NYACTE-NYSATE 2023 CONFERENCE PLENARY SPEAKERS

Thursday Breakfast Plenary

Dr. Rhonda Bondie

Dr. Rhonda Bondie is the Director of the Hunter College Learning Lab and an associate professor in special education. Throughout her career, she has focused on ensuring all learners are valued, engaged, and stretched in inclusive classrooms. Rhonda began teaching as an artist-in-residence and then spent over 20 years in urban public schools as both a special and general educator. Rhonda’s co-authored book, Differentiated Instruction Made Practical, is used by teachers in more than 30 countries to support their work of ensuring all learners are thriving every day. Rhonda’s research examines how teachers develop inclusive teaching practices and differentiated instruction expertise throughout their career using new technologies available at https://agileteacher.org/.

Dr. Bondie holds a Ph.D. from George Mason University in Educational Leadership & Special Education and an M.A. from New York University in Educational Theatre.

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Thursday Lunch Plenary

Dr. Michael Hynes

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Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent of Schools for the Port Washington School District, is a Fulbright Specialist and an associate professor of education and leadership at Long Island University and Stony Brook University. His mission is to spread the message of the importance of a holistic approach to educating children. He emphasizes the importance of play, recess in schools, mental health and mindfulness in the classroom as showcased in the documentary Chasing Childhood. Dr. Hynes is a former assistant superintendent, principal and classroom teacher.

Hynes is also a public-school advocate, TEDx and keynote speaker. He is the author of the book “Staying Grounded: 12 Principles for Transforming School Leader Effectiveness” and has published numerous articles and featured on numerous interviews and podcasts on school leadership.

Dr. Hynes received his masters and doctorate in Educational Administration from Dowling College. He has participated in professional development for school leadership at New York University, Stony Brook University and Harvard University. Dr. Hynes has been awarded the “Friend of Education Award” and the “Distinguished Leadership Award” by Phi Delta Kappa as well as numerous other awards related to school leadership.