From Classroom Teacher to National Thought Leader

Recognized as the 2025 VATLL/VASCD Impact Award Winner and a 2024 ISTE 20 to Watch, Debbie Tannenbaum is an active Elementary Tech Coach, ASCD Emerging Leader, and ISTE Certified Educator.

With over 25 years in education—including 19 years as a classroom teacher—Debbie is uniquely positioned to help educators because she is one. Unlike consultants who have left the classroom, she tests every strategy at her school before sharing it, ensuring her support is practical, realistic, and empathy-driven.

My Origin Story

"Helping the Person I Once Was" They say you are uniquely positioned to help the person you once were. That is where my story begins. Years ago, I was an elementary school teacher who struggled to use technology meaningfully with my young learners. I looked everywhere for answers and couldn't find them—so I began a journey to find them myself.

That journey led me to become a School-Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) in Fairfax County, Virginia, where I now help students and teachers discover the opportunities technology can provide.

The Story Behind "Techy Notes"

Why "Techy Notes"? The name "TannenbaumTech" is built on the idea of making learning stick. In 2018, I was inspired by the concept of "Icon Literacy"—using visuals to help non-readers navigate technology.

I started teaching my kindergarten students icons, adding them to morning messages and "Techy Notes." The result? My students became more independent, able to troubleshoot, and confident creators. This experience birthed the concept of the "Edurubricon" and became the foundation of my book, TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky.

Today, this philosophy drives everything we do: simplifying complex tech into "sticky," actionable strategies for our youngest learners.

Fun Facts About Debbie

Education: Master's in Educational Technology (Johns Hopkins University) & proud UMD Terp ("Go Terps!").
Classroom Roots: I spent 19 years as a 4th and 5th-grade teacher before moving into tech coaching.
The Spark: "TannenbaumTech" was born in 2018 while listening to a podcast on my commute!
Author: I wrote TRANSFORM in 2021 and am currently working on Book #2, which will be published in 2027.
Real Life: I test every strategy I share in real classrooms—if it doesn't work for me, I don't share it with you.
Certifications Include: Book Creator Ambassador and Trainer, Tech for Learning Innovative Educator, Pear Deck Coach, Google Certified Educator Levels 1 and 2, UDL Certified Educator Levels 1 and 2, Gemini Certified Educator.

Let's Connect:

I love sharing ideas with my PLN! Follow the journey on social media: @TannenbaumTech

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