We talk with Chad Johnson, Managing Partner in Cherry Tree & Associates’ investment banking practice, about the state of the edtech market and how education companies are managing the current climate. You can enjoy engaging insights into these important topics during the CEO Keynote Panel: Strategies for Leading Through Market Uncertainty at the upcoming EdExec Summit, taking place September 10-11 in Chicago.

Chad Johnson is an investment banker with a focus in education and former Manager of Business Development for PLATO Learning (now Edmentum). He’s been in the education market for 25 years, primarily helping entrepreneurs or private equity firms who are selling education companies, and suggests that the current market seems to be leveling.

“The last few years, renewals were tough, new business was challenging,” Johnson says. “There's a few companies that are doing really well—certain pockets like STEM curriculum, career and technical education—but most companies are happy just to be flat this year.”

Although Johnson sees that as an encouraging sign, he notes that the market always has been cyclical.

“Education is driven by state and local budgets primarily,” he says. “As the economy goes up and goes down, that tends to impact schools in a lag. There was so much money pumped into the system during the start of COVID that when that money went away, there was a resetting of expectations in terms of budgets for schools. We're going through a down period right now, but we fully expect eventually it will turn around. I don't think that will happen in the near term, but at least it's flattening out.”

Changes in the market aren’t just about finance, but can translate to a direct effect on the classroom experience.

“What really matters is what's going to be the impact on teachers and students,” Johnson says “The easier question to answer is how it affects the administration, because with fewer resources they're just having to make do with less.”

Budgets are smaller and enrollment continues to drop, which is also having an impact, especially on large urban districts.

“Teachers might have to handle more kids,” Johnson says. “They've got more demands put on them. There’s certainly still a problem with teacher retention. Part of what the admin is focusing on is making sure that they have enough teachers. These issues also filter down to the students. You will probably see fewer options, fewer alternatives in terms of programs that these schools are able to offer.”

To pare their edtech investments, schools have been much more focused on engagement.

“Schools are looking at who is using this product that they bought and have been paying for every year. If it's half the kids, is that good, is that bad?” Johnson says. “You can argue that there's a lot that a good teacher can do without a lot of resources. You don't necessarily need all the bright, shiny objects to teach children. The most important thing is having good teachers.”

A back-to-basics, tech backlash is gaining popularity.

“Some states with large districts are talking about limiting the amount of time that students can spend on screens,” Johnson says. “WIth these challenges in play, there’s only so much time in the day, and there's just not enough time for every edtech vendor to make an impression.”

Effects of a Down Market on Edtech Companies

“There is no doubt that there are some great products out there that are just having a much harder time getting face time with the schools, getting implemented, making the sale because of the market pressure,” Johnson says. “They just are not in as strong a position as companies with more resources to have those conversations with decision-makers and with educators. That's bound to happen in a down market, which is unfortunate.”

While this could hinder smaller companies or startups, it’s a natural result of tougher competition.

“At the same time, let’s bring the taxpayers into the room,” Johnson says. “From their standpoint, have there been solutions that were purchased and never implemented or poorly implemented so only a very small subset of the intended population is actually using it.”

Schools are thinking outside the budget-box to save the programs of which they are passionate and in which they believe, such as high-impact tutoring.

“It's one of these things that you can do with kids to have a markedly positive impact,” Johnson says. “But it’s not part of the main core budget of schools. You have to come up with additional money for it. Some places are getting creative, applying for grants or even getting nonprofits (or in some cases for-profits) to sponsor elements.”

4 Pieces of Actionable Advice to Weather a Flattened or Downturn Market

Johnson offers advice to navigate the current edtech market.

Do an audit of the tech you already have. Look for any underused elements within existing tech that could work to replace programs being phased out. Analyze how many students are being served by the program, and whether additional professional development could aid educators in finding greater value for their classrooms.

Focus on what schools need. It sounds basic, but at the end of the day, delivering an engaging solution that really works and helps kids—which teachers find useful and administrators find they can talk positively to parents about—that’s what is going to make it through this downturn and come out on the other side in a much stronger position.

Strengthen your relationship with your schools. Spend the time to check in with your customers, make sure that they're getting what they need. Blocking and tackling is really important. Some companies are growing through this market. If you’ve got the right solution at the right time, take advantage of that. Not everyone is in a position where they can easily invest in that kind of time to make sure they are giving their customers everything that they need, but you have to try to do so.

Get in front of the stakeholders. Prioritize customer conferences—the ISTEs and FETCs of the world—even if attendance has been down at those conferences as a natural reflection of budget tightening. Whatever you can do to get in front of customers and teachers is the smart thing to do right now.

What to Expect From CEO Keynote Panel: Strategies for Leading Through Market Uncertainty

EdExec Summit panelists joining Johnson offer a broad spectrum of unique perspectives on the market. Johnson will speak about how the market's doing both from a business standpoint as well as his role as an M&A advisor in the capital markets. One panel member is an investor in a private equity firm that focuses on education and owns a number of companies in different market segments. Another is a sales and marketing pro who advises education companies. One panelist is the head of product for a very large education assessment and curriculum company, who sells nationwide to both small and large districts. This talk will offer curated insight aimed at CEOs, senior executives, owners of education businesses, as well as superintendents and school administration heads.

We talk with Nate Lichte, VP of K-12 Solutions and COO of Lebra, about the challenges of retaining top talents in school leadership and the classroom. You can enjoy engaging insights into these important topics during Lichte’s presentation at the upcoming EdExec Summit, taking place September 10-11 in Chicago.

“I've always had a passion for leadership,” Nate Lichte says. “My mom was an eighth grade teacher. Growing up I didn't get the traditional bedtime superheroes and fairy tales, I got leadership fables."

Like most fables, Lichte’s path wasn’t a simple or straight one, but it resulted in a lesson learned he brings into his work everyday.

“I got into education because I struggled with my own educational journey, so I wanted to make an impact for educators and their students,” he says. “I started in higher ed working directly with college students, which eventually led to K12. I even worked with juvenile justice and corrections education programs. I’ve been spending the last seven years with school superintendents within a company whose core product helped leaders to better connect with their employees to build a culture of belonging and ensure that the employee feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow.”

Lichte says the education sector is extremely unique, and presents difficult challenges for school leaders, who are under tremendous pressure. Every district is distinct, but most are facing the same challenges when it comes to staffing.

“Right now a lot of districts are talking about recruitment because we're dealing with this shortage of teachers,” he says. “The immediate thought is, ‘Let's go get more teachers.’ We're not talking enough about retention. It's far less expensive and far more impactful to create an environment where the best people choose to stay. At the end of the day, the best people want to work for someone that genuinely cares about them.”

Determining what matters most to the brightest stars in your school’s universe is key to keeping them.

“Teachers are not in a role for the compensation,” Lichte says. “The reason people stay is because they have great leadership. They have purpose. They have opportunity to grow. There's trust. There's flexibility. There's an authentic relationship that's built between them, the leadership, and the entire organization. That's what sets a high-performing organization, whether it's a K12 school district or any other industry.”

Just knowing what your staff needs is the first step. For Lichte, this isn’t about selling a product, but selling a culture that can make life better for all the stakeholders.

“Culture isn't something you can write on a wall,” he says. “Culture isn't something that happens because you throw a building a pizza party or order a snack cart on Teacher Appreciation Day. Those small things are great and may lead to a positive culture, but nine times out of ten, that's not what builds a healthy culture of belonging. What builds a strong culture of belonging is small intentional actions. It's conversations, it's feedback, it's recognition, all of those small things that happen in seconds in the day that build trust and relationships.”

Becoming the GOAT of Joy and Belonging Might Take a Few Llamas

“Culture starts from the top down,” says Lichte. “It doesn't matter whether we're working with K-12 districts, hospitals with 20,000 employees, or a private organization with 6,000. We have to start with the CEO or the superintendent of that organization. If you as the head of that organization do not believe — or don’t take the intentional actions that it takes to build a culture of belonging, it’s going to be an uphill battle.”

Small daily actions, such as noting someone’s birthday, might seem simplistic or something that wouldn’t move the needle on culture.

“When you're the superintendent of an organization and you send a personal email birthday message to an individual, it has meaningful impact,” Lichte suggests. “A superintendent in Illinois sent a last-minute birthday message to an individual in his district. The gentleman responded that he didn't know that the superintendent knew it was his birthday, and was furthermore surprised that he took the time just to wish him a happy birthday, because he's the superintendent leading this big district. His final sentence? Sometimes, being a janitor I feel at the bottom, but today — I feel at the top.”

This made such an impact on the superintendent, the district adopted a bigger recognition of birthdays and milestones across the organization. Doors were decorated, and joy and a sense of belonging was spread.

“These are the moments that matter,” Lichte says. “That individual employee will stay retained and engaged in his role because of this one small email and then everything else that the district has done to kind of change their philosophy. That's when employees feel trusted, valued. They're inspired to grow, regardless of what position they hold.”

Lichte insists this conversation should not be about recruitment, because recruitment will come when you create an environment of joy with a culture of belonging. If that’s what you lean on you are focusing on the wrong piece of the puzzle.

“The challenge for superintendents is that right now is a heavy politically-charged environment,” he says. “They have budget constraints and reins tightened to the greatest degree they've ever experienced.”

Lichte says small intentional acts and inspiration matters. He cites Dr. George Philhower, Eastern Hancock Community Schools superintendent in Greenfield, Indiana, who has four key tenets, starting with joy.

“He wants every single individual to experience joy and that joy is exhibited not only when the kids are getting educated, but when employees and teachers feel like they're part of the school,” says Lichte. “It takes intentional work. You cannot do it on Fridays and special occasions, you as a leader have to do it every single day. If you're bleeding talent, it's because people don't believe; one, in you as the leader, or two, because your core tenets are in misalignment with what they want.”

This philosophy has attracted such a stir that 300 teachers from around the country come to Philhower’s annual Joy Jam educators’ conference. To be fair, this is the same man who sent a local farmer in uniform riding a horse past a history classroom yelling, “The British are coming!”

So how does joy express itself in Greenfield, Indiana?

Says Lichte: “The best way I can sum up that conference is as I'm walking down to the main session, George passes me and says, ‘Have you seen a goat? We've lost the goat.’ The next thing I heard was his voice calling down the hall, ‘The llamas are slipping on the floor. We need a tarp for the llamas!’ Because this conference brought in everything that exhibits joy. This is why George doesn’t have a recruitment problem.”

3 Takeaways To Gain From Nate Lichte’s EdExec Summit Presentation

Culture is not a pizza party. Leadership is building a high-performing organization around a culture of belonging, built on a foundation of connection. You can’t have one without the other.

Start from the ground up. Learn from the good work already taking place, such as the birthday note example. Sharing best practices starts a conversation to spark ideas. Other creative things are happening organically in districts.

Create environments that people don't wanna leave. You can't just do it on Tuesdays and Fridays or because it feels like the right thing to do. You have to block your calendar 5-10 minutes every day and go find someone to make feel seen. If you're not giving this culture the same intention that you give your budget, then you're missing the mark.

The insights from a recent Ed-Tech Leadership Collective Briefing paint a clear picture: the traditional playbook for marketing to school districts is obsolete. Today’s educational leaders are navigating a perfect storm of tightening budgets, expiring stimulus funds, and an unprecedented volume of vendor outreach.

The Briefing, co-hosted by Tech & Learning, featured two speakers from T&L’s EdExec Summit, taking place in Chicago on September 10-11. The discussion offered a sneak peek into the kinds of conversations expected to take place at this event for education executives.

Collin Earnst, Founder and Managing Partner at the Ed-tech Leadership Collective, spoke with Trina Reeves (Director of STEM and Innovation at Clayton County Schools, GA) and Joe Ayala (Director of Information Technology at Santa Clara USD, CA), to hear their candid feedback to education companies looking to market to them.

Below are the insights education companies can use to evolve their marketing and sales strategies and build lasting partnerships with schools.

The New Era of Budget Scrutiny and ROI

The days of easily accessible ESSER funds are gone. Districts are now managing the realities of inflation, cost escalators, and, in many cases, staff reductions.

Consequently, the scrutiny placed on spending has never been higher. Superintendents and school boards are demanding concrete proof of a product’s Return on Investment (ROI).

"One thing that is being asked more than ever is, ‘Is your product actually making a difference?’” Ayala said. “From the superintendent level to the board members, I've been asked more about ROI than I have in my entire career over the last six months."

Trina Reaves echoed this reality, noting that shifting leadership brings intense new focus on metrics. Sharing a recent conversation with her new superintendent, she detailed his strict mandate: "’I want to see the data, I want to see usage. I want to compare it to scores, how the students are performing.’ He says if it's not making a difference, it's going to go."

To market effectively in this environment, vendors must proactively assist district leaders in proving this value. Enter conversations armed with data, usage metrics, and a clear understanding of the district’s specific strategic plan and needs. Don’t put the burden of justifying a product's cost on the district.

Cutting Through the Vendor Noise

District leaders are inundated with sales pitches. With some administrators receiving upward of 200 calls per day and countless emails, the push for a "quick win" or an immediate long-term contract can permanently damage a relationship.

"I've actually fired quite a few vendors,” said Ayala. “If they went really hard on the first sale, I'm like, ‘Okay, I'll give you one sale, but we're not going to form a partnership. You got that one PO from me, but you're not going to get any more POs.’”

To break through the noise, education companies must pivot to a value-first, relationship-based approach:

▶Go slow to go fast: Building a genuine partnership can sometimes take years. Rushing a district into a long-term commitment before they have secured funding or proven the concept through a pilot will likely burn bridges.

▶Show up without an ask: Support district events, attend regional STEM collaboratives, and send check-in emails that offer value rather than a sales pitch.

▶Respect the chain of command: If an initial pilot or conversation is moving slowly, do not bypass your primary contact to pitch directly to the superintendent or principal. This is a surefire way to get blacklisted.

When you do earn that trust, the loyalty is profound. "Once you're my partner, we're partners and 10 toes down for you all the time," Reaves said. "When I think of something, I'm calling you. When I need something, I'm calling you."

Flexibility in Pricing and Implementation

Rigidity in software licensing is a major friction point for modern districts. If a tool is primarily utilized by a specific subset of teachers, vendors should not force a district-wide site license.

"There is no way I should pay for 5,000 licenses, and only 100 kids are using it,” Reaves said. “If those 100 kids are doing great but we’re spending $2 million, that's a problem."

When budgets are tight, vendors who adapt their pricing and packaging to match actual usage will retain clients. Furthermore, successful implementation requires ongoing PD. Because teacher turnover is high, Reaves suggests packaging PD deeply into the adoption rather than treating it as a massive, recurring separate line item that eats into a district's limited PD budget.

Standardizing and Sharing Meaningful Data

You cannot prove ROI without accurate data, yet many edtech platforms make data extraction unnecessarily difficult. Beautiful, high-level presentation dashboards are nice, but district IT leaders need raw, exportable data to integrate with their own internal systems.

"I think the next iteration of edtech is developing some data standards of reporting data back,” said Ayala. “One easy thing that you do is make sure the usage data is easily exported."

Vendors must collaborate with districts to define what constitutes an “active user.” Is it one login per month, or five interactive sessions per week? By establishing shared metrics and making data sharing agreements seamless, vendors empower district leaders to confidently defend the product to their school boards.

The Ed-Tech Vendor Playbook: Do's and Don'ts

The Bottom Line

Marketing to K-12 educators today requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to adapt. Vendors who listen to a district's financial constraints, respect their time, and prioritize slow, authentic relationship-building will ultimately thrive.

As the conversation with Reaves and Ayala makes clear: once you prove your value and earn the title of a true "partner," district leaders will advocate fiercely for your continued presence in their schools.

To build a winning strategy for the post-stimulus education market, join us at Tech & Learning's EdExec Summit on September 10-11 in Chicago. Featuring tailored tracks for every functional leader, each session is co-facilitated by a district buyer—providing exclusive, direct insights to help you craft an actionable business plan.

Education budgets are tightening, screen-time debates are intensifying, and AI has dominated every industry headline. How can today’s education companies break through the noise?

One word: relationships. As in humans talking to humans. And listening to humans. In a crowded marketplace, the vendors who survive and thrive are those who stop pitching and start partnering.

This theme is at the heart of Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit, taking place in Chicago September 10-11. While the agenda will focus on the key components of developing a strategic plan–including sales, marketing, research, and compliance–what makes this event different is the opportunity for education company executives to have deep conversations with their buyers and create meaningful relationships.

To offer a sneak peek into these conversations, Tech & Learning has partnered with the Ed-Tech Leadership Collective to present an Industry Briefing that will explore how current market pressures are fundamentally reshaping how districts choose—and stay with—their vendors.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM ET
• Registration Link: Secure Your Virtual Seat Here

What You Will Learn

By attending this briefing, education executives will gain actionable insights on how to align their strategies with district realities:

• Understanding District Priorities: Discover how current district challenges directly shape their buying decisions and partnership expectations.
• The Relationship Pivot: Learn how to transition your sales approach from cold, transactional outreach to value-driven, relationship-focused engagement.
• Network Maximization: Strategies to leverage your current district successes to build organic exposure across peer networks.
• Pilot Programs with Purpose: How to structure pilots that deliver clear ROI and cultivate long-term partnerships rather than forcing a heavy, upfront investment.
• Flexible Commercial Models: Creative ways to think about pricing, packaging, and budget alignment in a tight economy.
• Proving Impact: Why vendors must demonstrate measurable, high-quality outcomes rather than superficial engagement metrics to retain district business.

Featured Speakers

Hear directly from the leaders who make the purchasing decisions:

• Joe Ayala | Director of Information Technology, Santa Clara Unified School District, CA
• Trina Reaves | Director of STEM and Innovation, Clayton County Schools, GA

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR NOW

Join us for this conversation on June 16 to learn how your company can become an indispensable district partner, and in Chicago on September 10-11 for the Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit to meet one-on-one with buyers and put those relationship-building strategies into practice.

• Navigating the ESSER Cliff: Why Education Company Leaders are Heading to the 2026 EdExec Summit

The K-12 education market has reached a critical inflection point. As the ESSER cliff shifts from a looming threat to a present reality, the easy money of the stimulus era has vanished. For edtech companies, the fundamental question has changed: How do we drive growth when the budget rules have been rewritten?

Now in its fourth year, Tech & Learning’s annual EdExec Summit heads to The Old Post Office in Chicago on September 10–11, 2026. This isn't a sprawling convention, but a curated, high-level strategic exchange designed specifically for the executives and functional leaders who must navigate this new landscape.

“No other event compares to the Tech & Learning EdExec Summit,” says 2025 attendee Allison Maudlin. “The intimate setting created space for real, candid conversations about the business of education, and the sessions provided the kind of depth and insight that most conferences overlook."

If you are responsible for the long-term health and scalability of an education company, here is why the 2026 Summit is an essential addition to your calendar.

Decoding the Post-Stimulus Economy

The era of rapid-fire spending is over. District leaders are now forced to justify every dollar through the lens of efficacy and essentiality. The 2026 agenda is built around a practical Executive Playbook to help you survive this scrutiny.

The session “State of the Education Market: What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond” provides a 360-degree view of an $800B+ market in transition. You won't just hear about funding; you’ll learn how to navigate the shift toward a skills-based economy and career-connected learning—the two primary drivers currently reshaping district priorities.

Direct Intelligence: The Modern Buyer Persona

The Summit’s most valuable feature is the removal of the barrier between vendor and customer. Every session is co-facilitated by district administrators, ensuring you receive candid, real-time feedback. Each day concludes with a panel of district administrators who share their reflections on the day’s conversations and explicitly state what they need most from their vendor partners.

Tracks for Functional Leaders

Success in 2026 requires total alignment across your leadership, sales, marketing, and product teams. The EdExec Summit is engineered to develop your entire bench of functional leaders through table discussions co-facilitated by district administrators and industry veterans. Key focus areas include:

• The Complex District Sales Cycle: Navigating longer procurement timelines.
• Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI Governance: Moving beyond simple compliance.
• Product Market Fit: Meeting the "Evidence" imperative.
• Marketing Trends: Breaking through the noise in a saturated market.
• From Pilot to Enterprise: Strategies for usage, retention, and expansion.

The AI Paradigm Shift: Hype vs. Market Reality

For an executive, the AI gold rush presents a dangerous fork in the road: Do you pivot your entire roadmap toward Generative AI, or do you wait for the dust to settle?

The session “The AI Paradigm Shift: Hype vs. Market Reality” separates VC-driven buzz from classroom reality. Our panel of experts will explore whether districts are actually shifting budgets toward AI tools or if they are blocking these due to privacy and safety concerns. You will leave with an understanding of where the actual revenue opportunities lie, ensuring your R&D investment is grounded in market demand.

Moving from Pilot to Enterprise

Perhaps the greatest friction point for edtech today is "pilot purgatory." Many companies have products in thousands of classrooms but struggle to convert those footprints into sustainable, district-wide contracts.

The Summit tackles this head-on with sessions such as “From Pilot to Enterprise Adoption” and “Creating Outcomes-Based Contracts.” In an era of skepticism, you will learn how to translate complex academic data into high-impact narratives that convince superintendents your tool is "un-swappable" during budget cuts.

Turning Compliance into a Competitive Advantage

Privacy and cybersecurity are often viewed by sales teams as hurdles. We reframe them as strategic advantages. Through sessions such as “Trust as a Brand Anchor” and “The Third-Party Data Leak,” executives will learn how to lead their teams toward “Privacy by Design.” By the end of the event, you will know how to position your company as the safe choice in a market increasingly wary of "Techlash."

The Bottom Line

The EdExec Summit is timed perfectly for September 10–11—just as the back-to-school season provides its first set of real-world data and before the primary planning cycle for the next fiscal year begins. Attendees will leave Chicago with a roadmap for leading through uncertainty.

“As both a sponsor and speaker, I left with new and growing relationships, validation of our market approach, and intelligently informed insights that will shape our strategy,” writes Trevor Minton, CXO of Openfield. “The EdExec Summit truly delivers on connecting EdTech companies with the decision-makers who matter.”

Ready to join the conversation? Visit tledexecsummit.com to view the full speaker lineup and register today.

Staying current on federal funding for schools can be a bit like a game of whack-a-mole, with confusing updates being announced seemingly weekly. Reg Leichty, Founding Partner of Foresight Law & Policy, a firm that helps translate complex education policy and funding developments into actionable strategies, shared his insight on the state of the funding union at the recent Tech & Learning Ed Exec Summit.

Here is an overview of the current and future education policy and funding landscape as of August 19, 2025, including budget impacts, legislative outlooks, and implications for education technology companies.

Federal Education Funding and Policy

Leichty noted that while federal education funding and policy debates will likely be tumultuous in the near future, overall, directly appropriated federal spending for programs authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is not likely to decline significantly. Modest, new opportunities may be available for edtech, particularly in areas such as AI, career and technical education (CTE), and workforce education, but companies will have to actively seek out these.

Leichty also emphasized that taking the time to understand the education policy landscape—at the federal, state, and local levels—can powerfully inform business and school district planning. Becoming an advocate for public education and edtech is one way to learn more about policy and make a difference for students. To stay informed, you can:

• Subscribe to federal education policy updates and newsletters from organizations, such as Foresight, which publishes a weekly update, that cover education politics and policy.
• Follow legislative updates from professional associations and advocacy groups.
• Regularly check the websites of the U.S. Department of Education and state-level education agencies.
• Stay connected with education journalists and policy experts on platforms such as LinkedIn for real-time developments.

Key Legislative and Funding Highlights

Leichty's presentation detailed several key areas with significant implications for schools and their partners:

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA/P.L.119-21): This act includes an estimated $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, which could cause significant local budget strain. For edtech, this might lead to a slowdown or delay in special education and assistive technology purchases. The act also launches private school tax credits in January 2027, which could expand the demand for services such as tutoring, online learning, and supplemental services.

FY25 Funding Delays: A delay in releasing nearly $7 billion in frozen state and district grants for FY25, which was later lifted by the Trump administration, caused significant disruption, including contract cancellations and staff layoffs. To prepare for future delays, companies should maintain flexible timelines and diversify customer funding sources.

FY26 Federal Education Appropriations: A Senate committee bill maintained about $79 billion in funding for FY26, rejecting a requested White House cut of 15.6%. While core formula programs such as ESSA Title I and IDEA, state grants are expected to be stable, competitive grants may see reductions. A government shutdown on October 1 is possible due to the political difficulty of completing the budget process.

Children's Privacy Legislation: Leichty outlined two key bills:

• Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA/S.1748): This act would impose a "duty of care" on online platforms likely to be used by minors to mitigate harm. Products with social features may need new safety tools and parental controls, and covered entities may need to revise contracts with local education agencies (LEAs).
• Children & Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0/S.836): This bill would extend privacy protections to individuals under 17, ban targeted ads to kids and teens, and require an "eraser button" for data deletion. This could lead to limitations on ad-revenue models and require new consent workflows.

E-rate and Cybersecurity: A Supreme Court decision in June 2025 upheld the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, which provides ongoing support for E-rate. This ensures stability for federal broadband funding for schools for now. Leichty also mentioned a new $200 million cybersecurity pilot program that may inform the modernization of E-rate's eligible cybersecurity investments.

Trump Administration AI Initiatives: The White House's interest in AI and education is evident in several executive orders and action plans. While no new dedicated funding for AI exists, this interest may help preserve tech-related funds like ESSA Title IV and E-rate. Ed tech companies are advised to let this focus inform their sales strategies.

In a complex and often unpredictable environment, Leichty's presentation provided a clear guide for navigating the intersection of policy and education. The key takeaways for schools and their partners are the expectation of stable core federal funding, potential state and local budget stress from Medicaid and SNAP cuts, the emergence of a new market due to private school scholarships, the necessity of new compliance measures for children's privacy, and the strategic importance of aligning with the White House's focus on AI and workforce development. By staying informed and proactive, education leaders and technology providers can adapt to these changes and continue to support students effectively.

• When Educators Talk, You Should Listen: A Report from the EdExec Summit
• Building Bridges, Not Walls: Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit Report

At this year's Tech & Learning EdExec Summit, our mission was to make sure the customer's voice was heard. We believe that when teachers and district leaders speak, you should listen.

District leaders didn't hold back. They shared their unfiltered realities, not to be unkind, but to help company executives understand what it takes to build long-term partnerships.

Here are some of the key takeaways from those conversations.

Funding in Flux

Of course, federal funding cuts were a hot topic, but the mood among district leaders was surprisingly optimistic. Our industry has weathered pandemics and economic downturns, and this new challenge can be another opportunity for innovation.

According to Joe Phillips, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Fulton County Schools in Georgia, "Losing funds is actually making collaboration more possible. We have more room to innovate and become more efficient at the district level." He noted that their goal is to move past the hype of AI and focus on practical applications of technology within the district.

Dana Bedden, Executive Director and CEO of Village Charter School in New Jersey, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a different mindset. "I need to focus on: where do I get the biggest bang for the buck? Are we getting the ROI on our investments?" He pointed to solutions such as ClassLink, which provide metrics on usage and investment return. His advice to companies: "If you make a sale but don't help implement the product, you’ll be out of a job."

From Vendor to Partner

A dominant theme throughout the summit was the need for companies to transition from being simple vendors to being true partners. This means building a relationship that extends far beyond the initial sale.

Ijeoma Johnson, Instructional Technology Coordinator at Newton County Schools in Georgia, offered a powerful tip for longevity: "Products that are integrated into instruction are harder to eliminate."

Other educators shared specific advice:

• Jennifer Hall, Digital Learning Specialist at Atlanta Public Schools, advised, “Focus on the task, not the tool.”
• Mike Afdahl, Coordinator of Technology Services at Northwest Georgia RESA, emphasized that companies "have to show the efficacy of their products."
• Terri Webb, Manager III of Instructional Technology at Georgia’s DeKalb County School District, urged companies to "have a roadmap that outlines what the district partnership is." She noted that companies need to “forward-think” this plan and anticipate future needs such as tech refreshes.
• Dana Bedden stressed the importance of trust: "If you rush to make a sale, you're going to lose me. If you say you’re going to do something, you need to put this in the contract.”
• Andrea Wright, District STEM Coordinator at DeKalb County School District, encouraged a student-centered approach, saying, "Reiterate the partnership. Come to career day. Judge the science fair. Think about the whole child."
• Ashley Barnett, Instructional Technology Specialist at DeKalb County School District, added, "Keep the students first when you're marketing. How are you personalizing your product for the specific district needs?"

“If the sales person I built a relationship with walks away after the sale and hands us over to a customer service rep I’ve never met, that’s insulting,” said Newton County Schools’ Jennifer Williams.

Williams highlighted the difference between a “vendor” and a “partner” with a powerful example. After YouTube blocked access for users under 18, her inbox was flooded with teacher and parent emails. While this issue had nothing to do with their products, companies such as Instructure and Nearpod reached out proactively to provide solutions. Williams praised the companies for noticing that she needed help, and providing it – without being asked and adding one more thing to her plate.

How to Connect with Educators

Since 55% of respondents in a recent Tech & Learning survey said they learn about products from teachers and peers, building a strong reputation across the district is crucial. District leaders at the summit shared how they discover new technology:

• Krynica Drake, Digital Learning Specialist at Atlanta Public Schools, mentioned conferences and talking to other districts as her preferred methods.
• Brandy Washington, District Special Education Director at Houston ISD, said she learns about new tech from "Education Service Centers and, believe it or not, TikTok — people are honest there."
• Jennifer Hall said she talks to "teachers, librarians, and principals to see what gaps they have that I need to fill."

Actionable Sales Tips from Educators

Beyond making a great product, the educators at the EdExec Summit provided clear advice on what makes a successful sales approach.

• Be a long-term partner. "If you aren't showing up after the transaction, consider it a one-time sale,” said Joe Phillips.
• Keep students at the forefront. Krynica Drake urged companies to remember "that there are students that are beyond the contract," to which Jennifer Hall added, "We get the sales part, but everything educators do is for students, so keeping it student centered is key.”
• Involve educators in your outreach. "Don't pigeonhole educators into customer success," advised Brandy Washington.
• Provide a meaningful pilot program. Terri Webb said, "Vendors often lead with the cost per student, but we need to know if your product benefits the students." She stressed that a 6-month pilot is not enough time to collect the data they need, and to instead, "think of this relationship as 'partnerships.' We’re helping you improve your product."
• Be patient. Dana Bedden reminded vendors that purchasing cycles in education are long. "I’m willing to take strategic risks, but I am more guarded now," he said. "People who come to us late to the budget cycle need to understand: we might buy, but we have to wait."

In a separate discussion, Keith Osburn, Chief Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Technology Services for the Georgia Department of Education, noted a critical observation: many vendors, especially startups, are unaware of organizations that drive data standardization and interoperability in K–12 education, such as the Ed-Fi Alliance and 1EdTech. Understanding these standards, he said, "translates into more efficient build/coding, a reduction in project build times, and certainly helps answer the need for ensuring efficacy of their products."

The Power of Leadership

In the end, whether you are a district or industry leader, success comes down to good leadership.

“A great leader is defined when the leader is not in the room,” says Terri Webb. “If your tool is a great tool, what does it look like when you’re not there?” She also applies this philosophy to leading her district team. “I love to be in the background to watch my team grow and ‘lead in the space in which you are given’. Go in and find the silver linings. Pull out the greatness in your people.”

I saw this philosophy in practice at the EdExec Summit by the attendees: they listened, they asked questions, and they reflected on the wisdom shared throughout the conference.

“The setting and size of the conference was ideal for really getting to know people,” Derek Luebbe of HuddleUp Learning said. “I loved the diversity of profiles to help us look at issues through various roles in the room. It takes this sort of dialogue to build shared understanding.

Want to learn more? Find other conference highlights and photos on the Tech & Learning EdExec Summit website and be sure to sign up for news about the 2026 EdExec Summit.

If you’ve ever planned a big event – whether it’s a conference or Uncle Bob’s surprise 75th birthday party – you likely know about “pre-party anxiety”. Will the weather cooperate? Will the shipments arrive on time? Will guests enjoy themselves?

So when the first person I saw at this week’s EdExec Summit was Taito Learning’s Anssi Valiaho, fresh off a 22-hour flight from Finland, walking down the hall with an infectious smile and a gift of Finnish chocolates, I immediately felt better. This warm greeting was the perfect kick off to our program that would focus on ways district and industry professionals can work as a community to build bridges in education, no matter the distance.

When registration opened, this trend continued as the hallway filled with warm smiles and hugs. The attendees included industry veterans, startup founders, district leaders, policy experts, consultants, and investors. As Digital Promise’s Courtney Teague noted on LinkedIn, "People walked in and you would have believed a 'hug' was the entry fee."

A Common Purpose: Building Bridges, Not Walls

The EdExec Summit opened with an interactive activity led by event co-producer, Jim McVety of First Step Advisors. He asked attendees to form groups, draw a circle, and then find one single keyword that could drive meaningful change in education. This wasn't as easy as it sounds. As McVety shared on LinkedIn, participants had to let their guard down, share individual perspectives, and build a consensus around a single word.

Teams then shared their personal roles and how they could help actualize the power of their chosen keyword. The energy in the room was buzzing with creativity, compassion, and care. As McVety observed, "Imagine a room where everyone had a seat at the table and everyone had a voice. Superintendents. CEOs. Consultants ... Everyone."

It was a true reflection of the summit’s purpose: to create a space where everyone’s voice matters.

After the activity, we moved on to the opening keynote, "Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Dialogue on the Soul of the Education Economy." The powerhouse panel, brilliantly moderated by McVety, featured Liz Crawford of Kahoot!, Kendall Latham of Lenovo, Brandy Washington of Houston ISD, Jihan Johnston-McGlotten, founder of BeatBotics, and Keith Osburn, Dept Superintendent for Technology Services/CIO at the Georgia Department of Education

“We’re all going to be all right,” Crawford said during the discussion. “We’ve seen the market ebb and flow over the decades of new technology, changes in federal programs, and budget cuts. We can keep calm and carry on, even in the current environment, if we stay focused on student success and outcomes and remember that there is still joy in learning.”

As an expert who has held leadership roles in Intel, Apple, HP, and more, this woman knows her stuff. I felt a collective lowering of blood pressure in the room when she shared these words.

Insights and Takeaways

Here are some valuable insights shared by the panelists and attendees throughout the summit:

Lead with Empathy, Not "Shiny Objects:" Kendall Latham of Lenovo emphasized the importance of compassion. "We need to lead with empathy. Now that students have devices in hand, we need to focus on how we drive impact on learning." Brandy Washington from Houston ISD echoed this, urging edtech partners to, "Lean into districts’ emotional intelligence. Read the room. Know the political state of the campus." She stressed that districts want partners who understand their systems and come prepared for the conversation.

Focus on Efficacy and Impact: Keith Osburn, whose new book Epochs in Education is coming out soon, raised a critical question: "If I have a dollar to spend, should I buy a bus or a PC? How do we know that the money we spend will have an impact?" He stressed that providing product efficacy is more crucial than ever, especially in a post-COVID environment.

Inclusivity and Equity Are Non-Negotiable: The panel didn't shy away from deeper questions about supporting inclusion and equity. Crawford stated, "We're going to keep doing the work around inclusivity in education." Latham pointed out the continued underrepresentation of certain groups in leadership roles. "Most IT staff are still white males. We need to encourage more women to explore leadership positions in tech." Gamification and other non-traditional instructional methods can boost engagement for all students. As Johnston-McGlotten noted, "Gamification is a good pathway for inclusivity and skill development." She explained that teachers are seeking creative ways to engage students, not just to teach them, but to also "give them confidence."

Washington offered up a keen insight on the dynamics of education and how our shared mission will always stay intact, no matter the political or cultural shifts, sharing, “Even if the language changes, the work remains the same.” In subsequent sessions, more than one speaker openly reflected on the power of this statement.

Partners, Not Vendors: A recurring theme throughout the EdExec Summit was the desire for genuine partnerships. As Renew K12’s Lindy Hockenbary noted, "I heard over and over from the district educators that they want a PARTNER, not a vendor." She cited “some major mic drops” from Dr. Jennifer Williams, a director of instructional technology at Newton County Schools, who delivered a "masterclass" when talking about how her district makes purchasing decisions:

► Compliance and data privacy are the STOPPING POINT: If you aren't compliant, the conversation ends there. If you say anything about keeping student data, we are not going to buy.

► Integration: We are not doing anything manually. Your product must have SIS, LMS and/or SSO integration.

► Implementation: A clear, year-long implementation plan with skilled customer success managers is a non-negotiable.

► Educators talk. One failed implementation doesn't just lose you a district; it impacts your reputation across neighboring districts.

Consultant Allison Maudlin shared a few more helpful tidbits from the conference on LinkedIn:

► Don't overwhelm the district leaders with jargon and features. Just tell them three ways you can help grounded in your research about their priorities.

► Usability is the #1 priority. Do your products work "as seen on TV"? A product filled with broken promises causes more harm than good.

► Don't go after the titles or district every one is trying to get. There are plenty of fish in the sea that are not getting attention or resources. For early-stage orgs, start there.

► (This one is a little spicy) Districts expect product pilots to be free. Plan accordingly.

Building Bridges Through Community

“This wasn’t just another conference…it’s part of a movement,” said Houston ISD’s Brandy Washington. "I walked away with more than connections. I left with clarity, community, and conviction."

Openfield’s Trevor Minton said the EdExec Summit “is proving to be my favorite conference of the year,” noting: “The tone of this conference is unlike any others that I attend. Every interaction is a full-on, meaningful conversation, with people who are universally positive, helpful and direct in their pursuit of what they care about.”

Elizabeth Sims, VP of Literacy & Partnerships at Footsteps2Brilliance, shared a similar sentiment, highlighting that true partnership is about "rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and showing up for the marathon—not just the sprint."

The powerful narrative woven throughout the week, from the speakers to the hallway conversations, left attendees feeling hopeful.

“I left the Summit more optimistic about the industry and the impact of uncertainty on schools than when I arrived,” said Annie Teich, consultant and Tech & Learning contributor.

So did I. Of course, we will continue to face bumpy roads ahead. But knowing that we have a united education community—people committed to building bridges, not walls—gives me hope.

A special thanks to our partners who made this conversation possible:

Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO of AI for Education and founder of the Women in AI Education Community, says it’s critical to provide professional learning opportunities for AI, otherwise educators will have to do it on their own or risk using it in a way that is not meaningful or could even be dishonest. Districts also need to have responsible guidelines in place that feature promoting AI literacy.

“We think a literacy plan is very important, so at the EdExec Summit I'll be talking about what we've seen through our work with districts around the country—what's working and how to get started,” Bickerstaff says. “It's really important to give people strategies, but also ground those through lived experience.”

As noted, Bickerstaff will be speaking about AI at Tech & Learning’s upcoming EdExec Summit.

Bickerstaff shares her thoughts about the importance of representation as a tool to overcome gender disparities in AI use and the urgency to prepare for the future, sharing four tips to plan for successful AI adoption.

Women in AI Education

Bickerstaff founded the Women in AI Education Community in 2023 after realizing she was one of the few female voices getting attention in AI education. And it has grown rapidly.

“We are a community of 2,000 women across 23 time zones that are focused on AI and education,” Bickerstaff says. “We do virtual programming every month. We have a Slack channel that's really vibrant, where people create research together and share a lot of really amazing opportunities. The ultimate goal is that we want no gatekeeping. It’s very important for people to be able to easily find us.”

Conversation is a great way to build connections in the AI space.

“There's no reason that it should be me, so I created a space for people to share,” Bickerstaff says. “People self-nominate to talk about the work they do in their communities. We had nearly 100 women share stories about how they were impacting AI and education in their own communities across the world.”

Bickerstaff says AI is making for a sea change in education that is going to require everyone working together.

“Responsible AI adoption is only going to work if it's a team effort,” she says. “It’s not going to require leaders and policymakers, but the people doing the work—students, families, communities. It's also going to happen very quickly. This is why the luminary education community or the work we do is so important.”

It is natural to see some sense of apprehension about unfamiliar tech and its ramifications.

“For many, it's easier to see the risks, especially in student use,” Bickerstaff says. “However, with AI literacy and responsible tooling everyone can use these tools better and more judiciously and better. Equipping people with AI literacy helps them figure out what the value is and what it can offer them. We really believe that AI literacy should be a much larger focus than it is.”

Representation Matters

An important reality is a gender disparity in AI usage.

“It appears to be around 20% difference between men and women professionals, even in education, adopting these tools,” says Bickerstaff. “It's absolutely important to continue to push adoption and professional development and opportunities. Representation is really important for young girls.”

Giving young women the opportunity to see themselves in AI professionals, and those professionals in a positive light, is another plus of the Women in AI Education Community.

“Generative AI is being blocked pretty significantly and has such a negative connotation in schools that part of the reason young women potentially could be avoiding it is because it could be seen as cheating,” Bickerstaff says. “Until the rhetoric changes in schools, you’re probably going to continue to see gaps in who is using the tools and think it helps when used the right way versus something that's just completely negative, top to bottom.

“There's research that shows that part of the reason why women are not using these tools in the workforce is for similar reasons. They don't want to seem like they are taking shortcuts or cheating—not putting the work in. It’s something to consider, how the rhetoric itself can pretty significantly impact adoption across gender. It is really important to acknowledge that.”

The Time for AI Adoption is Now

AI is not some passing phase or far off concept, the future is now.

“AI literacy is already being prioritized by hiring managers,” says Bickerstaff. “Cengage research from last year found the number one rising skill on job applications or LinkedIn postings is AI literacy. This is where it gets meaningful for students. This is something they are going to be expected not only to understand, but apply in their own practice and professional aspirations.”

Blocking students from using AI is not practical, says Bickerstaff, especially when colleges are requiring AI use and students are already using it. “This idea that we can hold them off and come back later with a plan is something we need to move past,” she says. “Like it or not, AI literacy for young people needs to start today.”

Some districts and organizations are fully onboard, which offers great lessons from which to learn.

“Chicago does significant work with teacher professional development,” says Bickerstaff. “In Houston, there's a student AI literacy course in the high schools, which is a great application of building AI literacy. We co-wrote the guidebooks with them. We partnered with Catawba County in their three-year grant with a goal of AI literacy for all teachers and students. There are smaller districts doing great work bringing in AI committees and creating spaces for collaboration, considering the impact of these tools and student AI literacy.”

While there is real movement in the space, it's still early.

“There's not a school system in the world that is not scrambling to figure out AI adoption in terms of student academic integrity and how to support teachers,” says Bickerstaff. “We’ve worked with hundreds of partners from the largest school districts to the smallest K12. We have a lot of practical and accessible free resources. This is an opportunity to do some deep learning with people like me who have a lot of experience in the space and can bring out those best use cases and practice and strategies to help.”

4 Tips to Plan for Successful AI Adoption

Bickerstaff shares how schools can successfully implement AI.

1. Create a set of responsible guidelines

These should be aligned with the mission and vision of the school system. It should have built-in guardrails, but also spaces in which people feel comfortable asking questions and trying things out to begin to identify how this could meaningfully change education.

2. Create an AI literacy plan

AI literacy work should be planned across all stakeholders within a district—not just educators or leaders, but students and the community.

3. Create an AI committee
If you don't already have an AI committee, pull together a group of people that includes not just early adopters or enthusiastic AI fans. Choose members across different departments with different experiences and backgrounds. Building their capacity and having them take the lead on some of these initiatives is a great way to get started.

4. Focus on building foundational AI literacy

Provide educators and students strong training on AI tools. “We have a free course with a certificate on our website,” says Bickerstaff. “A lot of good, free resources are out there, but also partner with experts when necessary to get people in a headspace where they can listen and ask questions.”

• EdExec Summit
• EdExec Summit: Going All-In On AI

From Dana Bedden’s viewpoint, most people in education are just scratching the surface on artificial intelligence.

“AI has been here—it’s just forward-facing now and it’s here to stay,” says Bedden, who is wrapping up a five-year superintendency at Centennial School District in Pennsylvania. “There is uncertainty and a lack of awareness, and trepidation based on fear. But, for lack of a better term, it’s not the boogeyman.”

At the Networking Lunch and Panel Discussion at Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit in Atlanta on August 19, Bedden will share the impacts of going big on strategic AI implementation in Centennial schools.

“We’re doing students a disservice if we don’t require [AI], and include work about responsible use,” says Bedden, who will be more than a month into his new role leading Village Charter School in New Jersey by conference week.

Bedden notes that before long, AI literacy will be as fundamental as traditional literacy. Such a statement “is absolutely controversial, but it’s our prediction,” he says. At college and in the workforce, AI will be part of students’ world, so talking through how to prepare students is educators’ responsibility.

Centennial’s AI implementation, launched in 2023, reflects leaders’ recognition that it’s far more than just another tech trend. Priorities include:

• Equipping educators and staff to safely and effectively leverage AI for innovative teaching, personalized learning, and efficiency.
• Establishing clear parameters and expectations for student use on generative AI in assignments.
• Building a foundation of responsible AI use that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and safety (including a mandatory district-developed AI Ethics Course for students in grades 7 to 12).
• Assessing AI tools continuously for age-appropriateness, potential bias, privacy protections, accessibility, and data security.
• Adhering to regulations (FERPA, IDEA, ADA, CIPA, COPPA) and district policies to ensure a safe, legally sound environment.

Centennial served as a model for this work when hosting the recent 2025 AI Symposium for Philadelphia region education leaders. In addition, through his consulting work Bedden is promoting how AI can create a more efficient, effective, and supportive learning environment, plus help schools reduce operational costs by optimizing budgets and minimizing waste while also meeting regulatory compliance requirements.

AI Efficiencies for Leaders and Staff

Technology implementations saving resources sounds like a budgetary win, yet one that could cost jobs. At Centennial, Bedden says, “We deployed without the intent to replace staff. If anything, it helped our staff be more efficient and effective, and in some cases we haven’t had to add staff.”

In his own work, using AI has been invaluable—resulting in colleagues being “in awe of how fast I’ve been able to deliver a response or product that has been requested,” Bedden says.

For example, recently he had to update the board on a school incident and got an assist from AI, with goals and guardrails. He asked for a summary of the incident and an email response that doesn’t violate privacy. “It gave me a succinct response and removed student names for me,” he shares. Then he asked for wording to show how the incident response adhered to a specific board policy.

When a colleague asks for assistance with a project, Bedden might share various AI-produced actions to consider, plus the iterative process he used for fine tuning the ideas. It doesn’t take long and he can quickly continue with his own to-dos.

Parents and other constituents interacting with Centennial’s website can now use an AI chatbot to get questions answered. “We call that a closed AI tool because it only pulls from our website,” Bedden says. “We didn’t want it pulling from outside. But if it doesn’t exist on the website, then people can’t give us feedback. It’s helping us improve transparency and service.”

AI for Teaching and Learning

Teachers and parents have had mixed reactions to the AI focus. “One thing we did from the get-go was communicate to parents, trying to get everyone on the same playing field,” Bedden says. “We wrote newsletters explaining what AI was and that we were going to be strategic. … Some people were hungry and excited about it, and a lot of people were like, ‘No, kids are going to cheat.’”

A video featuring three students sharing they already use AI—such as to get an explanation of a topic that’s different from a confusing one presented in class—helped show the need for educators to learn more.

Employee surveys made clear the need to address the technology’s human aspect. “You’ve got to be mindful of the false information, what they call hallucinations. They do exist,” Bedden says. “I always ask for evidence on a statement.”

Teachers get the final say on whether students use AI or not, and any cheating is handled like plagiarism. In their ethics course, students learn about properly referencing AI use and to “never look at it as the final say,” he explains. “As long as we do that, then we own the outcome.”

Bedden’s hope for AI is that educators accept it as part of our world. “But we also embrace our responsibility of keeping the human in the loop, and making sure users use it with a code of ethics,” he says.

• EdExec Summit

Heading into its third year, Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit is becoming an annual rite of passage for education leaders looking to deepen their expertise in, and renew their passion for, society’s most important work: education.

More than 200 leaders will convene in August at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, just north of Atlanta, GA, to address the most pressing issues of the day, from the impact of policy and funding changes to the imperative of leveraging AI responsibly. Industry leaders will be working alongside one another and their counterparts from school districts – 25% of attendees, speakers, and facilitators hail from school districts around the country.

The conference not only honors the importance of having educators in the room, it takes a cue from how they have transformed the standard classroom. Education leaders have empowered teachers to reduce their dependence on traditional sit-and-get, rote instruction, creating experiences that drive deeper engagement for all learners. Inspired by this shift, the conference organizers are limiting a reliance on traditional speaker sessions and introducing more opportunities for leaders to work alongside their peers through facilitated sessions, workshops, and breakouts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EDEXEC SUMMIT HERE

Insight From Real-World Industry Leaders

The convening will kick off with perspectives from industry leaders, global providers, and state-level education offers to reflect on what constitutes the soul of the education economy. Each day, education leaders will be invited to share their opinions and insights on what they heard, with a standing invitation to keep industry leaders grounded.

FIND THE EDEXEC SUMMIT AGENDA HERE

An important part of the experience is the role of organizations supporting the event, the kind that bring unmatched experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. A diverse set of global and domestic operators have rallied around Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit, including Authentica Solutions, which is increasingly at the center of K-12 interoperability, and Compro Technologies, which supports education providers around the world.

Additional support from education’s leading investment banking and advisory firm, Cherry Tree & Associates, signifies the ongoing role that M&A continues to play in this space. Additional supporters such as Product & Process, OpenField, and Hawke Media, round out the sponsor community by adding much-needed insight on the product experience in schools. Event partners do more than help underwrite the event, they signal to the market that convening in the right way, with the right priorities, is integral to shoring up the long-term prospects of providers across the industry.

Making Authentic Connections

In today’s education economy, industry leaders are operating with headwinds that are as strong as they’ve ever been, from fitful policy management at the federal level to stressful conditions at the local level. That’s why it’s as important as it's ever been for leaders to come together in a forum that fosters real meaning, renewed energy, and an affirmation that providers can do well by doing good.

MEET THE EDEXEC SUMMIT SPEAKERS HERE

It takes more than flashing lights and high-priced speakers to help leaders find real meaning, which is why Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit is an experience that is less about making noise and more about making real connections. The producers, Tech & Learning, in partnership with First Step Advisors, have cultivated a faculty that is unapologetically diverse, populated by a strong cohort of education leaders, and will be empowered to push back on forces that are working to undermine society’s most important work.

Back by popular demand, Tech & Learning is hosting its third EdExec Summit on August 18-20, 2025, at the beautiful Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside Atlanta, GA.

In an era of rapid technological change, shifting policies, and unpredictable global events, uncertainty is no longer an occasional disruption—it’s the new normal. Tech & Learning recognizes it’s more important than ever for our industry to work as a community to achieve success.

To help you and your company navigate this new uncharted terrain, the Tech & Learning EdExec Summit will bring together senior executives serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education. Last year, 80% of the attendees rated the event as “excellent,” and described it as “one of the best conferences I have ever attended.”

“You can’t find anything else like the EdExec Summit,” says 2024 attendee Amber Calderon, Head of Content Strategy for Classroom Champions. “This event is a watering hole where education leaders come from all over the world to share their expertise.”

REGISTER HERE FOR THE 2025 EDEXEC SUMMIT

The intimacy, deep connections, and partnerships that industry executives can forge at this event, coupled with a curated agenda that includes meaningful time for collaboration and connection, all make for a conference for education business executives unlike any other. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to network with some of the most influential figures in the education industry.

“The intimate size of this event and the quality of the invitees makes this one of the most valuable networking events of the year,” writes 2024 attendee Erez Pikar, CEO of FlutterBee.

WHO YOU’LL MEET

Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to network with executives from some of the most respected names in educational technology, including Intel, Google, Instructure, Powerschool, ClassLink, Renaissance Learning, Edmentum, and many more.

Attendees will also have time to connect with one another, providing the opportunity to share opinions, strategies, and information, all to help better connect with decision makers and make an impact in education.

“The quality of attendees is spectacular. Everyone is passionate about what they do, who they serve, and why they do it,” says Niquelle Cotton, EdExec advisor and CEO & Strategy Officer,Q-Factor Consulting LLC.

THE AGENDA

The agenda has been carefully curated for executives serving the education market. The 2025 EdExec Summit will focus on ways executives can tackle the new edtech challenges to become the best provider you can be. You’ll immerse yourself in the trending topics of today’s educational space, including funding, AI, data privacy and security, and how to overcome other common edtech pitfalls. The 2025 EdExec Summit will provide you with the information you need to thrive in educational technology.

“EdExec Summit really fills a void. You get the opportunity for your own professional learning and development and have the opportunity to make strategic partnerships,” says EdExec Summit advisor Joyce Whitby, CEO of Innovations4Education.

If you are interested in presenting at the Tech & Learning EdExec Summit, please find our call for proposals here (Deadline: February 28, 2025)

“This is a great place for leaders in the edtech space to grow their business,” notes Paula Reed, CEO, Bizeducation Consulting. “From learning about what's new in the marketplace to networking with others in the business, this was a fabulous opportunity. I use this as great professional development and to stay on top of the edtech world.”

The summit’s agenda is divided into four tracks with multiple sessions to support education industry executives at all stages:

• The Education Market - Delve into various aspects of the edtech industry, including discussions about school policies, product interoperability, common pitfalls, and scalability.
• Team Performance - Learn best practices for building and reskilling your team, setting and tracking goals, and recruiting and leveraging a community of brand ambassadors.
• Ramping Up - Learn the vital components to gain market share both domestic and internationally.
• Exponential Growth - Learn how to identify and secure strategic partnerships that drive growth, manage AI and data privacy in edtech, build roadmaps to success, and navigate funding pain points.

We’ve also built in dedicated time for networking, including the opening “EdTech Exchange,” during which you’ll have the chance to meet new colleagues through a series of small-group discussions, as well the opportunity to sign up for 1-2-1 meeting time with district administrators of your choosing.

“The best part about the EdExec Summit is the networking,” says EdExec Summit advisor Alvin Crawford, CEO at Edvicek12, Inc. “It’s powerful to have time and space to connect with your peers and to meet new folks who are doing interesting things.”

In addition to building connections with industry insiders, you will learn best practices of top-performing sales teams, hear insights and advice from school district decision makers, be informed of the latest edtech trends, receive tips for navigating the edtech space, and much more.

Agenda highlights include:

• How to Navigate New Federal Funding & Policies
• How to Win in an AI-Driven Market
• Sourcing and Securing Strategic Partners
• The Evolving Global EdTech Landscape: Opportunities & Challenges in 2025
• Data Privacy: What Companies Need to Know
• And Much More

THE VENUE

EdExec Summit 2025 also offers chances for downtime and casual conversation while enjoying the many amenities The Chateau Elan Winery & Resort has to offer.

The EdExec Summit will be held at this beautiful resort outside of Atlanta, which spans 3,500 acres of rolling hills and wooded forests. This sprawling property also features stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces, multiple restaurants, professionally staffed golf and tennis clubs, a world-class spa, a winery, and more.

Throughout the three-day event attendees will have plenty of time to network with one another while enjoying meals and activities provided by Tech & Learning, one of the most trusted sources in educational technology news.

“No matter where you are in your own business expertise journey, there’s something here for you,” adds Amber Calderon.

When it comes to preparing our education system for neurodiverse students, the level of involvement can vary and might not always produce the intended results.

Courtney Teague, Deputy Director of Internal Professional Learning & Coaching and Chief Culture Officer for CLT & Associates, discusses the importance of identifying neurodiversity in the classroom and preparing neurodiverse students for a successful future.

Teague will be a presenter at Tech & Learning’s upcoming EdExec Summit, the three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education taking place Sep 11-13 at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside of Atlanta. She will be presenting “Reaching All Learners: Neurodiversity, Accessibility and Access for All.”

Preparing a System that Caters to Neurodiversity

Our neurodiverse student population deserves to have proper representation in order to accurately prepare them for a successful future. Recently, we have become more sensitive to children’s needs and challenges, but we can always do more to help everyone navigate neurodiversity.

“We know that with neurodiversity, if you’re working with someone that may have ADHD or somebody that has another exceptionality, they may need certain accommodations,” says Teague. “Do you offer those accommodations for them? For example, I have ADHD. I am high energy in the morning, but if you force me to sit in meetings all morning and then in the afternoon you tell me I need to work and produce a product, you’re actually going to lose money because it’s going to take me longer in the evening to get that product produced than it would have in the morning when my energy was high.”

Recognizing how neurodiversity presents itself can help to create more effective accommodations.

“When we think about our systems and how we set up for programs and projects, are we responsive to that?” says Teague. “If you have someone that may have autism, they might not be able to be in a space with all of their teammates at that moment. They might need time to settle in. When I’m thinking about the school teachers, thinking about people that work in a district office, do they offer choice and flexibility? Or do you push everyone into a room and say, ‘We all have to sit in this room together’?

Offering choice is one of the best ways to have students feel comfortable and welcomed in a classroom. It might seem like a natural thing to do, but in some cases there might need to be a heightened sense of preparedness to make sure teachers are ready for their students.

Making Sure Neurodiverse Hires Are Catered To As Well 

Young people who see themselves in those they look up may adopt those individuals as role models, so having neurodiverse teachers is critical. But how do we ensure we’re making an environment that gives neurodiverse teachers the best opportunity to be successful? Teague suggests that embracing a partnership approach between administrators and neurodiverse teachers should be the goal.

“As the leader, the administrator, or the superintendent, we’re asking what you need to be successful,” says Teague. “Let’s see if what you need is what we are able to provide and it’s not disrupting the system.”

It’s also critical to have inclusive hiring practices in place, as well as other support. “Let’s make sure the people that are in the space doing the work have the professional development and implementation support needed around neurodiversity so they are aware and making that environment supportive,” says Teague.

Making inclusive policies for neurodiverse hires can create a trickle-down effect for teachers and students.

“When we think about how our students who have diverse learning needs, we want teachers to differentiate,” Teague says. “We want teachers to personalize learning. Why not keep that same practice at the district level? So now, you have a greater impact because teachers are able to develop empathy because they’re receiving it from the district. This means when it’s time for them to do it in the classroom, there’s a culture of support.”

Can AI Play a Part in Supporting Neurodiversity? 

With the boom in artificial intelligence, more companies are leveraging the technology to create ways teachers can connect with students. But is it really as simple as adding a program to a classroom environment to cater to students with neurodiverse needs?

“For myself, I can leverage AI when I support my coaching clients and do training,” Teague says. “I know how to develop plans utilizing prompts with AI. When we think about AI, there are different types. Think about behavior tracking that helps relationship building, where if you know that you have a student with a diverse need and certain triggers, you can utilize AI to track that. So, as a teacher, I may spend a little more time with a student if AI realizes a change in his behavior patterns. But in order to leverage AI, you have to also understand how to make data-informed decisions. There are some competencies that you need. Digital literacy is one, but you need to know the basics of classroom management, data-informed decision-making, and relationship-building.”

Preparing neurodiverse classrooms for success can be done in many ways. Getting involved at the leadership level can be the most impactful way as it creates a culture of inclusion for a district or a school. This helps teachers, and their students, and prepares them for a positive professional life.

Related:

• EdExec Summit: The Networking Event Connecting Industry Executives Serving the Education Market
• Using AI and Robots To Build Social Connections For All Students

The pandemic showed how important technology is when it comes to education. As time passes, more and more technology is introduced to teachers and students.

Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure, discusses the recent report that Instructure released about digital tool use in education and the importance of vetting the technology we put into our schools to even out how many educational tools teachers and students use.

Loble will be a presenter at Tech & Learning’s upcoming EdExec Summit, the three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education taking place Sep 11-13 at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside of Atlanta. She will be presenting “Ensuring Interoperability: Your Key to Business Success” and “Developing Efficacy-Based Research.”

The Upward Trend of Technology Use

Using technology in the classroom is not a new concept. However, since the pandemic kept teachers and students out of the classroom and in their homes, staying connected through digital means of communication has been very important. With the pandemic came new tools of all sorts, but will the innovation and output of technology continue at the same level, or will it even out at some point?

“I think there’s two pieces to it,” says Loble. “There’s one piece that is really interesting and we highlight this in the report. The number of tools that teachers and students are using continues to go up, which surprised us a little bit. We expected it to go up through Covid because people were transforming the way they were teaching to bring it into the home. But now this increase shows they’re looking for the right technologies even as we’re all back in the classroom. But we do predict that this will flatten out in the next couple of years.”

What are the reasons that the technology boom will level off in the near future?

“People are not going to have extra dollars that they can invest in experimenting with new technologies,” she says, noting that the focus will shift to what’s best for teachers and students. “In our report we talked about how educators are using 49 tools on average during the school year. That is a lot of different technology tools that a teacher needs to be able to know how to use and use well. So I think we’re going to see districts in particular have teachers flattening out the number tools they use.”

How Do We Find Common Ground for Our Educational Tools? 

Using digital tools in the classroom can produce a great environment for both teachers and students. Having a set group of tools can breed consistency in a curriculum and make things easier for everyone. But how do we introduce new tech into an established ecosystem? Or should we just stick with what we have?

“There is a happy medium that can come into play with a bit more centralized control around [selecting technology for use in the classroom],” Loble says. “I don’t mean necessarily only the district can choose and teachers can’t go and start to try to use different tools, but I mean more about centralizing access to what tools are available that are safe, secure and efficacious. We know they’re working in their particular environments. Giving teachers a starting point, a list where they can start [might help].”

So how do we deal with tools that teachers may favor but are not approved for use? Can teachers have a say in tools that are approved?

“I would encourage teachers to do two things,” Loble says. “One is to contribute to those tools, contribute to that collection, because a good collection of those [tools] should have a process where a teacher can nominate a tool to be part of that collection and can share why it should be nominated. A teacher should be able to tell the district the tools they like to use [even if they are not on the established list] in order to know whether they can or should be used. Not every teacher is fully versed in accessibility or privacy.”

Is There an Ideal Way to Tackle AI in the Classroom?

With artificial intelligence permeating classroom technology at all levels, understanding the issues and concerns around AI-enabled tools is critical. For a teacher, how should these tools be assessed for educational purposes?

“I think there’s a fundamental set of values when you’re looking at AI and it’s ensuring the tools are safe,” Loble says. “There’s intentional use behind AI. We’re not just using AI for the sake of using AI. As long as it’s safe, intentional, and equitable, I think growing it in a mix is important, but also experimenting with it and seeing where these tools have the biggest impact on students [is also important]. We have to evolve both together, because our current structures for how we evaluate tools doesn’t incorporate all that we know about AI.”

Related:

• EdExec Summit: The Networking Event Connecting Industry Executives Serving the Education Market
• The Biggest Edtech Companies Are Going All In on AI. Here's Why

Following a fantastic launch event last Fall, Tech & Learning’s EdExec Summit is back at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside of Atlanta on September 11-13, 2024.

Once again, Tech & Learning will bring together senior executives from companies serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education. Last year, 80% of the attendees rated the event as “excellent,” and described it as “one of the best conferences we have ever attended.”

REGISTER HERE FOR EDEXEC 2024

The intimacy, deep connections, and partnerships that industry executives can forge at this event, coupled with a curated agenda that includes meaningful time for collaboration and connection, is unlike any other conference for education business executives. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to network with some of the most influential figures in the education industry.

The Agenda

The EdExec Summit 2024 agenda boasts an extensive group of industry experts from respected companies such as Google, Instructure, Powerschool, ClassLink, Renaissance Learning, Edmentum, and many more. Learn how to tackle unique edtech challenges to become the best provider you can be. Immerse yourself in the trending topics of today’s educational space, including AI, data privacy and security, and overcoming common edtech pitfalls. The EdExec Summit 2024 will provide you with the information you need to thrive in educational technology.

FIND THE COMPLETE EDEXEC 2024 AGENDA HERE

The summit’s agenda is divided into four tracks with multiple sessions to support education industry executives at all stages:

• The education market - Delve into various aspects of the edtech industry, including discussions about school policies, product interoperability, common pitfalls, and scalability.
• Team performance - Learn best practices for building and reskilling your team, setting and tracking goals, and recruiting and leveraging a community of brand ambassadors.
• Ramping up - Learn the vital components to gain market share both domestic and internationally.
• Exponential growth - Learn how to identify and secure strategic partnerships that drive growth, manage AI and data privacy in edtech, build roadmaps to success, and navigate funding pain points.

In addition to building connections with industry insiders, you will learn best practices of top-performing sales teams, hear insights and advice from school district decision makers, be informed of the latest edtech trends, receive tips for navigating the edtech space, and much more.

Agenda highlights include:

Privacy and AI: What Companies Need to Know: This session covers crucial school data privacy rules and regulations, as well as offer tips for operationalizing and scaling those rules.

The End of ESSER: Now What? How can companies find the billions of dollars still available in the education market after ESSER? In this session, attendees will learn where to find and secure funding.

How to Win in an AI-Driven Market: Tech & Learning's content director, Christine Weiser, talks with Magic EdTech's Chief Solutions Officer, Rishi Raj Singh Gera, about the challenges and opportunities education companies have in the current AI-driven market.

Sourcing and Securing Strategic Partners: This session covers best practices for partnership selection, negotiation, and management, presented by industry experts from Google, Classlink, and Instructure.

The Evolving Global EdTech Landscape: Opportunities & Challenges in 2024: This panel of experts explores the dynamic global edtech market, identifying emerging trends, opportunities, and obstacles.

FIND THE COMPLETE EDEXEC 2024 AGENDA HERE

And that’s not all! EdExec Summit 2024 offers chances for downtime and casual conversation as well. Throughout the three-day event attendees will have plenty of time to network with each other while enjoying meals and activities provided by Tech & Learning, one of the most trusted sources in educational technology news.

Who You'll Meet

Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to network with some of the most respected names in educational technology. They will also have time to connect with one another, providing the opportunity to share opinions, strategies, and information all to help them better connect with decision makers and make an impact in education.

Join senior education executives at the 2024 event from companies including: Intel, Google Education, Instructure, PowerSchool, Edmentum, Nearpod, Magic EdTech, ClassLink, Lexia, Renaissance Learning, Sirius Education Solutions, Authentica Solutions, Second Avenue Learning, Global Grid for Learning (GG4L), 1EdTech, Advancing Global EDU, CoSN, Burbio, CAST, Edlatam Alliance (Latin American Company alliance), Cherry Tree Associates, Loeb & Loeb, LLP, Boclips, Carolina -- and much more!

The Venue

The 2024 Tech & Learning EdExec Summit takes place at the beautiful Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside Atlanta — spanning 3,500 acres of rolling hills and wooded forests.

In addition to a tranquil setting ideal for learning and networking with colleagues, the Chateau Elan has on–property restaurants and bars, a golf course, spas, wine tours, and more.

The EdExec Summit is a rare opportunity to garner actionable insights from edtech leaders, and this year is looking to be the best one yet! This three day event is your chance to learn from the nations’ top leaders in innovative educational technology. Make sure to secure your chance to attend the Summit and experience a unique event with connections and information that will last a lifetime.

It only happens once a year! Register now and put your finger on the pulse of the edtech industry with EdExec Summit 2024!

Go here for more information and to register for the EdExec Summit

Technology in the classroom is part of our everyday world and, as part of that, we must ensure that all students have access to the devices and the content they need for learning. Accessibility ensures everyone, including those with disabilities, can use and benefit from products, services, and information.  

“In many cases, students with IEP and 504 plans and students who do not have an identified disability need access to tools to leverage that content,” says Christine Fox, Project Director, Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST, a nonprofit that helps students with learning differences succeed in school and life. “Inclusive practices previously have been siloed in school districts, with the special education and assistive technology department focused on supporting students with disabilities, while the edtech and IT department focused on providing resources for everyone. However, there is a genuine need for collaboration across the district from the top down with edtech solution providers to ensure that inclusive practices start at the top.”

Fox will present on this topic at Tech & Learning’s upcoming EdExec Summit. Below, she shares insights and guidance for solution providers to ensure inclusive technology ecosystems so all learners can access personalized tools and resources. 

Develop and Design 

Prioritizing accessibility in development and design doesn't ensure equitable student learning. Simply accommodating accessibility needs without a broader understanding of district requirements leads solution providers to modify tools retroactively. Fox says that technology should be seamlessly integrated into the district's existing systems rather than treated as a mere add-on.

To ensure that edtech products and programs are available to all learners, Fox offers the following basics for solution providers to help create a more inclusive educational environment, improve their company's reputation, and promote positive change in the industry:

• Make sure products and programs are accessible to people with disabilities.
• Consider the needs of all learners, including those from diverse backgrounds and with different learning styles.
• Use inclusive language and images in products and programs.
• Collect feedback from learners and use it to improve products and programs.
• Partner with organizations that are working to make education more inclusive.

Forging Partnerships

The assistive technology sector is witnessing an emerging trend of collaboration and comprehension. 

Fox advises solution providers to collaborate with state and national assistive technology organizations implementing these technologies in schools. A partnership enhances their understanding of students' disability-related needs, providing optimal and effective solutions.

Specifically, these partnerships would allow solution providers to:

• Gain access to a network of experts in the field of assistive technology
• Learn about the latest trends and developments in assistive technology
• Get feedback on their products and services from educators and students with disabilities
• Develop new assistive technologies that meet the specific needs of students with disabilities

A few organizations to consider:

CAST is an example of a nonprofit that provides educational resources and support for students with learning differences, including tools for assessment and intervention and advocacy support. The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST provides a framework to empower school districts to create and sustain inclusive technology systems that serve all students, including students with disabilities who require assistive technology or accessible educational materials. 

The Office of Educational Technology (OET) is developing policies and support to provide an inclusive platform for learners with disabilities. The Valuable Perspectives for EdTech Companies one-pager, webinars, and blogs support the value of accessible tools and solutions for everyone. 

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is the government agency that ensures education access and promotes excellence nationwide through vigorous civil rights enforcement, including accessibility. 

The GAAD Foundation, established in 2021, expands on the Global Accessibility Awareness Day's mission and aims to make accessibility a core requirement in technology and digital product development. 

Fox hopes to continue to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive technology, understanding the law, and, most importantly, understanding that building with accessibility in mind from the start is the easiest and most ethical thing to do for all learners. 

“Numerous resources are available to help district leaders and solution providers in the community,” Fox says. “They can use this as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility, just as many people are obtaining security certifications to demonstrate their commitment to security. We hope that accessibility will become a goal people strive for rather than scramble to achieve.”

• EdExec Summit
• Virtual ASL Interpreters: 5 Tips for Using Technology to Improve Accessibility

By learning from existing data, generative AI can create new content, such as images, videos, audio, text, and 3D models, and has the potential to help solve end-customer problems more quickly, efficiently, and effectively, says Dr. Larry Rother, a former assistant superintendent and current Global Education Strategist and Education Segment Manager for Intel. 

For example, generative AI can create personalized marketing materials, generate realistic product images, and write creative content. By automating these tasks, generative AI can free businesses to focus on more strategic initiatives, such as research and development, product refinement, and customer support.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the areas we're exploring, and it's a passion of mine because it can transform teaching and learning,” says Rother. “If done responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool for educators and students. I'm excited about the potential of AI to improve education at all levels, from K-12 to higher education.”

Rother does not believe that generative AI will replace the vast majority of what happens in schools or with the act of teaching and learning. However, it can be a valuable tool for teachers and students as it can create personalized learning materials, provide feedback on student work, and generate creative content.

Rother will discuss at the upcoming EdExec Summit how solution providers such as Intel can use AI to improve education and help students learn more effectively. 

Creating Responsible AI Pillars 

“It is crucial to address concerns about generative AI, such as equity, inclusion, and biases that generative AI can expose and present in the classroom,” says Rother. 

Solution providers must ask themselves about utilizing their solutions by students from diverse backgrounds, underrepresented students, and students with neurodiverse needs, he says. It is also essential to consider how to personalize and customize solutions for students with diverse needs.

For example, Intel is committed to advancing AI technology responsibly by using rigorous review processes, diverse development teams, and industry partnerships. 

By establishing these pillars, other solution providers ensure that generative AI benefits all students.

• Transparency: Edtech companies should be transparent about how their AI solutions work and how they collect and use data. 
• Accessibility: Edtech solutions should be accessible to all students, regardless of their background or needs. 
• Democratization: Edtech solutions should be affordable and available to all students.
• Accountability: Edtech companies should be accountable for the impact of their AI solutions.  

How can these ideas be implemented to drive edtech, accelerate generative AI usage, and make it as transparent, accessible, and democratized as possible? Rother suggests: 

• Create internal and external advisory councils to review generative AI solutions. For example, Intel focuses on human rights, oversight, explainability, security, safety, reliability, privacy, and equity. 
• Invest in R&D, collaboration, and customer support. Generative AI is in its initial stages, so commit to the best tech and thought leadership. 
• Refine products through the lens of the end customer: students and teachers. Focus on data privacy, security, and pedagogical best practices. 

Human in the Loop 

“The USDOE recommends that the education community adopt a 'humans in the loop' concept in AI solutions, which I agree is key component to AI integration,” says Rother. “This concept addresses the concern that AI will be used without human interaction, without safeguards, and could lead to negative student outcomes.” 

The idea is that at key points in AI use, such as assessment, content design, planning, and intervention, a human should ensure the responsible use of generative AI and that students benefit from the technology. Solution providers should be transparent about where the human in the loop is in their solutions, and school districts should explicitly ask about this. 

Here are some specific questions that school districts could ask their solution providers:

• How will the human element be involved in this technology? 
• How will I be able to control this technology? 
• What are the risks of using this technology? 
• How will this technology be used to improve student learning? 
• How will this technology be used to protect student privacy? 

Personalized Learning 

“I've heard a lot about how AI can personalize learning, and we have been figuring out how to do this for a long time with small learning communities and PLC,” says Rother. “However, when I think about generative AI, I think about the multitiered intervention structure implemented everywhere.” 

The first tier, which every student should have access to, is the curriculum and the way the teacher works with the students. Generative AI can intervene with students at the point of discovery when they are struggling and is one of the most effective ways to personalize learning using technology.

AI Education 

Solution providers should provide support for educators and students to democratize AI, says Rother, noting that Intel has taken steps to do this by developing educational resources and tools. 

Rother urges other solution providers to do the same. “It is not enough to simply develop and design great tools for students and teachers; we also need to teach them about AI so that they can develop it into things that we have yet to imagine,” he says. 

Big tech companies, ed tech companies, school leaders, CTOs, and chief academic officers focusing on making generative AI more widely accepted makes this an exciting time, says Rother. 

“If we can all work together to guide this transformational time and democratize and scale this technology, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and learn,” he says, adding that Intel is committed to doing so. “We want to make AI accessible to everyone, regardless of background or resources. We believe that AI has the potential to change the world for the better, and we want to make sure that everyone can benefit from it.”

• EdExec Summit
• The Future of Generative AI in Edtech

As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Why not extend that concept to education? 

Joining forces with key partners in the local community and greater edtech arena allows for the exploration of numerous perspectives and specialties, offering students the richest of learning environments. 

Liz Crawford, VP of Partnerships at Instructure and an upcoming EdExec Summit speaker, discusses the benefits of cultivating strategic partnerships. 

The Importance of Strategic Partnerships in Education 

“We are at a transformational time in education with new technologies and new market drivers,” says Crawford. “Educators and students use hundreds of digital tools for teaching and learning every day. Our customers are looking for seamless solutions that work together to impact student success and solve education’s biggest challenges.”

Partnerships can make these challenges easier, helping districts deliver teaching and learning in a more meaningful way by navigating through the overwhelming new landscape of edtech tools as it evolves. These powerful and interoperable partner ecosystems are becoming a deciding factor for customers in choosing a platform for their schools, districts or higher education institutions, according to Crawford. The benefits flow both ways.

“At Instructure, I’ve seen customers of all sizes and shapes choose Canvas LMS because a robust ecosystem was one of the top factors in their decision criteria,” says Crawford. “For edtechs, partnerships grow your mindshare, expand reach of sales and marketing into new markets or new customers, create competitive advantages, scale your business and deliver fully integrated solutions for our customers.”

Target the Perfect Solution Partner 

Joining forces is clearly a winning strategy, but how do schools identify potential partners?

“As districts and schools are considering partnering with edtech vendors, a key element to consider beyond privacy, security and efficacy is their partner ecosystem and interoperability with other instructional tools,” says Crawford. “Districts want the teaching and learning solutions they use to work seamlessly together in one platform. A K-12 CIO recently asked me, ‘I want all of our apps and tools to integrate into Canvas, can I send them your way?’ Of course, I said yes.”

Quantifying benefits versus the level of nurturing and care that goes into a partnership can be tricky. Meaningful results through partner teams can involve designing go-to-market strategies, delivering sales enablement, managing operations, negotiating contracts, troubleshooting and solving problems, selling products, supporting customer meetings, researching and hunting for new strategic alliances, analyzing a market segment, and knowing partners’ product technically. 

“Partnerships are hard work but worth the effort,” says Crawford. “It’s worth it to persevere to bring two companies together to make a difference for educators and students.”

Mutual Value is Key for Successful Partnerships 

Crawford’s impressive background through roles at Apple and Instructure have taught her the importance of seeking mutual value when approaching potential partners. Having onboarded 100 new partners in the last year alone within an ecosystem of over 850, she has become a master at balancing the personalization that strategic alliances need, within the framework to scale and deliver value to all parties.

“A common thread in my journey has been building partnerships (relationships) with people through trust, transparency, and creating mutual value to move partnership goals forward,” says Crawford. ”The most successful partnerships I’ve led start with a thoughtful discovery process and defining the unique value the partnership will bring to customers, each partner and the market. Regularly spending time with your partner to think creatively about the trajectory of the partnership usually uncovers a new idea or path forward. Take time to reflect on how to do things better, differently or more effectively to get to the goals.”

Whether in business or education, gaining executive support creates access to resources that make partnerships even more successful. Crawford suggests articulating the potential value to stakeholders by telling the story of how partners impact customer buying decisions, add value and reach to sales and marketing, give your company a competitive advantage, and complement your strategy.  

Five Steps to Pitch Potential Partners 

1. Prepare - Understand the drivers of their business and partnerships. Do you target similar customer profiles? Do you go-to-market with the same motions? What are the trends in their market segment? What are their competitive advantages/disadvantages? 
2. Lead with curiosity (not a demo and a big ask) - What if the first conversation doesn’t start with a demo, but learning more about one another? Be curious about their top priorities - what are their customers asking for, what are their goals, what do other successful partnerships look like, etc. 
3. Develop the joint value - Think through why they want to partner with you - how do you complement one another, how can you help them achieve their goals, how do they help you achieve yours, and is there an unique partnering idea. 
4. Be thoughtful - If a partnership is a 50/50 endeavor, be ready to share what you might bring to the table. Assume everyone else is asking them for the same ‘get’ (resell my product, market my product). Be thoughtful and intentional with your proposal. 
5. Differentiate - If you’re pitching a partnership with a market leader, there are likely a lot of companies out there who also want to partner with them. Clearly articulate what sets you apart and understand they are probably flooded with partnership requests. 

• 5 Mistakes That New Edtech Companies Make
• International Edtech Trends
• EdExec Summit

As educators and administrators, we often find ourselves in a place of keeping up with the edtech Joneses “down the block” or in neighboring districts. It’s always illuminating to discover what the landscape of tech in the classrooms looks like outside our usual circles in other parts of the world, and what the current international edtech trends are. 

Experts in the edtech industry share their insights and thoughts about the state of tech in the international classroom, both where it is now and where it is heading.

International Edtech Trends: Edtech in Asia 

“Since the pandemic, many countries have invested heavily in enhancing digital infrastructure and integrating technology into classrooms,” says Michael Campbell, founder and president of Advancing Global EDU. “They have implemented initiatives such as hybrid and online learning platforms, smart classrooms, and integration of virtual and augmented reality.”

China, South Korea, and Singapore have all boosted comprehensive technology infrastructure in schools and universities, with a focus on digital learning platforms, personalized learning, and STEM education. India has witnessed a significant rise in the adoption of edtech, with initiatives to reach remote and underserved areas.

“Look for AI lesson planning that is aligned with local and state standards and individualized to the teacher’s classroom and students,” says Campbell. “We are already seeing tutoring that is individualized using AI. We can see that becoming even more commonplace using hardware and software such as robots and deepfake video.”

Edtech in Europe and the UK 

We can expect to see similarities between North American and European and UK program aims.

“Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Sweden, have been leaders in education technology integration,” says Campbell.  “They have implemented blended learning models, interactive digital resources, and focused on developing digital literacy skills among students.”

Popular aims of many American districts can be seen going “next level” across the pond.

“In England there is the complete paperless classroom,” says Campbell.  “At the Essa Academy in Bolton, all students are given an iPad and the classrooms are smart classrooms. Students design their own courses.”

3 Areas of Rapid Growth and Development in International Edtech  

1. Online learning platforms: The demand for online learning platforms continues to increase, driven by the convenience and accessibility they offer. 
2. Adaptive learning technologies: Adaptive learning technologies, including personalized learning algorithms, are gaining traction. These technologies use machine learning and data analytics to tailor educational content and experiences to individual learners, optimizing learning outcomes. 
3. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications: The integration of VR and AR into education is expanding rapidly. These immersive technologies offer interactive and engaging learning experiences, enabling students to explore simulations, conduct virtual experiments, and enhance their understanding of complex subject matters. 

Edtech in Latin America

With more than 180 million students, 300 million workers and job seekers, and a surge in edtech investment in recent years, Latin America has become the fourth largest edtech market in the world, according to a recent report from Edtech Digest.

“In many cases, entrepreneurs in Latin America have had to navigate complex regulatory environments, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to capital, and conservative cultures—all of which can be significant barriers to innovation,” writes Fernando Valenzuela Migoya, longtime educator. “This experience has made them adept at finding creative solutions to complex problems, which can translate into a significant competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”

Migoya adds that much of the most successful market capitalization enterprises within education has been in the workforce and postsecondary space, and that there continues to be an increase in the number of deals in education and strong interest in investing in the sector at the venture and early-stage levels.

Edtech in the Middle East 

Clearly, it is challenging to hone in on just one portion of such a large and diverse region as there are more than 2,000 international schools in the Middle East, over 800 in the EAU, and 1,593 International Private Schools in the GCC alone. However common themes abound in how edtech is being used now and developments for the future. 

“We are seeing strong interest in  online programs expanding to schools. Schools are looking for ways to consolidate solutions which provide data for administrators,” says George DeBakey, president of DeBakey International. “Gaming and esports are becoming key markets throughout the Middle East, while AI remains a key priority in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The GEMS Dubai Academy school has a Center for Robotics and AI. The GEMS organization has five centers and owns 45 schools in the UAE.”

DeBakey notes four areas of rapid growth in edtech he sees in the future: professional development, STEM, AI, and social emotional learning and wellbeing.

AI is a hot topic anywhere in the world, but some unique things are happening in this region.

“AI is a technology that is changing weekly. But in places like the Middle East, the education business is forecast to grow to $7.6 billion by 2027 around these technologies (according to ReportLinker),” says Campbell. “In fact, KITMEK is the Middle East’s first interactive digital school taught by an AI teacher.”

KITMEK offers the core curriculum and optional classes in phonics, life skills, communication skills, and financial literacy. The school operates exclusively in the metaverse and offers students a global curriculum from kindergarten to grade 5 for just $1 per month. 

Increasing accessibility and affordability are key factors leaning on tech, in the Middle East and beyond.

Edtech Making the World a Small Place After All 

One of the biggest benefits of edtech becoming commonplace and even more widely used is the access it offers students in remote areas. Much as Khan Academy opened the world of education and knowledge to the masses, regardless of location or socioeconomic situation, these new developments can open doors to learners who were otherwise at great disadvantage.

“By combining AI and blockchain technology, many private tutoring and tutoring companies are using these technologies to help students succeed,” says Campbell. “You are seeing the implementation of 5G phones in areas around the world taking advantage of this bandwidth to deliver new technologies to schools where they have not been available before. Access to learning is now available to kids and educators in remote regions, and areas that are economically challenged.”

Campbell and Debakey are scheduled to be presenters at Tech & Learning's upcoming EdExec Summit, a new event that brings together senior executives from companies serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education. 

• EdExec Summit
• 5 Mistakes That New Edtech Companies Make

New edtech companies consistently make certain mistakes, according to Elliot Levine, a technologist with 30 years of experience in education, first as an administrator and then in the private sector, where he has worked for companies such as HP and Qualcomm.

For edtech companies just starting out, he offers tips and advice for avoiding these common mistakes.

1. Is the ‘why’ compelling enough? 

Levine starts with one question: Why? He says the why of an edtech company’s offerings have to be compelling. A startup should ask itself why a prospective partner will need its product and how that product can offer unique solutions. 

“A lot of times, when I'm talking with budding entrepreneurs, they don't know if they've really addressed the ‘why’ up front,” Levine says. Doing so sets successful companies from the rest of the pack.

2. Is the solution itself needed? 

The solutions that edtech companies offer have to work for their partners and need to address all of a potential client’s needs. Too many companies take a one-size-fits-all approach, which is a major miscalculation, according to Levine. 

“At the end of the day, if the problem you solve is of less importance to educators, the likelihood it's going to ever be used or taken seriously, really remains a doubt,” he says. 

3. Not accounting for issues with adoption 

One major issue that companies overlook when offering solutions for educational problems is not accounting for teachers’ time. Levine relates a story about a company whose learning management system took 80 hours of training for teachers, which is not an ideal scenario, especially when teachers do not have contracts that cover this additional work. 

“If you're going to be involved in so many different aspects of edtech, you have to consider yourself a professional development company, among your other things,” Levine says. “Because user adoption is what will make or break you.”

When offering a solution, companies have to keep in mind that educators often default to the status quo because it’s easier to keep doing what has been done before rather than try to implement something new.  

An edtech company also needs to account for teachers’ concerns about their time and their performance. “If we don't address that early on, we will never get educators out of their comfort zones,” Levine says.

4. Underestimating the importance of relationships 

A new company should forge partnerships that are the right fits. Levine says a lot of new companies are just happy to obtain MOUs (memorandums of understanding) or to partner with a big name. 

“Executing on that partnership is what's important,” he says, suggesting that a company can strengthen a relationship by uncovering needs and being proactive. “It's really important when you're talking with a client, you understand their objectives, and how you fit into that equation.”

Establishing a solid foundation for partnerships can begin by asking another simple question of a prospective client: What’s your desired outcome? “That simple question alone, we're often too afraid to ask it,” Levine says. “But we can tell immediately if there's synergy. Or if we're just completely missing the boat.”

Uncovering this kind of information goes a long way toward a successful partnership by helping to determine exactly what needs to be met. “You have to always put yourself in the other person's shoes,” says Levine. “Because potentially, there needs to be a creative way to introduce the solution.” 

Levine adds that it’s critical for a new edtech company to know its partner’s business and not just its own.

5. Not enough support for sales 

The success of a new company ultimately comes down to sales. The numbers have to be right for an organization to thrive. “If you don't have great salespeople, you're going to continue to just siphon money away from your cause,” says Levine. Identify the top sellers and do whatever is necessary to retain them. 

Ultimately, no matter what a new edtech company provides, innovation is key. “Real innovation will require technologies and approaches that are going to fundamentally transform learning as we know it,” Levine says. 

Levine is scheduled to be a presenter at Tech & Learning's upcoming EdExec Summit, a new event that brings together senior executives from companies serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education.

• EdExec Summit
• The Potential Impact of AI on Edtech

The EdExec Summit is a new event from Tech & Learning that brings together senior executives from companies serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education. Presenter Adam Garry, former Senior Director of Education Strategy with Dell, discusses the future of generative AI in K-12 edtech.

“Since the pandemic, we have shifted the nature of how technology is used in schools,” says Garry. “Future Source data shows that 98% of school districts have a one-to-one system for their students. From one watershed moment to the next and current one—generative AI—we have changed how we utilize technology in the education process as tools for both learning and operations.” 

This enhancement of already notable and successful personalized learning tech can go a step farther.

“Generative AI could generate unique problem sets or reading materials adapted to each student's skill level,” Garry says. “It could also be used to simulate realistic virtual experiences or make topics more relatable and engaging. 

For some students, this type of increased accessibility can be a learning life saver.

“Importantly, AI can help in the early detection of learning difficulties, providing timely interventions or acting as a personal assistant to the teacher, reducing the time-consuming tasks so they can focus on supporting learners,” says Garry. “The ability to create performance tasks aligned to rubrics and generate multiple examples for students to learn from will be a game changer for assessment.”

Educating Edtech Customers About Generative AI 

An important step in the adoption of the latest tech to hit the education realm is to make sure those most affected understand what it is and how it can help.

“At Dell Technologies, we helped our district partners accomplish this education piece via eight learning modules (free to school systems across North America) to explore opportunities and challenges presented by the adoption of AI,” says Garry. “These include: Understanding the Basics, Various AI Models, Prompt Engineering, AI-Powered Tools and Resources, Integrity, Ethics, and Privacy, Learning, Teaching, and Digital Citizenship.”

Garry suggests focusing on identifying misinformation and building the skills to help with these new digital literacies.  

Generative AI Edtech & Administrative Tasks 

At a recent Dell Technologies Innovation Summit, one of the school districts brought a problem forward, asking for help building a new elementary school schedule to allow for more professional learning time. After the foundational elements were developed, ChatGPT was used to build a schedule, ensuring consideration for concepts and people. The school system left with a plan that was 80% complete in about three hours. 

Another school district in Virginia led its entire leadership team and superintendent through the basics and prompt engineering sessions. They developed a memo for all principals with key considerations for their stakeholders when using generative AI. The district’s new plan will enable them to work in short sprints as they roll out generative AI to accommodate the still-evolving technology.

“Generative AI will likely revolutionize teaching and learning,” says Garry. “We could see more personalized learning experiences where AI tailors the curriculum to individual student’s strengths, weaknesses, and pace. The possibilities are endless, and I am barely scratching the surface of what is possible.”

4 Ways to Integrate Generative AI into Edtech Products 

• Personalization - Implement AI algorithms that allow students to practice voice and choice and share resources that will empower the learner. It should also be applied to professional learning.
• Support for Educators - Develop tools that allow the educator to utilize curiosity at every step of the process. The tools will help with automating and completely transforming tasks. 
• Enhanced Interactions - Use AI to create realistic simulations or virtual tutors that can help engagingly explain complex concepts. Use AI as a tutor with the right prompts to drive personalized learning. 
• Data Analysis - Use AI for predictive analytics to identify trends in student performance and areas in which intervention may be required, but more importantly, allow the educator to ask questions of the data and connect the answers to solutions. This will be one of the biggest areas of transformation if done correctly. 

We need to ensure the use of AI is transparent, secure, and respects privacy, says Garry. “School districts should draft memos to companies when products are updated with generative AI and ask what data sources are informing the model, and where data being gathered will go, and how it will be used.” 

6 Impacts of AI on the Teaching and Learning Process 

AI has the potential to impact the teaching and learning process in various ways: 

• Efficiency—Automate administrative tasks, allowing teachers more time to engage with students. 
• Assessment—Help the teachers create performance tasks, build rubrics, and score the tasks. This will allow the teacher to provide more targeted feedback to the learner. 
• Personalization—Customize learning experiences and empower the learner with voice and choice. 
• Enhanced Understanding—Provide more interactive and immersive learning experiences. 
• Early Intervention—AI can help identify students that are struggling and provide targeted support. 
• Be a Curiosity Engine—Drive curiosity as it will allow the learner to explore many topics from various perspectives. 

• Tech & Learning EdExec Summit
• AI's Big Deal: AI In the Classroom Continues to Evolve

Legislative sessions are known to many as the roller coaster rides of the year, (Or maybe to just us policy nerds.) In some areas of the country there is progress in education, in others the pendulum swings back to a nod of yesteryears, especially when it comes to technology in education.

There are, of course, so many areas of education we could examine in terms of legislative education policy, but the two biggest issues to look at today in terms of edtech are technology in the classroom and AI.

Legislative Edtech Policy: Technology in the Classroom 

Teachers are fed up with the distractions of cellphones in the classroom. Most of the conversations on how to address these devices in the classroom were made at the district level, but this year we saw both South Carolina and Florida introduce bills related to banning cellphones in classrooms. 

SC H3293 proposed examining the use of wireless electronic communication devices, and provided that districts prohibit the use of such devices in classrooms and gymnasiums during periods of academic instruction. The bill was only referred to the first committee and no votes were taken on it during the session, but it is very likely the bill will show up again next session. 

In Florida, the Governor signed HB379, which prohibits a student from using a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when directed by a teacher for educational purposes, and requires a teacher to designate an area for such devices during instructional time. 

The bans on cellphone use are coming for different reasons. In South Carolina, this was a stand-alone bill meant to avoid any use of cellphones during instructional time to limit distractions. In Florida, this measure came as part of a social media/mental health bill that also:

• Limits access by students to only age-appropriate subject matter and materials. 
• Protects the safety and security of students when using email and other forms of direct electronic communication. 
• Prohibits access to data or information, and other unlawful online activities, by students. 
• Prevents access to websites, applications, or software that does not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of students’ personal information. 
• Requires each district school board to prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. 
• Requires each school district to prohibit the use of the TikTok platform or any successor platform on internet access provided by the school district or as a platform to communicate or promote any district school or school activity. 

Whatever the reason, this is a big issue to continue watching in 2024. 

AI Policy in Education 

We’ve seen so many new and emerging technologies in the last decade, and with each comes the wild, wild west for state policymaking and the fear that policymakers who don’t know much about a technology will now try to regulate it. 

Most recently this has happened with data privacy, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. For example, data privacy is still a huge issue for policymakers and even though every state has something on the books, they are still trying to hone legislation to address needs as new threats emerge. 

We have now entered the era of policymakers and AI. In fact, this year at least 15 states introduced a bill related to artificial intelligence. The bills vary greatly on the issues and goals, but 2024 will see an avalanche of more legislation trying to both research and regulate the use of AI when it touches any part of government.

Most of the policy introduced on AI is to form a task force or study implications, risks, and benefits of generative AI when it comes to state agencies. For instance, NJ A168 would have required the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of artificial intelligence on the growth of the state’s economy; however, it did not pass.

Connecticut’s governor signed SB1103, which states that beginning on February 1, 2024, the Department of Administrative Services shall perform ongoing assessments of systems that employ artificial intelligence and are in use by state agencies to ensure that no such system shall result in any unlawful discrimination or disparate impact.

Louisiana sent a concurrent resolution (SCR 49) to the Secretary of State that urges and requests the Joint Legislative Committee on Technology and Cybersecurity to study the impact of AI on operations, procurement, and policy, and submit a written report of its findings to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana. 

The idea of this session across the board was not to regulate AI, rather than to better understand the impacts on AI in the public space. 

Undoubtedly, recommendations out of these task forces and assessments will lead to further introduced legislation in 2024. (If you are interested in following along with AI issues in education next year, bookmark Market Mania at K20Connect, as we will be following this issue closely!)

The use and impacts of AI have not only been dominating education conversation at the state level as Federal policymakers have introduced several bills and the U.S. Department of Education has also issued guidance on AI, stating three reasons to begin studying AI now:

• AI may enable achieving educational priorities in better ways, at scale, and with lower costs 
• Urgency and importance arise through awareness of system-level risks and anxiety about potential future risks 
• The scale of possible unintended or unexpected consequences 

Looking Ahead to 2023-24 Legislative Sessions 

Each year promises to come with surprises when it comes to policymakers. Some are encouraging while others bring disappointment. Always remember policymaking is a long game, and your voice is critical in transforming education to serve each and every student well. 

These issues and more will come up next year, and we will be ready to share, report, and advocate alongside you!

To share your feedback and ideas on this article, consider joining our Tech & Learning online community here.

• EdExec Summit
• ARRA vs. ARPA: What Can Education Leaders Learn About Funding?

The EdExec Summit is a new event from Tech & Learning that brings together senior executives from companies serving the K-12 industry for a three-day networking conference dedicated to the business of education. Summit presenter Dr. Kristal Ayres, Education Leader Strategist at Google for Education, discusses the future of AI in the edtech sector.

The Impact of AI in EdTech 

“The potential impact of AI on the education market is significant,” says Ayres. “By automating tasks, providing personalized learning experiences, and creating new educational materials, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn. We can expect to see even more innovative and impactful applications of AI in the education market.”

As is the case with many new tech developments, social media explodes with sensationalized examples—a commencement speech here, popular tech news outlet “staff written” AI-generated article series or Marvel title sequence there—but how soon will we see cutting-edge AI become commonplace?

“There are a number of factors that suggest that it could happen sooner rather than later. One factor is the rapid pace of development in AI research,” says Ayres. “In recent years, there have been major advances in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The cost of AI technology is also now decreasing, making it more affordable to adopt.”

The other factor, notes Ayres, is the increasing availability of information formerly difficult to obtain. A vast amount of new data is now accessible that can be used to train AI algorithms. 

Pros and Cons of AI in the Classroom 

”AI can be used to automate tasks that are time-consuming and repetitive, freeing teachers to focus on more creative and engaging activities,” says Ayres. “On the other hand, it is important to ensure that AI does not replace the human touch that is essential for effective teaching.”

Notable Pros:

• Personalized Learning: By analyzing student data, AI can adapt the learning material to match the student's learning style, pace, and ability to maximize their learning potential. 
• Efficiency: Institutions can automate administrative tasks, reducing the workload for staff so they can focus on delivering high-quality education to students.  
• Accessibility: Students with disabilities can gain customized learning experience, while also reducing the cost of textbooks and other learning materials. 
• Analyzing Student Data: AI can identify areas in which students struggle and provide real-time feedback for teachers to intervene promptly and help them improve performance. 
• Adaptive Learning: Platforms can be created that adjust the difficulty of the material based on the student's progress can help students to stay challenged and engaged.
• Virtual Tutors: AI can potentially provide one-on-one instruction to students, and can be especially helpful for students who are learning at a different pace than their peers. 
• Assessment: Tasks such as grading essays and providing feedback can be automated to free up teachers' time so that they can focus on providing individualized instruction.  
• Curriculum Development: Curriculum content can be tailored to the needs of specific students or groups of students to help to ensure that all have access to high-quality educational materials. 

Potential Cons: 

• Interpretability: It can be difficult to understand how AI algorithms make decisions.
• Cost: Not all institutions can afford AI, which may create disparities in access to education and perpetuate existing inequalities.  
• Dependence on Technology: Over-reliance on AI can have adverse effects on students' ability to learn independently and may hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Security and Privacy: If not adequately secured, data could be hacked, misused, or stolen. 
• Bias: An AI system is only as good as the data on which it is trained. If the data is biased, the AI system will also be biased, perpetuating existing inequalities and discriminations. 

AI—Boost Learning or Squash Creativity? 

“The impact of AI on education is a complex and multifaceted issue. There is no doubt that AI has the potential to broaden the possibilities of learning,” says Ayres. “However, there is also a risk that AI could lead to a narrowing of perspective and a reduction in creativity and thought. We need to make sure that AI systems are not used to create echo chambers where people are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs.” 

Overall, the impact of AI on education is still uncertain. It is important to be aware of these potential risks so that we can mitigate them and ensure that AI is used for good.

3 Ways AI Can Help Teachers 

1. Generate lesson plans: AI could be used to generate lesson plans based on a teacher's curriculum and the needs of their students. This could save teachers a significant amount of time and effort. 
2. Create assessments: AI could be used to create assessments that are tailored to the needs of individual students. This could help teachers to provide more personalized instruction. 
3. Grade assignments: AI could be used to grade assignments, which could free up teachers' time so that they can focus on other tasks. 

AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for teachers. By automating tasks and providing personalized learning experiences, AI can help teachers to save time and focus on more meaningful interactions with students. 

How to Future-Proof AI Policies 

• Establish a committee to oversee guidelines that includes a variety of stakeholders, such as teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
• Conduct research on AI in education to understand the benefits and risks of AI and develop appropriate policies.   
• Consult experts in the field of AI for guidance on developing ethical and effective policies. 
• Pilot test guidelines and policies in a small group of classrooms to identify potential problems and permit districts to make necessary revisions. 
• Get feedback from stakeholders to ensure guidelines and policies meet the district’s needs. 

Districts must be proactive, flexible, transparent, ethical, and inclusive to future proof their guidelines and policies about AI to ensure a seamless foray into this new world of technology. 

To share your feedback and ideas on this article, consider joining our Tech & Learning online community here.

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