Christen Manari
MS Ed. | Instructional Technology Specialist Certification | Principal Certification
Hello, my name is Christen Manari, and this is my 16th year in education. Currently, I serve as an Elementary Assistant Principal in the Conewago Valley School District in New Oxford, PA. Previously, I was an Instructional Technology Coach at Derry Township School District in Hershey, PA. As an elementary teacher, I started my career at Derry Township School District. Then, I worked at Palmyra Area SD as the Instructional Technology Coach K-5 before returning to Derry Township SD.
I earned my Undergraduate Degree from Penn State Harrisburg in Early Childhood and Elementary Education; a Master's in Educational Development & Teaching Strategies from Wilkes University. I hold a Technology Specialist Certification PK-12 from Temple University and a Principal Certification PK-12 from Penn State Harrisburg. Over the years, I have attended conferences such as The Art of Coaching, Learning Forward, iNACOL, Instructional Coaching, MACPL, and more. I have presented at multiple regional and national conferences and local events, including IU13, CAIU15, Taste of Hershey, and PETE & C, on instructional practices and integrating technology in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning. Rolling out 1:1 devices and supporting teachers, students, and families by incorporating digital tools and programs have been a large part of my work. Navigating and supporting through the pandemic with virtual and hybrid teaching and learning was a humbling learning experience.
In 2014, I earned the Keystone Technology Innovator (KTI) STAR title. I received it while teaching third grade at Derry Township School District and integrating technology to support and enhance student learning. I had the opportunity to collaborate with others and worked through the CS PAsmart K-8 two-year grant program. Through this collaboration, our team created a STEAM program, K-5. In the fall of 2019, I had the opportunity to serve as Dean of Students at our elementary school for about four months. In 2022, I coached a team of fifth-grade students through the CAIU K'nex STEM Challenge, where our team took second place. This year as an elementary assistant principal my main focus has been on building relationships, school safety, attendance, PBIS, and student behavior. I earned the following certificates: Student Assistance Program (SAP), Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Level 2, and Magic School AI Certified Educator Level 3. In March, I had the opportunity to co-present to other professionals in our district on ways to use Canva to support teaching and learning. In addition, I am a part-time instructor and advisor for Eduspire/Wilson's Masters of Educational Technology Program.
I enjoy working out, traveling, and spending time with my family, friends, and dogs in my free time. We have two English Labs, one yellow male, and one black female, and yes, they are litter mates/siblings. While I enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains, my ultimate happy place is on the beach and anywhere around the water. Since I am a Penn State alumni, that makes me a HUGE Penn State Football fan! WE ARE.....
