“In order for students to be successful, 21st Century Learners, they need to move from just learning “facts”, to learning how to gather and evaluate information so that they can apply this knowledge and integrate it into their rapidly changing world. It is my desire to continue to help teachers and students be enthusiastic about using technology and encourage my colleagues to integrate technology into their lessons. By doing so, I am confident that we will continue to grow successful learners”

Kristin Hokanson

2005 Keystone Application

Once again, Kristin rocks. I love her energy, enthusiasm and brain power! She's a source of motivation for me. Thank you for all you do, Kristin!!!

“...thank you all for putting together the PAECT trip. I don't know when I've seen [my son] so excited about something!   The kids did a wonderful job and their sense of ownership and mastery was beautiful to see;  all the credit goes to you, the teachers, for designing such a wonderful learning experience.”  

Kathryn McClellan, Parent

Thank you, Kristin! Your enthusiasm made this workshop a pleasure. Your knowledge makes Discovery Ed the premier choice for student engagement.

“I just wanted to touch base before the Summit things are due to see how I can support you with the presentation…”

Before I met Kristin Hokanson, her uncompromising spirit of collaboration preceded her. Mentoring me through my first Keystone Summit, Kristin’s expertise and patience was unprecedented. I have never seen a more generous spirit or expansive talent.

RJ Stangherlin

PA Keystone,Salisbury Township SD

“I can't say enough about Michael's progress and accomplishments this year and I know that you had a lot to do

with it. I hope that he continues on the terrific path that he is on with such a wonderful foundation!”

Wendie Rubinstein

3rd Grade Parent

“...passionate about her work with technology and anxious to help teachers at all levels with the implementation of technology integration for the benefit of the UMASD students.”

Sharon Kuznick

Principal, Roberts Elementary

Thanks and not just from me, from Meg Ormiston, the TechForum

committee and the people who attended the panel.

Steve Dembo

Online Community Manager Discovery Education

Thanks ! This is by far the most useful professional development in the last 5 years.

“Your digital storytelling workshop was fantastic!  Kristin is extremely motivated and knowledgeable. Her expertise in technology and its impact on 21st century learning is cutting edge! Just being around her is infectious--you want to learn more and try new things in your classroom!

Sharon Nardelli

High School Librarian

Thank you for being so patient with me.  I am amazed at how much information you were able to teach us in such a short amount of time.  I am continually impressed not only by your vast knowledge of technology, but by how clearly you are able to communicate your knowledge to others. I left filled with excitement and many ideas for how I can enhance our second grade curriculum this year.  The possibilities are endless!"

Shannon Lotz

2nd Grade Teacher

"Thanks so much for working on putting together a great presentation for the superintendents.  It was a wonderful opportunity not only to showcase the work that is being done but to stop and reflect on how much is actually happening and the true meaning behind the endeavor. This project moves beyond technology as technology and really captures the power of having the right tools to build the curiosity that will drive the learning and helps us to understand how students learn and how we as educators need to guide the facilitation of that learning. Thanks for all that you are doing, and  for taking the time to share together and to make it happen."

Jane Callaghan, Superintendent

Upper Merion Area SDI'm so glad you invited me to your event yesterday. It was wonderful! I told the mentors and the districts I'm with today all about it. Real 21st Century teaching and learning. Great examples to talk about  Thank you so much!

Virginia Glatzer

Coach Mentor

Classrooms for the Future

 Kristin was extremely helpful and engaging! She did a great job of meeting the needs of all learners in the room and squeezing a lot of information into a little bit of time, while still making it seem manageable! I'm more excited about this educational resource than I've been about any others in a long time!

Often we do not take the time to recognize people who have a large impact on our perception of the world. Kristin was able to help/observe my first period honors class today. Not only did she take the time to physically help, she spent time afterward discussing the lesson and really opening my mind to the direction of technology integration. Just because I'm using it with my students, does not necessarily mean I am integrating it. Her perspective was exactly what I was looking for, exactly when I needed it to happen.

Lynda Newhart

Chemistry Teacher

Upper Merion Area HS

Thank you so much! I just wish I could spend a whole lot of time with you learning to make this a regular part of my teaching.

I  wanted to say thank you for jumping in yesterday! I had people coming up to me throughout the rest of the day saying how valuable it was to have you on the panel.  You gave the perfect perspective from someone who's still in a school putting theory into practice.  Between Skype, Yugma and the sites you were sharing, it really was a positive way to show how simple it is and what's possible if you just dive in.

Kristin's ability to manage technology-enhanced teacher inservice is exceptional. I have presented with her at a local and state level, and have witnessed her skills at a national conference for teachers. Kristin leverages Web 2.0 technologies with data driven decision making to show teachers how to use 21st Century skills.

Chris Champion, PAECT

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the participants in the Classrooms for the Future Coach Boot Camp, thank you so much for your breakout sessions.  The CFF coaches are very lucky to have such generous and experienced coaches to learn from. Your enthusiasm, professionalism and passion for the project was evident and we so appreciate your willingness to share your experiences.

Holly Jobe

 PDE Project Director

Classrooms for Future

I’ve spent the morning reviewing your many amazing contributions to the Rebooting the News conference, &  I have to offer my deepest appreciation and thanks for your work!  It is just thrilling to see the discussions, presentations and processes online!

I really think it’s important to document these new ways of knowledge sharing, and I’m so grateful to you for sharing your expertise, energy and incredible talents on behalf of the Media Education Lab team.  I treasure your friendship and support! Thank you so much! 

Renee Hobbs

Director Media Education Lab

Profile

Innovative educator with over 25 years of experience partnering with schools and communities to design equitable, student-centered learning environments. Skilled in coaching, capacity building, and facilitating school redesign through research-backed, community-driven approaches. Passionate about fostering systemic change to create innovative, future-focused models that empower all learners to thrive.

Education

Post Master's K-12 Principal Certificate Program

Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA: 2010

Instructional Technology Specialist Certification Program

Pennsylvania State University, World Campus Certification Program: 2007

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education

Cabrini College, King of Prussia, PA: 1998

Bachelor of Science: Education

Minor: Spanish Concentration: Mathematics

University of Delaware, Newark, DE: 1991

Certifications

PA Administrative Principal K-12

PA Educational Specialist Instructional Technology Specialist

PA State Instructional II Elementary Education 

PA State Instructional II Business, Computer and Information Technology

Employment

K-12 Administration

School Lane Charter School

    Director of Curriculum and Instruction August, 2019- June, 2024

• Led the development and recommendation of revised curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies for a nationally recognized charter school district, aligning educational practices with state and national standards.
• Coordinated the development of Elementary Literacy and Math Frameworks to improve student outcomes.
• Directed the successful transition to digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing ongoing support, training, and resources to staff and administration.
• Developed and delivered comprehensive professional development programs for remote and hybrid learning, incorporating SMART Software, Google Tools, and digital equipment to enhance educator effectiveness and student engagement.
• Supported the implementation of digital platforms for IB Math, Science, Individuals and Societies, and elementary English Language Arts and Math.
• Coordinated the implementation of PowerSchool across the district, overseeing all phases of the project from planning to execution.
• Designed and implemented an IB-aligned report card system within PowerSchool, ensuring alignment with IB standards and providing clear, actionable student performance data to support data-driven decision-making.
• Facilitated professional learning community book studies focused on equity and race, empowering leadership and staff to implement actionable strategies that foster diversity, inclusivity, and a culture of equity within the school community.
• Leveraged data analytics to monitor program performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted, data-driven solutions that enhanced program effectiveness and student success.
• Managed the selection and distribution of instructional materials and resources, ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning tools for all students.
• Participated in budget development processes at the district, building, and department levels.

K - 12 Instructional Coaching

Upper Merion Area School District

Upper Merion Area High School

Instructional Technology Coach: 2007-2010

K - 12 Teaching

Upper Merion Area School District

Upper Merion Area High School

Business and Computer Teacher: 2010 - 2011

Roberts Elementary School

Third Grade Teacher: 1996 – 2007

Second Grade Teacher: 1993 - 1996

Coatesville Area School District

North Brandywine MS |  South Brandywine MS

ESL / Gifted Teacher: 1991 - 1992

Middle School Academic Teacher: 1992 -1993

Professional Development Independent Contractor

Media Education Lab University of Rhode Island

Team Member  July 2008 - present

• Presented and facilitated workshops and presentations focused on technology integration and media literacy.
• Co-Planned and conducted Train the Trainer workshops “Copyright Clarity.”
• Designed training and support for summer literacy programs designed to increase student success through multimedia production and use of web2.0 tools.
• Facilitated Summer Institute for Digital Literacy for the week long summer professional development program.

Inquiry Schools:  January 2015-August 2019

Director of Professional Learning

• Collaborated with senior leadership to define long-term strategic goals, successfully aligning operational initiatives with organizational priorities
• Supported administration in school redesign initiativeS using  continuous improvement approaches to  build inquiry driven, project based, technology enabled instructional programs.
• Coached teachers in designing inquiry driven, project based, technology enabled curriculum.
• Supported cohort schools in implementation of Personalized Learning Plans.
• Provided customized professional development and support for School based Cohorts.

Discovery Education: May 2011 - August 2019

Professional Development Specialist

• Developed and presented training on inquiry-based learning in science, social studies, and literacy, aligned with the Common Core State Standards, to improve teacher effectiveness and student engagement.
• Organized and led workshops for educators to assist with the effective implementation of Common Core standards, ensuring alignment with state and national expectations.
• Provided ongoing, job-embedded coaching to school leaders and teachers, helping them apply insights from Core Learning Courses to enhance instructional practices.
• Collaborated with school and district teams to build and promote a shared vision for professional development and educational innovation, focusing on continuous improvement and equity.
• Designed and delivered professional development programs that equipped teachers to create engaging, standards-based lessons using digital tools and formative assessments.
• Customized professional development sessions for individual schools and districts, covering tools such as Discovery Education Streaming, DE Techbook, and leadership development strategies.
• Supported STEM-related grants, overseeing the design and delivery of training on Project-Based Learning, assessment strategies, and e-portfolios while ensuring compliance, tracking progress, and providing ongoing support to ensure successful implementation and outcomes.

November Learning: May 2014 - June 2016

• Supported school-based and district-wide digital learning reform initiatives, helping educators integrate new technologies into their teaching practices.
• Coordinated and facilitated professional development sessions to enhance the digital literacy of staff and promote effective technology use in classrooms.

EdTech Team: January 2012 - June 2016

• Developed and delivered a wide variety of resources and services to educational institutions, specializing in media literacy, copyright and fair use, Google for Education, STEM, and project-based learning.
• Customized training programs and workshops for teachers to enhance digital teaching skills and promote innovative learning practices.

Knovation: May 2012 - June 2015

• Provided professional development services for Nettrekker and other Knovation digital solutions, empowering educators to effectively use digital resources in their classrooms.
• Designed and implemented training programs to support the adoption and integration of educational technology across districts.

Learning.com: September 2011 - June 2014

• Guided educators through the adoption of Learning.com’s platform, focusing on enhancing digital literacy and instructional practices in underserved schools.

Keystone Summit Facilitator: Summer 2006 - Summer 2009

• Designed and presented concurrent sessions for week-long summer institute.
• Mentored Summit attendees.
• Developed collaborative conference management system.
• Planned and managed Keystone Virtual Summit.

Instructional Design and Online Teaching Experience

Harrisburg University

• Converted modules of the PA Hybrid Learning Initiative (PA HLI) classroom training to interactive, online learning

PA E-Learning for Educators

• Designed and facilitated e-courses for EdTech Leaders Online, delivering professional development programs funded by PA grants to enhance educators' digital teaching skills.
• Led online workshops focused on identifying and utilizing the best educational resources available on the web, empowering teachers to integrate high-quality content and supported educators in effectively facilitating virtual learning environments.

Affiliations

University Affiliations

Media Education Lab University of Rhode Island

Fellow: Digital Learning

July 2008-present

Seton Hill University

Department of Instructional Design for Technologies Enhanced Learning

Adjunct Professor Intro to Podcasting Fall 2008

Professional Affiliations

Discovery Educator Network

• PA Leadership Council Chair 2007

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

• ISTE  Conference Regional Program Chair: Poster Sessions 2011
• ISTE Conference Regional Program Director 2015

PA Association for Educational Communication and Technology (PAECT)

• Southeast Regional Director 2007 - 2012
• Membership Chair 2012-2016

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Google Certified Innovator

Honors / Awards

2016 ISTE Making IT Happen Award

2010 PAECT Mary C Renner Achievement Award

2008 Google Certified Educator

2006 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) SigTel Online Learning Award

2005 State Level Keystone Technology Integrator

Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member

Publications

Hokanson, Kristin. "Conquering Copyright Confusion Is Fundamental to Digital Citizenship." Entrsekt July 2015: 10-11.

Hokanson, K., & Long, C. (2011). Blogs. In C. Lehmann & S. McLeod (Eds.),  What School Leaders Need to Know About Digital Technologies and Social Media (in press). Ames, IA: Jossey-Bass.

Hokanson, K. "Promoting Civic Engagement in the MySpace Age." Media Infusion. PBS Teachers, Sept. 2008.  

Hokanson, K. (2006). Distance Learning “Elluminates” Third-graders. Interface, 22 (3), 1,5. 

Presentations

Presented in a number of state, local and national venues including the following:

• Summer Institute for Digital Learning URI
• Building Learning Communities (BLC)
• ISTE National Conference
• Powerful Voices for Kids Open Doors Workshop
• Virginia Beach LMS Conference
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference
• Leading the Learning for the NetGeneration IU13
• PSLA Annual Conference
• Google Teacher Academy
• NJECC
• Fall Teacher Workshop: Bloomsburg University
• CFF Math Collaboration Day (CCIU): Keynote Speaker
• Educon
• CFF Webinar Series
• PA Business Educator Association Conference
• Eastern Business Educator Association Conference
• Keystone State Summit
• Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference
• CFF Coach Webinar Series
• Learning Connections Conference: CCIU
• National Educational Computing Conference
• Discovery Educator Network Regional Conference

References 

Renee Hobbs

Founder: Media Education Lab

University of Rhode Island

reneehobbs2002@gmail.com  

Diana Laufenberg

Executive Director: Inquiry Schools

diana@inquiryschools.org 

Laura Jordan

Principal Griffin-Spalding County

laurajordan1120@gmail.com  

Letters of Reference:

http://khokanson.net/testimonials