Ted Samaras

As an instructional technology coach, Ted has vast experience working with Google Sheets, Forms, and other Workspace products on a daily basis. In his primary work, he is focused on making the data that he collects for his district friendly for students, teachers, and coaches. He is also focused on working with teachers to make their learning and the work they do with their students engaging and meaningful.  In recognition of this work, he was named the 2024 Educational Support Professional of the Year at Pine Grove Manor School. Ted is also a Google for Education Champion (Innovator - VIA20 and CHI24, Innovator Mentor - VIA22, and Trainer), GEG Mentor for Google’s US-Taiwan educator program, and GEG Co-Leader for New Jersey. He is also the creator and host of the Ski Cap, Hoodie, and Shorts podcast, owner and curator of the website www.ourtechcoach.com, and an Apple Learning Coach.  Ted is also the founder of Recruit Helpers, a free website and database for aspiring student athletes to use. He is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador and has been a social media correspondent for NASA's Dart Mission (Asteroid Deflection for Planetary Defense). Finally, Ted is a grant participant researcher with Montclair State University and the National Science Foundation.  He is conducting data analysis on solar weather and further research on unplugged and hybrid activities in computer and data science.