Michael A. Mino is a distinguished Education Innovation & Development Specialist with over 25 years of experience, prominently recognized for his contributions in integrating emerging technology, 21st-century skills and Project Based Learning (PBL) in diverse K12 education settings. As a visionary in curriculum design and program development, he has led numerous projects, notably as a Principal Investigator for the National Science Foundation and the State of Connecticut Office for Workforce Development. He successfully proposed, secured and managed grants totaling over $15 million dollars from public and private sources. These initiatives have driven significant advancements in STEM education, particularly in the integration of Blended Learning and PBL in STEM education for underrepresented students. His expertise extends to cross-cultural environments, where he has effectively implemented educational programs in diverse settings, including Finland, Ghana, Mexico, urban/rural schools, and private Jewish education institutions. Michael's ability to adapt curricula to various cultural contexts, combined with his innovative approach in urban and faith-based educational settings, demonstrates his exceptional capability to enhance learning experiences and foster inclusive education practices. His leadership in developing sustainable, impactful educational strategies and fostering professional development for educators across multiple cultures underscores his suitability for advanced roles in educational research and development, particularly in areas involving AI, curriculum and project-based learning in K12 education.

Key Competencies

• Developing Expertise in Generative AI 
• Education Research and Development 
• Educational Innovation Leadership 
• Education Technology Leadership 
• Maker Education & PBL Expertise 
• STEM Curriculum Development Expertise 
• Technological Practices & Use 
• Professional Development and Training 

• Budget Development & Management

• Collaboration & Cross-Cultural Mindset

• Communications & Presentations 

• Grant Acquisition & Management 
• Project Execution & Management 
• Strategic Planning and Implementation 
• Team Building & Mentoring 

Founder, STEM 21: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education for the 21^st Century. Conceived and planned a project-based, next generation 9–12th grade course sequence in math, science, and technology delivered in a blended learning environment. Funded with a $4.4 Million dollar U.S. DOE, Investing in Innovation (i3) Development Grant, proposal was ranked 6th out of 1700 submitted and was 1 of 50 awarded. 2010.

Founder, Connecticut Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Conceived, planned and piloted a CT urban/suburban High School Career Academy focused on the study of digital arts, design, science and technology. A major strategy was to motivate, engage and support the development of creative skills in the use of digital media and their application to the study of science and technology. Funded by a $1.2 Million dollar NSF ITEST Award. 2010.

Founder, Connecticut Pathways to Innovation 21. Successfully conceived, developed and authored an NSF ATE Project proposal for the expansion of the CCC program into an Early College High School program. Collaborators include state government, higher education, industry and K12 districts. Funded by a $900K NSF Award. June 2010.

Founder, Connecticut Student Innovation Exposition and Student Film Festival.  Designed, planned and managed annual culminating performance assessment for Connecticut middle/high school students in the CCC and CPEP programs where students present their films and innovative STEM projects as they compete for awards and prizes. The annual Expo and Film Festival continues today is regularly attended by over 2000 students, parents, teachers, business professionals and college faculty. Funded with NSF and CT SDE grants since 2002.

Founder, Principal Investigator. Successfully conceived, developed, authored, awarded and implemented CT Pathways to Innovation (CPI), a National Science Foundation, Advanced Technology Education Project. CPI was a high school challenge-based learning program for urban/suburban students to develop 21st Century workforce skills in emerging fields of science, technology and engineering. Project elements included implementation of a teacher summer institute and design-based research to refine and improve our model. Funded by a $900K NSF Award. 2007.

Founding Director, Center for 21st Century Skills, Education Connection, Litchfield, CT. Regional Education Service Center funded by State/Federal grants and contract services. As the Founder and Director of the Center I guided the development and delivery of innovative 21st Century blended high school STEM curriculum, student programs and professional development for teachers from public urban and suburban high schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Under my leadership the Center grew to a staff of 10 with over 3 million dollars in annual funding. http://www.skills21.org July 2006 – July 2010.

Program Director and Primary Consultant, Connecticut Career Choices (CCC) Workforce Development Initiative. Connecticut Governor's Office for Workforce Competitiveness funded program focused on 21st Century Skills and the development and dissemination of innovative, standards-based, 9-12 project based blended curriculum with a STEM career focus for Connecticut high schools.  This collaboration of K-12, higher education, state government and industry leaders were funded annually through an $800,000.00 legislative budget line item. 9/2004 – 6/2010.

Founder, IT Leadership Academy. The IT Leadership Academy was a collaboration with IBM focused on 9-12th grade students from CT urban/suburban high schools. Students from diverse racial, cultural and soci-economic backgrounds came together for collaborative project-based learning using emerging technologies in a blended learning environment at IBM and college campuses with a culminating performance exhibit. Funded annually through the CT Interdistrict Grant Program. 98 – 2008.

Owner, MM Development Services, providing AI education and technology consulting and development services to a variety of public and private schools and organizations in the U.S., Mexico and Africa. Successfully conceived, coordinated and delivered 21st century online and blended learning solutions using open-source platforms (Joomla, Moodle, WordPress) in collaboration with teachers, administrators, technology coordinators and developers. Also providing professional development services including coaching, mentoring and modeling for teachers and technology coordinators across K12 & College classrooms since 2010. Current.

Consultant, JFY Networks AI Teacher Assistant Initiative: Providing vision, development and facilitation for the development of a CHATGPT MCAS Essay Assessment Assistant for urban teachers, including GPT Essay writing Assistant for urban middle and high school students. Current

Consultant, Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership: Provided Maker Education and Work-Based Learning consulting to improve underperforming high schools in Springfield. MA. Designed and developed CTE courses and Makerspace, providing curriculum, equipment training, mentoring and Professional Development. 2021-2023

David Lear Sulman Computing & Engineering Education Initiative. Providing consulting, dvelopment and support services for this three-year donor funded initiative focused on the implementation of Maker Spaces, Computer Science and Engineering Education in three Jewish Day Schools. I am also providing coaching, mentoring and modeling with technology coordinators, department chairs and teachers in the use of the iPads, 3D Printers and a variety of computer and electronic technology, devices, kits, apps and services. 2017 - Current

NSF Grant Research and Development Consultant, Ed Advance Skills 21 http://www.skills21.org. Providing research, development, design and writing expertise for NSF grant initiatives focused on innovative 21st Century blended and project-based STEM curriculum and programs for urban and suburban high schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Recently contributed research, project description, project rationale and project plan components for NSF ITEST/ATE proposals, resulting in awards totaling 2.1 Million Dollars. 2014 - 2017

Blended Learning & STEM Consultant, Developer, Cohen Hillel Academy – http://cohenhillel.org. Providing platform development, professional development and support services for a K-8 Jewish Day School initiative focused on implementation of a Learning Commons with a Maker Space, 3D Printing and iPads with a custom Moodle environment that provides single sign-on with Google Apps for education. Also, coaching, mentoring, and modeling technology coordinator and teachers in the use of the iPads, 3D Printers and Moodle. 2015 - 2017

eLearning Consultant, Developer, Interise Inc. – https://interise.org. Providing consulting, development, and support services for the national rollout of the Interise Streetwise MBAÒ program in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Developed an integrated Joomla-Moodle online environment with custom registration system to support over 2900 users for a blended learning program. 2011 - 2017

Blended Learning Consultant, Developer. The Rashi School – http://moodle.rashi.org. Provided platform development, professional development and support services for a K-8 Jewish Day School initiative focused on Connected Learning with integration of iPads and a custom Moodle environment that provides Google Apps integration and a Khan Academy Clone. Also, coaching, mentoring, and modeling technology coordinator and teachers in the use of the iPads, Google Apps, 3D Printers and Moodle. 2011 - 2017

Online Learning Consultant, Developer. YU Global, Yeshiva University. Provided Moodle hosting, development and support for Yeshiva University, an Orthodox Jewish University online learning initiative. Also acted as adjunct online faculty for YU certificate program in Blended Learning. 2013 – 2016

Digital Learning Consultant, Ghana Ed21. The GHANA ED21 program was a collaboration of MM Development Services and Jabemax Ltd. in Ghana leveraging ICT systems and open-source STEM education resources to design, develop and implement of 21st Century learning environments for students and teachers. 2013 - 2015

STEM Education Consultant, Developer, CPEP Inc. – http://cpep.org. Provided platform development, grant research, curriculum development and support for CPEP, a CT non-profit that seeks to identify, inspire, ignite and develop under-represented youth ability and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 2010 - 2017

STEM Consultant, Platform Developer, Curriculum Author, Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing http://nextgenmfg.org. NSF ATE funded Center at CT Community College’s College of Technology (COT), a collaboration that encompasses Connecticut’s 12 community colleges and 6 public and private partner universities in engineering and technology studies. Provided expertise to create, develop and support the COT RCNGM eLearning environments for curriculum, collaboration and research for students, faculty and national partners. 2010 - 2015

21st Century Education Consultant, Gann Academy. Co-facilitated an extensive review of teaching and learning practice at Gann Academy, a private Jewish High School, including a literature best practice review in comparable high schools across the U.S and emerging trends in STEM education. Identified best practices in use of technology across the curriculum that resulted in a strategic plan for a 21st century learning initiative. 2014 – 2015.

Instructional Designer, Online Curriculum Developer, Grant Consultant, Civic Life Project. Provided platform development of a Moodle environment and design of online curriculum materials for high school program focused on documentary film making about local and national civics topics of concern to high school students. 2012 - 2017

Blended Learning Consultant, Developer, The Binah School. Provided professional development, support and innovation in the development of an online learning environment that delivered onsite, online and blended curriculum to 6-9th grade girls in an Orthodox Jewish Day School, Sharon, MA. 2012 - 2015

Blended Learning Consultant and Developer. Berkshire Hills Regional School District. Provided expertise and professional development for a K-12 public school district initiative focused on the use of iPads and (BYOD) Mobile Devices integrated with a custom Moodle environment that provides Google Apps integration and a Khan Academy Clone for use by students and teachers. 2010 - 2016

Education Technology Consultant, Union for Reform Judaism Lifelong Learning Group. Provided expertise, insight and development consultation to the URJ team focused on Jewish Day School and Synagogue education services for children, teens and adults in associated schools and organizations. 2012

STEM Education Consultant, Developer, Facilitator, Beaver Country Day School Sci-Studio Curriculum Initiative. Facilitated the development of a 21st Century Science Education program adapted from the Challenge-Based and Studio-Based Learning Model. Collaborated with Middle and Upper school administrators and teachers in the redesign of the science and technology curriculum and online environments. 2011

DODED STEM Grant Consultant, Developer and Co-Author, Fort Leavenworth School District. CYBER-T.E.A.M.S., a $2.5 Million Department of Defense Education Activity Grant Project. The CYBER-T.E.A.M.S. concept is an original research-based innovation and approach to integrating Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Science education across grades K-9. The Fort Leavenworth School District is situated on the US Army Post at Fort Leavenworth Kansas and serves a student body that comprised of 95% military dependent families. 2011.

Technology & Curriculum Specialist. Education Connection, Litchfield CT, Regional Education Service Center funded by State/Federal grants and contract services. As part of the School Services team, I provided education technology and STEM education expertise to public urban and suburban schools in Connecticut including curriculum consulting, education technology integration, student program development and professional development for teachers. August 1998 – July 2006

Africa Mobile & ICT Expo 2015 Panel Participant & Speaker. Participated & presented on Education Innovation and Technology, International Conference Center, Accra, Ghana. 7/2015.

MASS CUE 2013 Conference Special Workshop Presenter. 2-Hour Hands-on session ‘Blended Learning via YouTube Channels’, Foxborough, MA. 11/2013.

Ghana Ed21 IBM Seminar Leader. ‘21st Century Careers and Education’, Organized and Moderated panel of IBM employee volunteers at the University of Professional Studies faculty, Accra, Ghana, 11/2013.

Blended Learning Bootcamp. Seminar Leader, Yeshiva University Institute for University-School Partnerships, 7/13.

Ghana Ed21, Keynote Speaker. Seminar Leader, ‘21st Century Learning Environments’, Accra, Ghana, 6/11.

Rhode Island Blended Learning & Technology Conference. Workshop Presenter, ‘21st Century Learning Environments’, Rhode Island College, Providence RI, 4/ 2013.

MASS CUE/Ed Tech Teacher Conference. Session Presenter, Leading, Learning, the Future, ‘21st Century Learning Environments’, College of the Hoy Cross, Worcester, Ma. 3/ 2013.

2012 North American Jewish Day School Conference, Keynote Speaker. Presented 2 keynote addresses, "21st Century Learning Environments" and "21st Century STEM Education". Atlanta, Georgia, 1/2012.

American Association of Community Colleges, NSF ATE Principal Investigators Conference. Workshop Leader, "Cyber-Communities for Collaboration, Innovation, and Student Engagement". Washington D.C. 10/2011.

U.S. Department of Education Invited Expert Speaker. Invited by the U.S. Department of Education to offer expert comments on the proposed Race to The Top Grants Program at a public hearing in Boston, MA. 11/2009.

North East American Society of Engineering Educators Annual Conference. University of Bridgeport, Invited Panelist, "Innovation in Engineering Education", 4/2009.

Rockvile Center Catholic Schools Adminstrators Invited Speaker. "A 21^st  Century Education", Bayshore, NY, 4/09.

UNESCO Workshop Hameenlinna, Finland. Invited Speaker, Ubiquitous ICT For Sustainable Education & Cultural Literacy, Invited Presenter “A Celebration Of Local Culture And Digital Literacy In The Virtual World”. 10/2008.

American Association of Community Colleges NSF ATE Principal Investigators Conference. Preconference ½ Day Workshop Leader. "Second Life, The Third Dimension of Learning" Washington D.C. 10/2008.

American Association of Community Colleges, National ATE Principal Investigators Conference. Featured Presentation, "Connecticut Career Choices, A 21st Century Workforce Initiative". 10/2008.

Conneticut – Finland PISA Study Program, Proposed, developed and facilitated a study of the Finland PISA Assessment results for a group of 15 Connecticut Educators including College faculty, State board member, district adminstrators and high school teachers. Activities included review of PISA results, online discussion, field trip to Finland to attend an international conference, high schools/university and research center visits, culminating in a Connecticut conference to present results to a broader audience of over 100 educators. April - September 2008.

Connecticut Learns and Works Workshop Presentation. "21st Century Skills and STEM Education", 5/07, 5/08.

Connecticut Technology Education Association Annual Conferences. Presented workshops on 21st Century Skills, Science & Technology Ed, Problem Solving, Curriculum Development, and Web Site Design and more. 1994-2009.

Connecticut Educators Computer Conference, Presented workshops about 21st Century Skills, Technology and STEM Education, 2004 to 2009.

2002 Annual Conference, Connecticut Association of Gifted Education. Keynote Speaker, "21^st Century Technology for Gifted and Talented Education",Meridan, CT, 5/2002.

Connecticut Technology Education Curriculum Forum 2002. Host-Organizer-Presenter, "Implementing the CT Model Technology Education Curriculum", Danbury, CT. Hosted over 75 technology education teachers and administrators, organized and presented panels, workshops and materials on a variety of related topics. 2/2002.

Apple Tech Update, Keynote Speaker. "The Future Has Already Happened", Featured speaker sponsered by Apple Computer to an invited audience of Technology Coordinators and Administrators. 9/2001.

2001 Annual Summer Technology Conference Keynote Speaker, "What is so different about the 21st Century?", Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, Avon, CT, 6/2001.

Apple Sponsered Invitation Only Conference Keynote Speaker. ‘’Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century’’, for Lexington, MA, Curriculum Coordinators, Technology Coordinators and Principals, Boston, MA,  6/2001.

2001 Annual Meeting and Spring Conference, Connecticut Organization of Language Teachers. Keynote Speaker, "Teaching & Learning, World Languages in the 21st Century", Keynote address, West Hartford, CT, 5/2001.

Apple Critical Balance Seminar, Keynote Speaker. Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century. Invitation only conference for Teachers, Technology Coordinators, Principals and Superintendants, Springfield, MA, 3/2001.

Connecticut Organization of Language Teachers, Annual Winter Conference, Keynote Speaker. "Understanding Technology & The Internet"; Keynote address and follow-up session, West Hartford, CT, 1/1999.

J. A. & Katherine Albertson Foundation Featured Speaker. "Professional Technical Academies For The 21st Century", Boise, Idaho. Invited presenter to a private conference hosted to announce a multi-million dollar grant initiative focused on high school career programs in Idaho public schools. 8/1998.

Government Administration Committee Conference Panelist. Connecticut General Assembly, The Internet: Community and Political Development. Participated as a panelist in a conference focusing on the Internet in neighborhood and community development. 7/98.

International Technology Education Association Annual Conference Conference Presenter. Moderated a discussion about the ITEA listserv focusing on transitioning industrial arts to technology education, Presented workshops on 9-12th grade standards implementation, Gilbert School Technology Education program, IT Academy, Desktop Movie Making, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.

New England Association Technology Teachers Annual Conferences Conference Presenter. Presented workshops on Science & Technology Ed, Problem Solving, Curriculum Development, Web Site Design, Desktop Video and Emerging Technology. 1994-2001.

Technology Education Association of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, Conference Presenter. Presented workshops on Technology Education, Internet Activities, IT Academy, Desktop Movies, 2/1999, 3/2000, 4/2001.

Connecticut Technology Education Association Annual Conferences, Conference Presenter. Presented workshops on Science & Technology Ed, Problem Solving, Curriculum Development, and Web Site Design. 1994-1999.

Berkshire Visitors Bureau, Pittsfield, MA Workshop Presenter. Delivered workshop on Computers, Communication and Internet Commerce for bureau members interested in developing and implementing ecommerce. 2/1998.

Technology Teacher Enhancement Center Workshop Presenter, Central Connecticut State University. Presented on implementing Technology Education to teachers from around Connecticut involved in a CCSU in-service program focused on the redesign of traditional industrial arts programs into technology education March 1999, April 1996.

UMASS Lab School, Amherst, Massachusetts Workshop Presenter. Presented workshop focusing on the use of multi-media technology for PreK-3 Grade Elementary Education Teacher Candidates. April 1996.

CTEA 1997 Fall Conference Host-Organizer-Presenter. Integrating Science and Technology Education, Winsted, CT, Hosted over 100 science and technology education teachers at The Gilbert School, organized and presented workshops on a variety of related topics. October 1997.