Marc Epstein has been an educational technology leader for over three decades at the elementary, secondary, and district levels. He is a passionate advocate for advancing technology integration through leadership, collaboration, and professional development. One of his guiding principles is that an outstanding technology program prioritizes people over devices. Marc helped to create the first elementary computer program in the Elmont Public Schools. As the computer coordinator of Great Neck South Middle School several years later, Marc implemented new computer courses, established innovative laptop and telecommunications initiatives, taught a variety of in-service courses, and chaired two district technology committees that developed Great Neck’s first technology plan. Marc was promoted as the district’s first Director of Technology and he cultivated one of the premier education technology programs on Long Island for more than two decades. He oversaw technology budgets, built a staffing structure, formed school technology committees, developed a Technology Academy staff development program, installed wired and wireless networks, established technology policies, launched the district’s website and social media presence, implemented dozens of educational systems, added SMART Boards to every classroom, created a district-wide 1:1 iPad Initiative, and co-chaired the district’s school reopening committee for instruction and remote education.
Marc is honored to receive an award named for former colleague Fred Podolski, Marc’s second Nassau BOCES leadership award. Ten years ago, he was named the 2010-2011 Administrator of the Year by the Nassau School Library System. He credits his accomplishments to Great Neck’s outstanding and supportive teachers, library and technology staff, building and central administrators, Board trustees, parent leaders, and community members. Marc resides in Jericho with his wife Yvonne, is the proud father of Amanda and Matthew, and is excited that the new majority owner of the New York Mets is a Great Neck Public Schools alumnus.
