By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted July 21, 2026

Catholic school teachers will learn how to utilize artificial intelligence tools in their classrooms thanks to a new partnership with Google and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Annabel Dotzman, associate director of educational technology for grades PreK through 12 in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education (OCE), has been named one of 13 founding members of the NCEA’s Google Educator Group for Catholic Educators.

As part of the initiative, Dotzman will join other members of the group from across the country at an in-person Google AI Educator Series this summer.

They will learn how to safely and thoughtfully use Google’s AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, in their classrooms, and to build confidence using emerging technology responsibly in Catholic education.

After completing the training, the group will lead professional development within each of the six NCEA regions in the U.S., inviting teachers to benefit from the latest instructional technology and collaborate with colleagues through the NCEA.

“(Dotzman’s) ability to translate cutting-edge educational tools into practical, impactful skills for teachers is exactly what makes this partnership between NCEA and Google Educators so vital for the future of education,” said Aaron Heintz, director of technology for PreK-12 in the Office of Catholic Education.

Dotzman joined OCE’s technology team in 2017 as a Technology Integration Coach after spending eight years teaching in archdiocesan elementary schools. She is a Google Certified Trainer and Level 1 and Level 2 educator, a Google Workspace Super Administrator, and an ISTE Certified Educator.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Holy Family University. She also holds Pennsylvania certifications in elementary and technology education and has completed postgraduate studies in special education at Holy Family University.

In her new role, Dotzman will help lead professional development for Catholic educators throughout the Mideast Region of the NCEA while helping guide the organization’s work.

As a founding member of the Google group, she will support teachers as they integrate new technology and artificial intelligence into Catholic education.