Remembering Gwen Solomon: A Trailblazer in Educational Technology
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Gwen Solomon on June 1, 2025. As a distinguished contributor to Tech & Learning and a former website editor, Gwen’s influence on the educational technology landscape is undeniably significant.
Early Innovations in EdTech
Gwen’s remarkable journey began in the early days of the Internet, where she launched the Well Connected Educator website. This pioneering resource served as a vital space for educators to exchange ideas and explore innovative methods for integrating technology into their classroom practices. It was one of the first platforms designed to highlight the transformative potential of technology in education, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong commitment to the edtech field.
Joining the Tech & Learning Family
A few years after establishing Well Connected Educator, Gwen joined the Tech & Learning team. She played a crucial role in merging her site with the newly launched techlearning.com. Judy Salpeter, former editor of Tech & Learning, recalls, "Gwen’s Well Connected Educator site was a wonderful complement" to their emerging platform. Together, they co-directed the merged site, harnessing the early capabilities of the Internet to offer searchable software reviews and creative tech solutions for educators. Gwen’s boundless energy and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the innovative spirit of Tech & Learning.
Leadership and Lasting Influence
For several years, Gwen managed techlearning.com, shaping it into a leading resource for educational technology. Her contributions were vast; she edited custom websites, authored ebooks and whitepapers, and directed webinars. Most recently, she focused her writing on a well-received Grant column for Tech & Learning, providing vital insights for educators seeking funding to enhance their programs.
Gwen was recognized as a trailblazer in the edtech community, not only because of her countless contributions but also due to her deeply embedded belief in technology’s ability to enrich teaching and learning experiences. Her vision and expertise made her an invaluable part of the Tech & Learning team.
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Founding the School of the Future
Gwen’s commitment to educational innovation is perhaps best exemplified by her role as the founding director of New York City’s School of the Future, which opened in 1990. This educational institution was designed to embody the principles of modern learning environments, integrating technology seamlessly into everyday educational practices. Her foresight and leadership echoed the mission of Tech & Learning, which first began under the name Classroom Computer News a decade earlier.
A Passionate Advocate at the Department of Education
Gwen’s impact extended beyond the classroom and into larger policy-making arenas. Serving as a senior analyst in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology during the Clinton administration, she played a vital role in creating the first National Edtech Plan. Her insights and strategies paved the way for future initiatives aimed at integrating technology into educational frameworks across the nation.
Celebrating a Multi-Faceted Life
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gwen was an avid photographer. In her retirement, she channeled her creativity through her photography, gaining recognition in various art shows for her work, including her celebrated “Backstories” series. This series uniquely captured the essence of New Yorkers, prompting viewers to contemplate the narratives of the subjects she photographed.
Gwen was not just a noteworthy professional; she also cherished her personal relationships. She was a devoted wife to Stan Solomon, who predeceased her. She took immense pride in her daughter, Deborah Solomon, an accomplished economics editor at the New York Times, and enjoyed spending time with her two grandsons.
The Legacy of Connection and Community
Former colleagues and friends fondly remember Gwen as a well-respected connector and innovator in the edtech field. Her positive spirit, resilience, and multifaceted talents created lasting relationships and inspired many within the community. She loved engaging in weekly lunches, attending theater performances, visiting art exhibits, and participating in book clubs, highlighting her love for connection and learning.
As her family eloquently noted in her obituary, “Anyone who knew Gwen respected her incredible strength and resolve.” Her commitment to fostering community and collaboration in education will continue to resonate with those who were fortunate to have crossed paths with her.
A Mission That Endures
Gwen’s foundational work at Tech & Learning helped establish a mission that remains central to the organization today: advocating for educators and celebrating their achievements. Christine Weiser, Brand & Content Director at Tech & Learning, reflects, “Gwen passionately continued that mission throughout her life, and she will be missed.”
As we remember Gwen Solomon, we celebrate her life—a life dedicated to transforming education and empowering those in the field through technology. Her legacy will endure through the countless educators she inspired and the innovations she championed.
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