KATHLEEN RIVERA
Kathy is the driving force of Virtual Learning Systems, Inc., and the creator of Virtual Learning Social Studies. In her career, she has captained a team that has produced more than 1,000 Educational Professional Development programs and special k-12 curricula for public and private schools in Illinois. In addition to a number of Emmy Awards, Kathleen has a list of numerous prestigious education and industry awards.
TOM RIVERA
Tom is an expert in Strategic Planning and Development, an Emmy Award winning writer, and specializes in administration and research of curriculum development for Virtual Learning Systems. An integral part of the VLS team, Tom’s focus is keeping the VLS website interactive, along with the specialty writing of each unit. He earned his Emmy for writing and creation of the Five-Part PBS-TV series and K6-9 classroom curriculum, “Pride in Illinois.”
D. ANTONIO “DEAN” CANTU, Ph.D.
Dean is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He has served as president of the American Association for History & Computing, President of the Indiana and Missouri Councils for Social Studies, is a member of the Governing Board of the National Social Science Association, Executive Director of the Illinois Council for Social Studies.
In his 25-year career in Education, Dean also has authored 11 books and monographs.
JACK LIGA
Named one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Digital Producers” three years in a row by AV Producer Magazine, Jack’s creative vision, style and attention to digital detail has made him an internet media powerhouse over a 30 year career. His experience and focus in creating the educationally unique Virtual Learning Social Studies website shows an unmatched creative and technical ability.
JANE SERBUS
With nearly 30 years of award winning script writing experience and producing literally hundreds of educational projects, Jane brings a stellar and award-heavy background to the job of video pre-production, production and post-production for all Virtual Learning Systems projects.
Jane earned her Emmy for writing the five part PBS children’s series, “Pride in Illinois.”
JEFF PASCALE
Jeff is a veteran software developer and designer of the Virtual Learning interactive, user friendly website. His “Super Star” adaptability, creativity, and mastery of more than a dozen technical skills, allows him to solve requests and problems in addition to customizing graphics and interactive tests. Jeff is an expert in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of present day communications.
STEVE BOYER
Steve is a 25-year veteran in 3D computer graphic visualization and animation so respected in his field that he teaches animation at the University of Chicago. He is a master of 3D Modeling and architectural design and visualization. Steve’s skills are critical to the Virtual Learning Social Studies website, developing the high-end graphics that have special appeal to the K-12 classroom.