Theme: Rethinking Change In Education

How can we IMAGINE doing education differently?
What does it look like to move against the current of the way things have always been done?
Our speakers will share their thoughts to some of these profound questions. Featuring a unique lineup that includes voices from students, teachers and administrators, the talks at TEDxFieldstoneDriveED will represent multiple perspectives centered around a common ideology: progressive education.

Fieldstone Middle School
100 Fieldstone Drive
Thiells, New York, 10984
United States

Amanda Aiello

Data Specialist

Amanda Aiello has always had a natural curiosity for learning and a passion for teaching. She realized quickly that fulfilling her purpose would set her on the path of education and discovered that one of the best parts of teaching was not only witnessing someone learn something new, but also in the moments of connecting with others. Amanda feels very fortunate to work in North Rockland Central School District in Rockland County, NY. She began her career as an elementary teacher before becoming a reading teacher. She transitioned to the instructional data specialist and reading department coordinator roles after much deliberation over the question: Am I ready to leave the classroom? Amanda continues to have a strong commitment to personal and professional growth rooted in gratitude and optimism while working to make schools a great place for kids.

Anthony Zollo

Principal

Anthony began his career in New York schools as a History Teacher in North Rockland High School in 2001. He later served as an Assistant Principal in the High School from 2007 through 2013. For the last six years, Anthony Zollo has been the Principal of Fieldstone Middle School in the North Rockland Central School District. In 2018 Anthony’s school was recognized Nationally as a “School to Watch”. Anthony led his school team through this two year process that recognizes Educational Excellence and Middle School Reform. Anthony has created a building culture that is inclusive of all members. Most days you will find Anthony Zollo in the classrooms and hallways of his building listening and speaking to students, teachers, and staff.

Dr. Dominique Smith

Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Relations at Health Sciences High and Middle College

Dr. Dominique Smith is the Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Relations at Health Sciences High and Middle College (HSHMC) located in San Diego, CA. Dr. Smith has helped transform HSHMC to become a restorative school with his efforts in building relationships with students and hearing student voice. His focuses on school wide mind shifts to restorative practices and school equity have taken him across the world to help schools make change. Dr. Smith has published books with authors Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey, “Better than Carrots and Sticks” and “Building Equity, Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners,” and “Engagement by Design”.

Dr. Joe Lloyd

Principal

Dr. Lloyd is the principal of Sloatsburg Elementary School, in Rockland County, NY. He has worked in the field of education for seventeen years. Prior to joining the Suffern Central School District in 2014, Dr. Lloyd was an assistant principal for seven years and a classroom teacher for five years in the North Rockland Central School District. Dr. Lloyd is honored to be working with a dedicated faculty and staff, together they work towards advancing the Suffern Central School District’s mission of “Educating for Personal Excellence,” while also “Inspiring Students to Believe in Themselves as They Reach Their Highest Potential.”

Dr. Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Educational Services

Dr. Kris Felicello (felicello) has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and he is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the North Rockland Central School District in Rockland County, New York. Dr. Felicello is a leader who wants to make schools a better place for students. He firmly believes that it is essential to build relationships and foster students’ social-emotional development to ensure a positive and productive educational experience for all students.

Dr. Meredith Fox

Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Fox is a passionate educator with 17 years of experience in public education. She began her career as a special education teacher in the Nanuet School District and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Fordham University. Upon completion of that degree, she expanded her role by taking on the position of Committee on Special Education/Preschool Special Education Chairperson. Dr. Fox then moved into the role of Assistant Superintendent for several years before becoming the Deputy Superintendent, the position she currently holds in Nanuet. Dr. Fox completed her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University. Her doctoral research has been published numerous times in professional journals and was most recently cited during testimony on standardized testing to the New Jersey Joint Committee on Public Schools.

Elaine C. Alden

Instructional Mathematics Coach

Dr. Elaine Alden is currently in the middle of her twentieth year as an elementary educator and serving as an Instructional Mathematics Coach at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in the Lakeland Central School District. Dr. Alden received her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and Psychology from SUNY New Paltz, a Master’s of Science in Education Evaluation and Instructional Technology from Fordham University and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University. Always seeking challenges and pursuing the course to further her personal and professional development, Dr. Alden embraced the Learning Styles initiative and has assisted in training educators who are eager to embrace the Learning styles approach in helping their students reach their full academic potential regardless of their learning differences.

Evan Robb

Principal

Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience serving as a building level principal and during that time also opened a Junior High School in Warren County, Virginia. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan received the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its board. His first book titled, The Principal’s Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community was published by Scholastic in the fall of 2007. His newest book, The Ten- Minute Principal was published by Corwin in May 2019 In addition, Evan and Laura Robb collaborated with Davis Burgess Publishing to write, TeamMakers, which will be published in the summer of 2019. He has been named one of the top 25 educational leaders to follow on Twitter.

Gary Armida

English Teacher

Starting out as an eighth grade English Teacher in the North Rockland Central School District, Gary Armida has spent the last 16 years as a classroom teacher at the high school level. During the past six years, Gary has also assumed the role of English Department Coordinator. He hopes to inspire his amazing colleagues to foster the love of the written word in their classrooms as well as help them create passionate and safe work environments for students. His passion for writing extends to the classroom as his focus is to not only improve student writing, but to ignite a student’s passion for the art of communication. Gary says that his role and connection to his daughter Emersen Hope is what continually inspires him to be the best teacher he can be. Gary Armida is the co-founder of the Teacher and The Admin website, writing alongside his friend, Dr. Kris Felicello. Armida and Felicello’s first book will be released in July, 2019.

Phoenix Dalto

Student

Phoenix Dalto is a high school student in the North Rockland Central School District. Phoenix is the vice-president of the National Honor Society and he is also part of the Leadership Council at the high school. Phoenix is always looking for the opportunity to change the conversation around education and create a better learning experience for students and teachers alike. Phoenix Dalto is the 2019 valedictorian for North Rockland High School. He will be attending Yale University in the fall.