There is No One-Size-Fits-All Virtual Learning Model

Robin Gonzales is the founder and President of Zia Learning and is the former Director of Online Learning for Chicago Public Schools and Chair of the iNACOL Standards for Teaching in Online and Blended Learning Classrooms. She developed one of the first blended/hybrid learning programs in the nation in 2001, which served as the basis of blended learning options in schools across Chicago and beyond. Her team is currently working with major districts across the US as consultants and thought partners and most recently developed a new Shared Synchronous Instructional (SSI) model that was used to deliver hybrid remote learning to Cobb County Schools as well as a remote SEL support model for students in multiple states.

Bedford brings twenty years of experience in education having held executive leadership positions with leading education technology companies. Previously, he has served as Chief Customer Officer at eSpark Learning and as Vice President of Global Sales at Blackboard, supporting educators in their practice and focused on equity and student achievement. Before embarking on his journey in edtech, Bedford was an educator in the Wake County Public School System for 5 years.

Rebecca M. Henderson serves as a Curriculum Services Supervisor for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She transitioned to this position after serving first as a Subject Matter Expert for the Arts and then Director of Digital Curriculum Partnerships with Spider Learning, Inc. from 2014-2018. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Henderson began her teaching career in the Deer Lakes School District, where she taught general music and choral music to grades 6-12. Ms. Henderson completed her Master of Education degree and Principal Certification through Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, which included an internship at Deer Lakes School District. She earned her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility through California University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Ms. Henderson is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in School Leadership throughThe Pennsylvania Western University at California, completing a capstone research project entitled, “Understanding the Impact of Culturally Responsive Instructional Materials on Middle School Students’ Math Achievement Scores in Westmoreland County.” Ms. Henderson feels fortunate to serve the students, families, and communities of Westmoreland County. She resides in Oakdale, PA with her husband, Scott, and their twins, Neil and Lizzie.