Biographies

Gloria Peifer

Gloria Peifer has taught middle school math, high school Algebra, and Computer Applications. In addition to teaching, she helped her school earn recognition in a national education journal as part of the school's technology council. The institution was recognized as an innovative model of hi-tech creativity for their integration of technology across curriculum.

Over the last eight years, Peifer has also presented at many academic conferences both local and national. During summer months, she conducts computer camps for kids, including a camp for girls in foster care through her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

Peifer began her career in the business world working for the Xerox Corporation. After eight years with Xerox, she went back to school to obtain a teaching certificate. Four years later she graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics.

Suzette Surbeck

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Suzette L. Surbeck earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans before beginning her career in education teaching math.

As computers entered the classroom, Surbeck became intrigued with the educational possibilities technology brings to enrich teaching and learning experiences. She completed a computer literacy certification and eventually completed a Masters of Education in the area of Educational Technology from McNeese State University.

Surbeck has been an integral member of her school's technology council and has developed detailed instructional packets for teachers of all levels to aid in their use of technology.

Surbeck has presented her unique perspectives at conferences such as NECC, FETC, and ISAS. She has taught K-12 students and other educators for more than 20 years.

Julian Luke

Julian Luke has worked tirelessly to help establish the Durham region of Ontario as the most digitally literate region in the country. Businesses, government, and educational partners have cooperated to establish IC³ as a digital literacy standard.

While working to make his goals a reality in Durham, Julian has shared his enthusiasm for digital literacy with colleagues in Canada and the United States. Julian has appeared as a presenter at the Innovations 2006 where he presented the League for Innovation in the Community College in Atlanta, Georgia. His presentation addressed community college workforce development through digital literacy initiatives.