The Tech Trinity of Expertise
TECHNICAL
Michael has the technical expertise to acquire and leverage resources that advance and sustain a robust technology infrastructure and continually evaluate its effectiveness at supporting learning, teaching, management, and operations.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Both a big picture thinker and a hands-on implementer, Michael is a leader who engages with administrators, educators and support personnel, parents and students to extend responsible and creative use of technology.
INSTRUCTIONAL
Michael's 10+ years in the classroom has provided him a deep understanding of the curricular, instructional and assessment needs of students & educators. He is committed to leveraging technology as a transformative tool that inspires creativity, connectivity, and innovation.
This is Michael Falgares
I began teaching first grade, fifth grade and special education in 2002 in Howell, NJ. That’s where my interest in educational technology was sparked as I started integrating technology into my classroom and the curriculum. In 2003, I began my MA in Educational Leadership program at Seton Hall University. In addition to education, I have also employed my entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and Executive Director of an Early Learning Academy in Brick, NJ, and as the Chief Experience Officer for Gamin’ Ride, an interactive entertainment franchise which I started in 2008 and sold in 2014 with over twenty-one locations across the country. It was in those leadership roles that I became equipped with extensive knowledge in technology and explored various ways to implement 21st century skills into my vision. In 2013, I joined Freehold Township Schools as a Technology Integration Coordinator, coaching teachers and administrators to design and implement technology to enhance student learning. Today, I am the Director of Technology for St. Rose High School, envisioning and leading the implementation of our technology plan to improve the overall school program while developing professional development that helps to better train and retain highly qualified staff members. Michael was also the 2013, New Jersey, Man of the Year, for his efforts to support the NJ Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2017, Michael became involved with the NJ Foster Care Program. In 2019, he adopted a little boy through that program and now enjoys being a father.
Meet Michael
KNOW ABOUT ME
I love technology for its ability to transform lives and professional practice. The formation of a Personal Learning Network (PLN) has opened my eyes and mind to an array of ideas, strategies, and tools to support and enhance learning through the assistance of technology.
My Profile
Michael P. Falgares
Director of Technology
Michael’s on a quest to inspire educators to work towards purposeful integration of technology to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally.
Birthday: 30 December 1979 in New Jersey
Phone Number: (732) 299-6361
Web: http://www.michaelfalgares.com
Mail: michaelfalgares@gmail.com
Hobbies & Interests
Michael is a resident of the Jersey Shore. As a Godfather to five children, the newest being his first nephew, family plays an integral role in his life and he also enjoys these hobbies & interests:
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Traveling 75%
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Eating at New Places 80%
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Teaching CCD 95%
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Dark Chocolate & Orange Tic Tacs 76%
Video Portfolio
Michael says to, “Focus on learning first and foremost and the possibilities of technology are endless.”
Play the video above to learn more about Michael.
Educator & Life-Long Learner
MY EXPERIENCE
Throughout his career, Michael has been a vocal advocate for the implementation of instructional technology and content in order to increase achievement and motivation, to encourage collaboration, to facilitate critical thinking, and to construct innovative learning environments.
St. Rose High School
Responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision in all areas of technology and education for St. Rose High School. Facilitated the creation of a budget and negotiated with vendors to make purchasing decisions that facilitated the integration of digital tools and best practices into curriculum and administrative systems. I oversee the development of PD to meet the diverse learning needs of staff as it relates to integrating technology into academic programming. Manage a team to work towards a unified goal.
Freehold Township Schools
Responsible for the ordering and maintenance of equipment, infrastructure, training of teachers and staff, and incorporation of technology in all areas of the curriculum for a K-8 district. Planned, prepared & executed the launch of Google Apps for Education. Developed professional development for staff, students and parents on Google products and led the initiative for 1-to-1 devices district wide. Assisted in the development of the district’s technology plan & budgets while negotiating with vendors and cooperative purchasing networks.
Gamin Ride Franchise Systems
Elementary school teacher turned entrepreneur Michael Falgares got his first taste of the entertainment industry when he started DJing at age 14. By college, he saved up enough money to buy a preschool, which he later sold to finance his next venture: a mobile entertainment theater called Gamin’ Ride. Former teacher Michael Falgares of Asbury Park used to take his iDance video dance game to schools for assemblies. But as program funding was cut he turned it into theEarn n Burn fundraiser program, promoting the dance game as an alternative to walk-a-thons.
Howell Township Public Schools
Began teaching first grade at Newbury School in Howell Township. I pioneered "Differentiated Instruction" and began the district's initial technology integration initiatives. After two years and outstanding evaluations in first grade, I began teaching fifth grade and then leveraged my special education certificate as an in-class support and resource room teacher. I was nominated for Disney's, "Teacher of the Year" program and my efforts were recognized by the Asbury Park Press and the Howell Township Board of Education.
Adventures in Learning
In 2001, at the age of 21, I purchased an existing preschool in Brick, New Jersey. I quickly possessed strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills and became extremely detail oriented and organized in my role as the Executive Director. My responsibilities included Administrative, Licensing, Curriculum Development, Fiscal, Health & Safety, Personnel, Professional Development and Sales & Marketing. During my tenure, I increased the square footage by 1,200, increased the enrollment from 78 students to over 125 and raised the standards by developing and implementing a Quality Assurance Program. In 2008, I sold the academy and doubled by initial investment.
My Education
Seton Hall University
Began the course work towards obtaining a Masters in Educational Leadership. The College of Education and Human Services of Seton Hall University's professional preparation program allowed me to develop essential knowledge, research findings, and reflective practice, while evolving my skills to integrate technology into a leadership role. The Masters of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology prepares professionals with opportunities to further their skills and education in the applications of emerging technology for teaching, learning, coaching and designing.
GPA:
3.4
Georgian Court University
I earned a Bachelor of Special Education at The School of Education at Georgian Court University. This experience helped me integrate and apply knowledge from multiple perspectives while developing critical thinking skills requisite for success in life. My student teaching practicum was completed at North Dover Elementary School in Toms River, NJ.
GPA:
3.6
Certifications Obtained:
Teacher of the Handicapped, K-5 Regular Education Teacher
Toms River Regional Schools
I earned my high school diploma from Toms River Regional Schools, High School North. During my senior year, I participated in the Community Action Program (CAP) and completed over 800 hours in a 2nd grade classroom. After graduating, I began working as a cafeteria aide and then earned a position as a paraprofessional in the ED/BD classroom. I remained in that position up until my student teaching.
Awards:
St. Timothy Youth Leadership Award
Skills and Expertise
My References
Empowering Educators & Transforming Education
LATEST PROJECTS
Below you will find my past initiatives, projects, presentations, workshops and professional development trainings that I have provided to school districts, universities and other organizations. My focus is digital leadership & learning, initiating and sustaining transformational change, educational technology, creating 21st Century teaching & learning environments, student-centered instruction, and social media strategy.
Available & Connected
STAY IN TOUCH
Each of us has the potential to transform learning for students. Michael Falgares would like to help your district’s technology initiatives.
Please complete the form below to get in touch with Michael.
Branding | Collaboration | Communication | Data | Gamification | Google Apps | Learning Spaces | Personalized Learning | Purchasing | Social Media | Strategic Planning