills and a playful experimental disposition in learners.

Bob Dorough

Musician

Bob Dorough is a legendary jazz pianist, singer, composer, songwriter, arranger and producer. Bob served as the music director for the ABC-TV children's program, Schoolhouse Rock. He composed and performed many of the tunes made popular by that series including Conjunction Junction and Three is a Magic Number. Bob regularly performs in the Poconos and is currently recording on Arbors, Candid and his own label.

Concetta Stewart

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mercy College, NY

Concetta M. Stewart, Ph.D. serves Mercy College as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She has held this position since August 2012, and served as Interim President of the College during the 2013-14 academic year. With more than 20 years as an academic leader in higher education, Dr. Stewart's leadership, experience and skill set enhance and support the impressive achievements of the College during its current period of progress and innovation. Prior to joining Mercy College, Dr. Stewart served as dean and professor of the School of Art and Design at Pratt Institute. Dr. Stewart has published widely on subjects relating to communications, education and technology including her edited volume titled "Teaching and Learning with Technology: Beyond Constructivism." She holds a Ph.D. in Communication & Information Studies from Rutgers University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. She completed her B.A. in European History at Rutgers University.

Nicole Ellwood

Educator and School Director

Nicole Ellwood is the director and co-founder of the Summit School of the Poconos that offers a project-based curriculum combined with teacher-led instruction in a setting that encourages movement, students will practice critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The academic program at Summit School of the Poconos is comprised of several focal points: daily instruction & sensorial materials; project-based work; STEAM; health, wellness & movement; and civics. Ms Ellwood holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University in physics with an option in mathematics. She also earned both a Master of Science degree in physics and a Master of Science Teaching degree from the University of Florida at Gainesville.

Sharon Laverdure

Educator and Retired Superintendent of the East Stroudsburg School District

Dr. Laverdure's career as an educator spans over 40 years, beginning as an elementary school teacher and ending up as the Superintendent of a large school district. Laverdure joined the East Stroudsburg Area School District in 1973. She began as a teacher and gradually assumed increasing levels of responsibility. In September, she took the reins of the district, first as acting superintendent, and later, in a permanent role. As Superintendent, she presided over a $122 million budget in a district with more than 8,000 students and over 1,300 employees.