Webinar: Esports for Littles by CDW Education

Esports for Littles

About

Esports is not only for teens and adults, but also for younger students who want to have fun and learn through gaming. Join us for a virtual webinar titled “Esports for Littles” where we will bring on panelists who have experience in bringing esports into the lives of students from kindergarten to 8th grade. You will learn how to implement esports programs in your school or district, what types of games are suitable and engaging for younger students, how to align esports with educational objectives and outcomes, and what considerations need to be made for the safety, well-being, and development of younger students. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and tips from experts and peers on how to introduce esports to your littles. Register now and get ready to spark their passion and curiosity for gaming!

Presenters

Jen Dawson

Esports Solution Specialist | CDW Education

Jen Dawson is an Esports Solution Specialist for CDW-G. Having been a former educator, her desire for improving the education experience, equity, and inclusion has carried over into her career in technology and esports. With over 10+ years in the technology industry and being a lifelong gamer, she brings her passion for education and knowledge of technology to holistically support our schools and partners across the country.

Sylvester Boston

STEM Teacher & Esports Coach

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Sylvester began his career as a Kindergarten teacher in New York. His journey in education has taken him through various elementary and high school roles across New York, Florida, and now Georgia. Currently, he serves as an elementary school teacher with a STEM focus in the DeKalb County School District.

In the summer of 2023, Sylvester discovered the potential of Esports in education through Corey Gordon of CDW at the DeKalb Tech Symposium. Inspired by this new avenue, he went on to establish the first elementary school Esports team in DeKalb County later that year. Now in his second year as an Esports coach, Sylvester continues to innovate and inspire his students.

Sylvester holds a Master’s degree in Education and a STEM Endorsement, underscoring his commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Laurie Lehman

APS Esports District Manager

Five years ago, we began our esports program at APS with less than 100 students in a handful of high schools. Today, we have over 1,200 students in elementary, middle, and high schools, and our goal of sustainable growth has shown scholastic esports as a valuable tool to cultivate and capture community from a learning perspective.

My research and Master’s Degree in Anthropology have taught me that while language, values and traditions may vary across the globe, people share the same hopes and dreams, and that we have more in common than we know. Esports can bring us together as we learn, play, and grow in our global community.

Life has always been an awesome adventure to me. I traveled the world in my youth, lived in the jungles of Panama and New Guinea, and still have the secret skill of how to sleep comfortably in a hammock. Both age and Covid showed me that we have no time to waste, so always be kind. I plan to continue this incredible journey with an open mind, curiosity and with love.

Julie Mavrogeorge

Founder and Consultant | Jdogmav Consulting, LLC

Julie is an international speaker and presenter, an accomplished esports curricula content creator, and worldwide esports trainer. She serves on several esports’ advisory boards, is the President of the California Esports Association, the 2022 NAECAD High School Esports Director of the Year, a 2023 EdTech Magazine IT Rising Star, and the 2024 the*gameHERs Guardian of the Year. She serves as a mentor for Women in Games International (WIGI), Women in Games, and is an Ambassador for Minecraft Education, Generation Esports, and Drone Legends.

Julie’s latest endeavor is launching her own business, Jdogmav Consulting, LLC. As a consultant, Julie connects the districts she serves with the best content and partners within the esports, EdTech, and STEAM industry. Her collaborative efforts provide cutting-edge program implementation that has helped 30+ districts create class, club, and varsity esports programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about aligning content to each district’s desired student outcomes and program goals by developing individualized, engaging programs emphasizing health and wellness and increasing student engagement and attendance.