Meglena Zapreva

Meglena’s Resource Folder Here

Workshop Description

Begin A Free Digital Library at Your School Including both Teacher and Student-Created Books Using 21st Century Skills and Creative Expression

 

In this hands-on workshop we will explore making digital books using free online platforms and mobile apps. In this creative process, teachers will see how to engage students in developing 21st century skills such as critical thinking, written and visual communication, collaboration, and creativity. After teachers review sample books created by students of different ages in subjects ranging from language and literacy to math and science, they will create their own e-book during the workshop and walk away with an example they can use in the classroom or show to students who can then make their own student-designed digital books. These books are not only valuable for students to make as projects, but teachers can create books as instructional guides as well.

Presenter Bio

Meglena discovered her passion for education when asked to tour a group of 10-year-old students through The Frick Collection at the well-known New York City museum. On that day, her career as an educator in New York City began. Her focus is building educational models to support life-long learning, facilitating student exploration, and integrating curriculum through relatable and current projects. With her keen interest in art, nature, and technology, along with a progressive educational philosophy, she specializes in fusing academic disciplines with 21st century skills. She is a major proponent for offering students opportunities to learn outside the classroom, and for nurturing student voice. In a continuously globalized society, Meglena finds social and environmental justice to be an essential part of education, and tinkering with new and old materials is paramount for innovation. When not working, Meglena enjoys running marathons, attending dance performances, and visiting contemporary art exhibitions all over the world. She collaborates with artists to create art installations.

 

Meglena has worked as Museum Educator at The Frick Collection, The Rubin Museum, and The High Line. She has developed curriculum for New York Sun Works and Academy of St. Joseph, and piloted a tech curriculum at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, where she currently works as STEAM Coordinator and Science and Technology Teacher. In her native Bulgaria, she leads seminars in school leadership and museum education. Meglena holds a BA, Art History and Studio Art, Hunter College, City University of New York, and an M.Sc., Museum Education and Childhood Education, Bank Street College of Education, New York.