The 2022 Woz ED Pathway Conference is being held November 1-4, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Superintendent Cynthia Saunders and representatives from Manatee County schools attending include: Principal(s) Rudy Keezer (Ballard Elementary), James Dougherty (Bashaw Elementary) and Ann McDonald (Sugg Middle); Assistant Principals Jessica Kane (Palm View K-8) and Tamara Cornwell (Lee Middle); Teacher(s) Kaitlin Money (Bashaw Elementary), Devin Schwindt (Palm View K-8) and Sandra Horne (Ballard Elementary); Curriculum Director Alison Nichols, Coordinator Susan Smucker and Specialist Amber Platowski.
Apple co-founder and Woz ED founder, Steve Wozniak, is inducting pathway districts and schools during the conference.
(L-to-R: Superintendent Cynthia Saunders receives a Woz medal of recognition; the Manatee delegation receives recognition in Scottsdale, Arizona)
On Thursday, Ballard Elementary, Bashaw Elementary, Lee Middle, Palm View K-8, Sugg Middle and the district were recognized by "The Woz" himself and given medals and a signed certificate of congratulations.
"Woz Pathway Schools are an elite group of schools that exemplify teaching and learning designed for students to explore their future in the tech economy," a certificate reads. "Woz Pathway Schools are changemakers in education... it is an honor to support you on your journey."
Attendees will also hear presentations from innovative speakers, engage in breakout sessions and meet educators from across the country.
(Superintendent Cynthia Saunders speaking to attendees)
Educators from the School District of Manatee County are leading a breakout session about K-8 science kits created by Woz ED.
They will be sharing how our schools have used science kits and how the curriculum has affected student test scores.
Woz ED is focused on preparing students for today’s workplace with an emphasis on problem solving, collaboration and technology.
Manatee County introduced the curriculum at Palm View K-8 in 2019, when it became the first Woz Pathway School in the nation.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Career Pathways include animation, artificial intelligence, coding, cyber security, data science, drone, engineering design, robotics and more.
