Patricia "Patt" Dennis has been dedicated to education and innovative learning since 2018. Beginning her career as an extracurricular instructor at the MLC STEM Center, she provided STEAM programs and specialized in chess instruction for K-8 students. She served as an AmeriCorps reading coach in East Orange and Patterson. She later worked as the Learning and Technology Coordinator for the WELL Grant Program at The New Brunswick Theology Seminary.
Patt is returning to the library as a School Library Media Specialist after serving as the District Technology Director, Technology Teacher, and Instructional Technology Specialist at an East Orange, NJ, charter middle school. Holding a B.A. in English, an M.A. in English Writing Studies, and an M.A. in Educational Technology, she is pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University. Her doctoral work focuses on game-based innovative learning as an emerging educational technology tool. Patt has presented her research at numerous conferences, including OTESSA and ISTE.
In addition to her extensive experience, Patt also works and participates with scholastic nonprofit programs such as the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) and Garden State Esports to bring game-based learning and esports into K-12 schools. She is currently the Lead Researcher for Garden State Esports (GSE). Her dedication to making a difference resonates with Toni Morrison's words: “Make a difference about something other than yourselves.”
Education
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
Doctor of Education, Educational Technology Leadership: Anticipated May 2026
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
Master of Arts, Educational Technology: May 2023
New Jersey Institue of Technology
Graduate Certificate in Professional and Technical Communication: 3 of 4 courses completed
Kean University, Union, NJ
Master of Arts, English Writing Studies (with Distinction): May 2020
College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ
Bachelor of Arts, English with a minor in Studio Art: May 2018
Certifications & Memberships
School Library Media Specialist
STEM Certified Educator
Smithsonian Education Center NESST Teacher Ambassador (Cohort II)
NASEF Scholastic Fellow 2024 - 2025
IGDA International Scholar 2024
Epic Educator Accelerator Fellow (Summer 2024)
GSE Leader - Researcher (Data Analyst)
ISTE Member
OTESSA Member
District Test and Technology Coordinator Training
Career
7+ years experience in Education
AmeriCorps Alumni (3 years of service)