Welcome to GEG Western NY & Introductions! 🎉

[mdrezek]

Hi everyone,

Welcome to our brand-new digital home! The virtual keys have been handed over, the Wi-Fi is strong, and the GEG US Western NY space is officially live. Whether you teach, lead, coach, or support, we welcome EVERYONE and we’re so glad you're here.

Consider this our local sandbox—a place to swap all things Google, ask "how do I do this in Slides?" without judgment, share classroom wins, and connect with Western New York educators who truly get it. Not from Western New York? Feel free to connect here. Many of us are from the greater Buffalo/Niagara region and they don't call it The City of Good Neighbors for nothing!

To kick off our roll call, drop a comment below with:

• Your name & your role/school

• Your current go to Google tool and how you've used it recently

• Which of the following things you're here for most:

  ⚡ Time-Saving Tools: Smart strategies to cut down on prep and admin work.

  💡 Fresh Classroom/School Ideas: New ways to engage students or streamline operations.

  👥 Peer Connection: Connecting with fellow educators to swap advice and encouragement.

  🎯 Google Mastery: Deep dives into Workspace tools, updates, and certifications.

  🚀 EdTech Trends: Exploring AI, digital citizenship, and future-ready skills.

  Have something else in mind? Let us know below!"

• *Bonus points for sharing your go to, can't miss food spot. We won't ask if you are Team Bleu Cheese or Team Ranch...yet.

Let’s build something awesome together! 

[dpoleon]

Hi everyone! I am a Technology Integrator and currently teach computer science courses in my district! This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Google Education Specialist (GES) training on AI in NYC!  Connecting with peers from around the United States was an amazing opportunity! 

In the opening few weeks of school, I have been leaning into the updates in Google Slides! In the opening few weeks of school, I have been leaning into the updates in Google Slides! I love using the new AI features to drop in all the raw content I want to present and let Google instantly build out great-looking slides. Plus, using the remote presentation feature lets me untether from my desk and move freely around the classroom while presenting.

I can't wait to learn with all of you! What I'm here for most is exploring the latest EdTech trends—especially deep-diving into AI tools, digital citizenship, and bringing future-ready skills back to our classrooms. I'm also eager to discover smart, time-saving strategies that streamline lesson prep and administrative work, while connecting and swapping advice with fellow Western New York educators!

As for my local food spot, I don't have a favorite, but I did try a new place! Pappa's Pizza in West Seneca...the pizza and wings were fantastic! 

Hope to "see" you all soon!