Educational Technology
The Educational Technology department is dedicated to equipping and empowering learners to thrive in a constantly changing digital world. This will produce learners who are equipped and empowered with a diverse set of technological and critical thinking skills.
To accomplish this goal, we:
- Work together as a dynamic, collaborative, and cohesive team to integrate technology in all K-12 classrooms
- Infuse technology tools and techniques to support district instructional goals
- Provide professional development and instructional coaching
- Promote a service-driven environment for our faculty, staff, and students
- Develop, foster, and support relationships within our team and across the district
Dr. Laura Reeves
Director of Educational Technology
Laura Reeves, Director of Educational Technology, has been with Pearland ISD for eleven years. Prior to her promotion, she was the Assistant Director of Educational Technology. Before coming to Pearland, she worked in various roles for the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) for 10 years. She began as an instructional designer, then was promoted to Web Services Coordinator and became the Associate Director of Web Services. She started her educational career as a kindergarten teacher in Channelview ISD where she discovered her passion for educational technology. She was the first instructional technology specialist for the district. Reeves worked for Channelview ISD for 10 years.
Reeves has a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University, a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from University of Houston-Clear Lake and completed the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M in December of 2019.
She looks forward to continuing the success of the Educational Technology and Student Data teams, collaborating with teachers, students and staff to promote best practices integrating technology as well as developing and delivering effective solutions to increase engagement within the learning environment.
“The motto that guides me is ‘Implement with Intention’. It’s not the most important to have the latest and cutting-edge technology, but it’s important that the technology we have is leveraged to its fullest extent to provide our students access to a greater learning environment,” Reeves said.
Tangila Webb
Learning Technology Administrator
"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." --William Butler Yeats
With a sincere passion for teaching and learning, Tangila Webb serves her community as an Educational Technology Specialist in the Pearland Independent School District. You could say that her love for teaching is in her blood for she is the product of two educators within a family of teachers. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Tangila attended Prairie view A & M University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She began her teaching career at Oak Village Middle School in the North Forest Independent School District as a junior high science teacher, and it was during this time that she came to know and believe that teaching is her calling in life.
During her twelve years as a secondary science teacher, she served as a team leader, department chair and club sponsor. Yet, it was her insatiable desire to continue to grow and learn that segued her into her current vocational position as the administrator of the Canvas learning management system for secondary campuses. In this role she oversees and manages all courses and accounts for all users. Additionally, she has conducted technology trainings and seminars at the local, state, and national level at conferences hosted by Region IV, TCCA (Technology Curriculum Conference of Aldine), the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Throughout her twenty-plus years in education, she has seen much, been involved in much, learned much, and believes in sharing what she has learned with others. Tangila thoroughly enjoys being a resource for all staff and students as they explore the tremendous advantages and challenges of ever-evolving technology!
Elementary Educational Technology Specialists
Nancy Everts
Lawhon Elementary
Rustic Oak Elementary
Nancy has been in education for over 20 years. She is a former Junior High Science teacher, CTE teacher, and Coach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Production from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Seesaw Ambassador and Certified BrainPOP Educator. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters and her favorite animals are pigs. She enjoys helping teachers and students infuse technology into their learning.
Michelle Hicks
Carleston Elementary
Magnolia Elementary
Massey Ranch Elementary
Michelle Hicks joined the Technology Department as an elementary Educational Technology Specialist in 2015. She began her career in PISD as the CTE Coordinator in 2007, after serving Alvin Community College as the Tech Prep Coordinator. Originally from South Louisiana, Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and taught high school business and computer education classes in Baton Rouge, LA before moving to Houston in 2001. Michelle has since completed her Masters of Educational Leadership with Principal certification from the University of St. Thomas.
Early in her career, Michelle had the unique experience of working in two districts using 1:1 technology. During that time, she taught classes and worked with the technology team to support staff, teachers and students with computer training, repairs and lesson planning/modeling.
Marie Liu
Challenger Elementary
Silvercrest Elementary
Silverlake Elementary
Marie Liu is the Elementary ETS at Cockrell and Shadycrest Elementary. Before coming to Pearland, Marie attended the University of Texas for her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree from Texas State as a Teacher Fellow. She’s taught all subjects for 2nd and 4th grade in Lake Travis ISD and Fort Bend ISD. One of her favorite apps to use is Chatterkids. Marie is also currently a Microsoft Innovative Educator and a Seesaw Ambassador. She’s lived in Sugar Land, TX most of her life. Her family consists of her husband and her one year old puppy, Kiba. They love to travel! Some of their favorite adventures include Taiwan, Iceland, and Moorea.
Middle & Junior High Educational Technology Specialists
Denise Figueroa
Jamison Middle School
Junior High South
Denise Figueroa is an Educational Technology Specialist in Pearland ISD. She currently supports Jamison Middle School and Pearland Junior High South. Before beginning her career as an educator, Denise graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Houston. She then began her 12-year journey as a junior high Math & Science teacher in PISD. Her joy of teaching and integrating technology led to the pursuit of a Master of Education Degree in Digital Learning and Leading from Lamar University.
Denise enjoys discovering new technology tools that can be easily implemented into any classroom. Some of her favorite tools include Canva and OneNote Class Notebook. She is a Microsoft Advanced Educator and Canva Teacher Essentials Certified. She loves working with teachers and students to integrate technology into their learning.
Dr. Melba Manning
Junior High West
Melba Gilbert Manning is an Educational Technology Specialist in Pearland ISD. She is a native Houstonian. Her credentials include Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Adobe Train the Trainer, PBS Digital Innovator and Microsoft Office Specialist Expert. She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators.
Mrs. Manning received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Baylor University. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Educational Technology. Mrs. Manning is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in instructional leadership from Lamar University.
Prior to joining Pearland, Melba taught career and technology courses in Brazosport ISD at both Brazosport and Brazoswood high schools as well as continuing education classes at Brazosport College. She enjoys empowering teachers and students with the technology skills necessary for success.
Nick Miller
Rogers Middle School
Berry Miller Junior High
Hello all! So, I'm Nick - pretty basic guy. I try to keep things a simple as possible while utilizing every resource I have - and that's what led me here. I am a USMC Veteran (Ohh-Rah!), spending four years serving in the USMC Band at Quantico, VA. As part of the band, I was a supply NCO and also helped with the sound equipment when we were on the road. During my years in service, I met my wife, Kristi, who is now also a teacher in Pearland ISD. She is a Pearland graduate and when my service was done, she brought me home. I am originally from Pennsylvania, and I love it here in Texas! When I moved to the Houston area, I used my military benifits to enroll at the University of Houston where I graduated in December of 2014 with my Bachelors in Music Education. I was hired on by Pearland ISD in January of 2015 as an Assistant Band Director at Pearland JH South and Sam Jamison MS. I transitioned to the Educational Technology department in September of 2018 and I have completley "geeked out" on the tech. stuff. I love helping teachers understand the tools at their disposal, and helping to enable them to use technology fully and fluidly in their classrooms. I love watching students learn and explore in ways that weren't possible when I was their ages. If there is anything I can do to answer questions or help with technology in the classroom, feel free to email me!
Robert Sims
Alexander Middle School
Junior High East
In August 2014 Robert joined Pearland ISD as an Educational Technology Specialist and works primarily on the campus of PACE. Prior to joining Pearland ISD, Robert taught Band and Music at all levels K - 12 for twenty two years in the states of Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Born in Alabama, Robert closely follows SEC Football.
He has earned a Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology from the University of Houston - Clear Lake, a Master of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Bachelor of Music from Dallas Baptist University. He also attended Troy State University.
Mr. Sims lives in Sugar Land with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a maltipoo. Besides technology, his hobbies include genealogy (having traced his family line back to 900 AD) and following band music activities (DCI). Robert also invests in Real Estate.
High School Educational Technology Specialists
Meagan Charles
Dawson High School
Meagan is the Educational Technology Specialist at Dawson High School. She joined Pearland ISD in 2020 and has been in education for over 10 years.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BCIS) in Elementary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, along with a 4-8 Generalist Certification. She also earned a Master’s in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University in 2017.
Prior to Pearland ISD, Meagan was a teacher in Cy-Fair ISD. She taught 7th-grade Language Arts, 6th-grade Math, and served as the Yearbook Sponsor and Teacher for 7th and 8th grades.
Meagan is passionate about learning new technologies and sharing innovative strategies to enhance classroom learning experiences.
Megan Frank
Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and anthropology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and a Master of Science in educational psychology from Capella University. Megan is TEA-certified in business & finance, English, and mathematics for grades 7-12, and holds micro-credential in various technology applications.
Megan has been with Pearland ISD since 2014. Before becoming an ETS, she taught high school math, college prep., and business finance classes for nine years. Megan was a frontrunner in converting the Pearland SAT prep course to a digital format, and she assisted several teachers with online education during the COVID-19 epidemic where she developed a passion for incorporating technology into the classroom.
Megan is the mother of three amazing Turner HS graduates who make her proud. She values the lessons she learned from her many life experiences and formal education and is thankful for the opportunity to grow teachers and students using those lessons. Her philosophy of education is that it is a life journey, and she makes it a point to continue learning at every opportunity while encouraging others to do the same.
Dr. Adrienne Smith
Pearland High School
Adrienne Smith is a prolific educational technology specialist in Pearland ISD. She is epitomized by creative thinking, brilliant intuition, and insight. As a reputable technology educator with an expertise in explaining complex concepts and processes in a simplistic manner, her commitment towards empowering teachers and students is unwavering. Professionally, she holds Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Master Trainer, and PBS Digital Innovator credentials.
Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and obtained her Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. In Spring 2021, she earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Learning, Design, and Technology.
Prior to serving with Pearland ISD, Dr. Smith taught high school in Fort Bend ISD for seven years, received her Principal EC-12 certification, and then moved on to working as an Instructional Designer at the University of Houston. She blends both her work experience and educational background to design, analyze, develop, implement, and evaluate the fundamental process and tools which enhance learning and teaching.
Dr. Smith is also an international author. Two of her published articles, Are Your Students Really Tech-ing? (Texas Computer Education Association) and 4 Ways to Teach Students to Find the Gems in YouTube’s Perilous (International Society for Technology in Education), are well acclaimed by educational practitioners, K-12 administrators, and education experts around the world.
Ornamented with a self-motivated personality, Dr. Smith prefers to take the extra step in staying unique and reaching her aspirations.