Samantha Shinsky

Dr. Samantha Shinsky is the Director of Technology and Innovation at Trinity Area School District in Washington, Pennsylvania. She recently completed her doctoral research on K–12 teachers’ and administrators’ perceptions of generative AI in educational practices, focusing on how to best support educators in this new era of learning. With a teacher’s heart and a passion for innovation, she leads efforts to expand computational thinking, computer science, and AI education from kindergarten through grade 12, always keeping students and teachers at the center. Her goal is to create meaningful, real-world learning opportunities that help students see the relevance of their education and feel connected to their future. She is especially committed to ensuring that all students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the chance to explore and succeed in STEM and computer science. Through her involvement in the Remake Learning network, Dr. Shinsky has led initiatives such as computational thinking bootcamps and the Moonshot Grant project It Takes a Village, working with partners like ISTE and ASCD to design programs that emphasize relationships, equity, and student engagement.