Apply to attend an upcoming Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits here.

Tech & Learning’s Leadership Summits offer a unique environment for district leaders. Beyond a standard conference, these summits are designed to build a national network of innovative school district leaders—a community you can turn to throughout the year for advice, strategy, and camaraderie.

The Philosophy: The Smartest Person in the Room Is the Room

We believe that collective intelligence drives innovation. That is why every Tech & Learning’s Leadership Summit agenda is bespoke, created based on information gathered directly from our attendees during registration.

We identify the topics that matter most to you and invite select attendees to facilitate valuable roundtable discussions. This format allows you to share successes, troubleshoot challenges, and develop lasting relationships that extend your professional learning network well beyond the event.

Why Attend? Hear from Your Peers

Here are key reasons to join us, in the words of past attendees:

• Elite Networking & Strategic Connections
  “As an IT professional in education, I cannot overstate the value of Tech & Learning's Regional Leadership Summit. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with peers and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in educational technology." — Nicholas Fountas, Chief Technology Officer, Brigantine Public School District
• Executive-Level Professional Development
  “The Tech & Learning Summit provides the perfect balance of networking, meeting vendors, exploring new products, listening to fellow district ideas, and roundtable discussions. It is interactive, fast-paced, and the speakers never disappoint!” — Kristen Honaker, Technology Coordinator, Houston County Board of Education
• Actionable Strategies & Peer-Driven Solutions
  “The Tech & Learning Summit creates an experience that was clearly designed with practitioners in mind. Everything about the event supported implementation, not just inspiration.” — Matt Joseph, Assistant Superintendent, New Bedford Schools
• Personalized Partner Matching for District Needs
  "The Tech & Learning Leadership Summit highlighted some new technology partners and resources that could positively impact our community and students! What more could you ask for?” — Megan Hanna, Senior Director of Curriculum & Technology, Legacy Christian Academy

2026 Dates & Locations

Each summit is free to attend and focuses on the unique needs of that region to help you develop concrete action plans. Tech & Learning also covers a two-night hotel stay for qualified attendees.

Join us at one of the following 2026 locations:

• February 25, 2026 | NORTHWEST (Seattle) - Pre-NCCE: NEW LOCATION! Tech & Learning is proud to partner with NCCE for our first Northwest Leadership Summit pre-con. Speakers include retired superintendent, Marlon Styles, Washington State’s Elementary Principal of the Year Cathi Davis, and more sharing valuable advice for school district leaders. Find more information and the link to apply here.
• March 13, 2026 | Southeast (Atlanta): Back at the Loudermilk Conference Center, this popular Leadership Summit draws district leaders from GA, AL, FL, and TN. The program will include conversations on topics like AI and emerging tech, data privacy and security, professional development, rethinking learning spaces, and more. Find more information and the link to apply here.
• May 1, 2026: NEW ENGLAND (Boston): Taking place at the beautiful Connors Center outside Boston, school district leaders from the New England area gather to share and learn about the most important topics for school district leaders impacting the region. Find more information and the link to apply here.
• June 27, 2026: PRE-ISTE (Orlando): Tech & Learning is taking our annual pre-ISTE Leadership Summit to the ultimate hub of innovation: The Kennedy Space Center. Surrounded by history's greatest engineering feats, we will explore the next frontier of education—diving deep into science, AI, and the future of classroom technology. This exclusive event sells out every year and draws a national audience. Apply to attend soon to secure your spot here!
• September 18, 2026: TEXAS: They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the Texas Regional Summit is no exception. We are tackling the region’s most significant challenges head-on—from navigating new cell phone bans and AI governance to mastering data privacy and security. Find more information and the link to apply here.
• November 7, 2026: MIDWEST: Returning to the conveniently located NIU Naperville Conference Center, Tech & Learning’s Midwest Summit brings together district leaders from IL, IN, MI, and WI. Join us to share strategies and solutions through a series of intimate, expert-led group discussions. Find more information and the link to apply here.

“This was one of the most beneficial and interactive events I have attended in my 20-year career in education,” writes attendee Billy Runey, Superintendent of Schools, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools. “I would highly recommend this summit to anyone.”

Qualified school district administrators can apply to attend an upcoming Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits here.

Sample Agenda: What to Expect

Each Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit follows an agenda designed to maximize learning and colleague interaction.

DAY ONE:

• Evening: Welcome Dinner

DAY TWO:

• 8:30 AM: Registration & Breakfast
• 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Welcome & Keynote
  • Hosted by Edtech luminary Carl Hooker, bringing enthusiasm and passion to the day.
• 10:00 - 11:30 AM: Problem-Solving Breakouts
  • Topics include: Generative AI, sustaining tech post-ESSER, rethinking PD, data governance, and managing staffing shortages.
• 11:30 AM: Beyond the Hype: Building a Sustainable AI Governance & Implementation Strategy
• 12:00 PM: Lunch & Meet the Partners
• 1:00-2:00: Navigating the Fiscal Cliff: Strategies for Sustainability Post-ESSER
• 2:00 PM: Problem-Solving Breakouts
  • Topics include: Student wellness, cybersecurity, rethinking learning spaces, and teacher recruitment/retention.
• 3:30 PM: Reflections and Actions
  • Closing activity led by Carl Hooker to solidify takeaways and next steps.
• 4:00 PM: Innovative Leader Awards Ceremony

Call for Nominations: Innovative Leader Awards

As part of our Regional Live Summits, Tech & Learning recognizes exceptional district administrators who are reimagining education with our Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards. We are seeking nominations for leaders who have launched unique, forward-thinking programs or policies that have a demonstrable positive impact and are replicable in other districts.

Winner Benefits:

• Invitation to the Regional Summit (including a two-night hotel stay).
• Profile feature in an issue of Tech & Learning.
• Official Innovative Leader Award Seal for district websites and communications.

Read more about our recent winners here.

Nominate yourself or a colleague for the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards here.

Tech & Learning recently partnered with NYSCATE (The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education) for the inaugural pre-NYSCATE Conference Tech & Learning Leadership Summit, which took place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino, a Native American resort casino owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation. School district leaders from New York and beyond gathered for this one-day event dedicated to the theme of “Reimagining Education.”

The agenda for the day was informed by the attendees, who identified their most pressing issues as district leaders. Topics included AI, student wellness, cell phone bans, implementing computer science and digital fluency standards, cybersecurity challenges, and more. These conversations were facilitated by attendees with experience on each topic, who guided meaningful conversations that encouraged everyone at the table to share their successes, troubleshoot challenges, and expand their professional learning communities.

Three general session presentations also offered real-world examples of ways district leaders can prepare their students for an uncertain world of work.

Beyond "What Do You Want to Be?": Quakertown’s K-12 Career Language Integration Program

In a rapidly evolving workforce where tomorrow’s jobs may not yet exist, Dr. Matthew Friedman, Superintendent of Schools, Quakertown Community School District argues that the age-old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is obsolete. Instead, Quakertown Community School District (QCSD) is championing K-12 Career Language Integration, a systemic program designed to equip students with a robust vocabulary to understand their own identities and interests.

At the heart of this initiative is the RIASEC framework, which categorizes interests into six themes: Realistic (Doers), Investigative (Thinkers), Artistic (Creators), Social (Helpers), Enterprising (Persuaders), and Conventional (Organizers). By introducing these terms as early as kindergarten, the district provides a shared language that evolves with the student. Rather than forcing a first-grader to pick a career, teachers help them identify as a "Helper" or a "Creator," making career development personal and accessible.

Friedman emphasized that this is "a dialogic process," not a one-time test. Career readiness is built through ongoing conversations embedded in everyday instruction. When students connect their enjoyment of a science experiment to being an "Investigative Thinker," they see the link between current education and future aspirations.

Early research shows this approach is working, with students reporting a deeper understanding of themselves and data indicating that school-based career conversations are successfully "activating" similar discussions at home.

Bringing the "Portrait of a Graduate" to Life

While many districts have a "Portrait of a Graduate", the real challenge lies in translating that vision into daily practice. Julianne Ross-Kleinmann, Supervisor of Instructional Services, Ulster BOCES, presented a roadmap for bridging this gap, centered on Ulster BOCES' "North Star Commitments": developing a unique self, contributing to the community, developing capacity, and engaging in inquiry.

Ross-Kleinmann highlighted Project-Based Learning (PBL) as the most effective vehicle for realizing these competencies. By guiding students through real-world problems, educators can turn abstract ideals like "critical thinking" into tangible skills. She outlined a four-part PBL framework:

1. The Launch: An experiential opening ensuring equitable access.
2. Ideation & Design: Students drive the planning while teachers facilitate.
3. Tuning & Reflection: Structured feedback loops.
4. Celebrations of Learning: Honoring both success and struggle.

To make these concepts practical, Ross-Kleinmann introduced protocols such as "Four Corners," in which participants brainstorm what attributes such as "Culturally Responsive Global Citizen" look like in action. She also emphasized integrating modern tools, such as the Question Formulation Technique and AI curriculum, to ensure the Graduate Portrait remains relevant in a digital age.

Implementing Computer Science and Digital Fluency K-12

Laurie Guyon, Lead Coordinator for Instructional Technology Programs, WSWHE BOCES, addressed the urgency of integrating computer science and digital fluency, framing it as a critical intervention for student well-being and future success. She contextualized the need by looking at Gen Z and Gen Alpha, cohorts grappling with cyberbullying, digital overload, and anxiety. Implementing robust standards is essential not just for technical skills, but for equipping students with the resilience to navigate their digital environments.

A stark economic imperative also exists. With 67% of new STEM jobs in computing and 58% of tech jobs existing outside the traditional tech sector, the demand is high. Yet, only 6% of high school students are enrolled in computer science courses.

Guyon argued that preparing students for an AI-driven economy requires a holistic approach to standards, focusing on four pillars: Digital Literacy, Information Literacy, Media Literacy, and AI Literacy. By prioritizing these areas, districts can transform students from passive consumers into critical creators.

Collaborative Workshops and Awards

The culminating activity asked the attendees to work together to devise actionable strategies for staff and student wellness, fostering growth mindsets, and data privacy. Each team member was tasked to identify one action they can take in their role, and then discuss as a team how they might work collaboratively to bring their cumulative expertise together to impact their topic. Each team then presented their action plans, providing all attendees with actionable takeaways that they can take back to their districts.

The event concluded by recognizing excellence in the field with the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards, an award given to district leaders in the region that are doing exemplary work to support innovation in education.

The winners are:

• Innovative Director of STEM and Instructional Technology: Jennifer Mazza, for launching an "AI externship" connecting students with local government.
• Innovative Director of Technology & Innovation: Dr. Andrew Taylor, for developing a new dashboard that tracks student emotions so teachers and staff can provide personalized support as needed.
• Innovative Technology Director: Eric Coronado, for integrating AI to support multilingual learners and launching a high school Cybersecurity Academy.
• Innovative Superintendent Award: Dr. Matthew Friedman, for his leadership in creating transformative learning environments that focus on durable workforce skills.

At the heart of the inaugural pre-NYSCATE Tech & Learning Leadership Summit conversations was the student, with an eye on how we as district leaders can best prepare them for an unknown future workforce. Attendees left with actionable strategies they can use to reimagine education in their own districts.

Thanks to our Summit partners for supporting these conversations:

• Apptegy builds products and provides services that empower you to run better schools. Our products make it easy for administrators and educators to reach and interact with your parents, students, staff, and your community at large.
• BrainFreeze by Airia is a leader in educational technology, providing a powerful AI platform that transforms learning for students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
• ClassLink is a global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement.
• D2L is transforming the way the world learns—helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible.
• GoGuardian and Pear Deck Learning provide a comprehensive suite of educational tools designed to enhance classroom engagement and improve student outcomes.
• MagicSchool AI is on a mission to bring an AI assistant to every teacher in the world and help tackle the crisis of teacher burnout and bring responsible AI to students to prepare them for the future.
• Veracity's mission is to connect technology, instruction, and business office leaders through a centralized system that enables team collaboration, communication with every stakeholder (including students and parents), and informed decision making.
• **A special thanks to the team at NYSCATE for being terrific partners!

The recent Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit at the NIU Naperville Conference Center just outside of Chicago was focused on preparing the next generation workforce. It brought together area district administrators and service agencies who took a deep dive into what it means to teach in the age of AI.

District leaders worked in teams to explore how emerging tech has impacted teaching and learning, including how to vet tools, assess data privacy risks, and prepare staff and students for the Generative Age.

Find information about upcoming Tech & Learning Leadership Summits here.

Key Takeaways

1. ANTIDOTES FOR THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

During his opening keynote, Carl Hooker discussed whether or not to ban cell phones in the classroom. He also addressed the need for educators to be equipped with strategies to address student anxiety through mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL) techniques, and effective classroom management.

For example, one strategy revolves around notification awareness, and helping students learn to silence and/or regulate what they get notified about on their phones, which can directly help with their focus, especially when they are working, collaborating, or being productive. Discussing this with students helps them create more proactive solutions to their own focus. Do they need to get notified about the group Snapchat or can it wait until after school? What things do they need to be notified about right away? What happens to learning when they get distracted? Reflecting on these and other questions can be the first step in addressing the problem.

See all seven of Hooker’s antidotes for the anxious generation here.

2. ESPORTS WINNING IMPACT

During his presentation, “Scholastic Esports: More Than Just Gaming,” John Phillips, Technology & Innovation Consultant for Berrian RESA, discussed the far-reaching impact of scholastic esports.

Phillips explained how esports equips students with far more skills than just gaming. He cited research that showed that esports can help:

• Improve visual acuity and attention
• Foster scientific reasoning
• Accelerate language learning
• Improve digital and print literacy
• Increase problem-solving skills
• Boost math achievement
• Build technology fluency

He cited dozens of career paths that launch from esports experience, including business, IT, sales & marketing, education, event management, communication & media and more.

Phillips also noted that the average esports scholarship student receives $4,800 in tuition awards a year, according to the National Association of Collegiate Esports—but some can receive up to half off tuition.

Phillips works with the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), a nonprofit that offers free esports tournaments and more to help students develop STEAM-based, collaboration, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in work and in life.

3. BUILDING ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY

Attendees from Chicago Public Schools discussed Chi-Craft, the district’s esports afterschool Minecraft Build Challenge program. Inspired by New York City Public Schools’ “Battle of the Boroughs", the new program features more than 500 students from 70+ schools, and unlike some other extracurricular programs and activities that can require certain physical abilities and skills, every student is eligible to participate.

Using Minecraft Education, the competition involves “Build and Present Challenges” that are scored with a STEM-powered rubric. Students essentially receive a 3D creative writing prompt that includes key focus vocabulary and Chicago-centered resources. In return, they create innovative architecture, beautiful murals, and constructs from “out of this world.”

Innovative Leader Award Winners

At the close of the Tech & Learning Leadership Summit, the following leaders were recognized for their outstanding work in their districts:

• Innovative Technology Director - Greg Reichelt, Director of Technology, Maine Township HSD 207
• Best Example of Professional Development - Callie Salaymeh, Instructional Technology Coach, Lyons Township High School District 204
• Innovative Superintendent - Travis McGuire, Assistant Superintendent for Learning, Community High School District 99, Downers Grove, Illinois
• Best Overall Implementation of Technology - Chicago Public Schools, Chi-Craft Esports Competition

Special thanks to our partners who made these important conversations possible:

Apptegy
D2L
ClassLink
IncidentIQ
MagicSchool
Wonder Workshop
Hovercam
Stride Learning Solutions
Tinkrworks

Find information about upcoming Tech & Learning Leadership Summits here.

Inclusion is a big topic when it comes to education. Inclusion when referencing educators, however, might not be as strongly discussed as it should be.

A virtual classroom for teachers around the world to work together to create something more for their students was a difficult project to undertake, but in the right hands, it was not only made possible, but also made to flourish. Fortunately, Jacqueline Gardy was the right person for the task.

Gardy is Global Program Officer at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the Office of English Language Programs. She was recently honored by Tech & Learning during a recent Regional Leadership Summit with an Innovative Leader Award for Best Example of Virtual Learning.

Content for Comics in the Classroom

The concept for this collaborative pilot project involved gathering multiple teachers from around the world to help develop curriculum for use in the classroom. It just so happened that this curriculum was focused on using comics. Gardy explains how the idea started to come together.

“My supervisor gave me the greenlight to set up a pilot virtual exchange program with a limited budget,” she says. “I worked with five consultants, who helped me develop the curriculum and launch it. We used a combination of Google Docs, a Google YouTube channel, and Slack (free version). We made an Adobe Spark page as a homepage. So we did everything with a low budget in mind. We decided we wanted 40 teachers from all over the world to work with us synchronously online to develop content for comics in the classroom.”

Providing this new type of curriculum to teachers from all over the world helps to diversify their educational outlook and their teaching methods. Using comics as a tool for teaching is a novel approach to education, and the visual aspect also helps when connecting with teachers of varying backgrounds.

Since the pilot,16 other virtual exchanges have been developed with the administration aid under the English Access Scholarship cooperative agreement with FHI-360 and delivered by a variety of nonprofits and universities. The topics have been on Climate Action (with World Learning and Take Action Global), Global Perspectives in the Classroom (Azusa Pacific University), Global Citizenship in the English Language Classroom (UMASS Lowell), Business and Entrepreneurship in the English Language Classroom (Georgetown University), Differentiation for the Contemporary English Classroom (United Planet), Building Blocks for Service Learning (World Learning), Civil Communication with a focus on Computer-Mediated Instruction (Azusa Pacific University), Developing Digital Citizenship (Azusa Pacific University and iEARN-USA), New Literacies and 21st Century Skills in the English Language Classroom (iEARN-USA), Embedding Life and Career Skills in the English Language Classroom (World Learning), Future-Forward Teaching in the English Language Classroom (Take Action Global), and Power Skills in the English Language Classroom (UMASS Lowell).

How to Keep Teachers Engaged and Connected

Creating the program with everyday tools helped to keep the project within a recognizable scope, regardless of who was using the program, Gardy says. But a main obstacle was keeping teachers involved in the program given their locations and accessibility. Having the program come to fruition during the beginning of the pandemic was coincidental, but it also helped when teachers were switching to an online format en masse.

“Our launch date [for the program] was March 15, 2020, and that was right when the pandemic started, right as everything shut down,” Gardy says. “It just happened to be a blessing in disguise because suddenly teachers are no longer doing their full time teaching. They had a lot of time to learn tech skills and interact with people.”

Connecting at the beginning of the pandemic also led to teachers around the world realizing how similar their COVID experiences were, leading to a ready-built rapport that served as the foundation for expanding the program.

“It ended up being a conversation group once a week where we would all talk about our COVID experiences, while we were experiencing it all over the world,” Gardy says. “What was striking was how similar all of our experiences were even though you wouldn’t think any of us would have anything in common. That laid the groundwork for more virtual exchanges.”

This project led to a foundational understanding between teachers, no matter where they were located on the map. Their experiences during the pandemic and in teaching were similar if not exactly the same.

Putting It All Together

Operating an online program in a synchronous manner comes with its own challenges, such as catering to teachers living in different time zones and countries. But Gardy says that having teachers in different parts of the world makes for a more diverse grouping.

“There are usually 40 teachers per exchange, and then we divide them out by four facilitators,” she says. “So the pods were 10 teachers per facilitator. We usually set the pods up using timeline groups along the latitudinal lines to create participant diversity, with no more than three hours apart.”

Once the groups are made, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous interactions helps the teacher pods enhance their knowledge on particular topics.

“We introduce all the information at the beginning of the week, and then we have lots of different interactions that are either synchronous or asynchronous, either in discussion boards or in Zoom calls,” Gardy says. “Then we have these reflect and apply sections where they reflect on what they’ve learned and try to apply it in their classrooms immediately and/or to their final lesson plan. They have to attend 70% of the synchronous events. If they can’t attend the synchronous events, they can watch the recording and fill out an exit ticket to show they have participated.”

Gardy’s efforts demonstrate a method of global citizenship that helps educators reach out and collaborate with teachers across the globe. This endeavor makes education more accessible to teachers everywhere while empowering them to make education more accessible to their students as well.

• Innovative Leader Awards
• Regional Leadership Summit

The Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit is a unique opportunity for educators from various backgrounds to come together for a collective purpose: to find uncommon solutions to common challenges. Educational leaders not only have the chance to network as well as innovate and create solutions, they also are given a voice to share strategies they have tried in their schools or districts.

The Connors Center in Dover, Massachusetts, provided a beautifully lush backdrop of trees and grass that held fast against the ongoing conversation between educators, edtech partners, and other attendees about the advent of technology in schools. As part of a professional learning experience, those in attendance were tasked with creating an action plan based on the various activities they would take part in throughout the day.

Getting Our Feet Wet 

Throughout the summit, there was a concentrated focus on AI, which was bolstered by a fearless and entertaining introduction made by Carl Hooker, the emcee for the event. After being split into teams, attendees were tasked with coming up with a two-minute presentation that encapsulated one action plan to be incorporated in the next school year.

Throughout the day, while some attendees made time for one-on-one meetings with vendor partners, others participated in roundtable discussions based on common educational challenges that were facilitated by experts in multiple fields.

The roundtable talks covered subjects that impacted educators, students, and parents, and included:

• AI Media and Literacy
• Personalized Learning Coaching
• Creating a Personal Wellness Plan
• Integrating Technology into the MTSS Structure
• PD In the Age of AI
• Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
• Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Chronic Absenteeism Prevention 

An in-depth conversation about chronic absenteeism was led by Michael Hale, Director of College, Career, and Citizenship at Casco Bay High School in Portland, ME. Hale divulged the alarming rate at which high school students who miss school regularly are prone to miss graduation: 30%! Hale also elaborated on other potential detrimental effects of chronic absenteeism, such as diminished health and low future employment prospects.

In order to address the issue of chronic absenteeism, Hale discussed how his district employs a multi-tiered support system designed to help and incentivize regular attendance for students. The system involves support, prevention, and intervention if necessary, designed to help eliminate obstacles keeping students from attending school.

Implementing AI Across a District

Kerry Gallagher, Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning for St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA, and Kelley Papa, Instructional Coach at St. John’s Prep, discussed how their district prepared a comprehensive plan to integrate artificial intelligence in a way that helps foster an accepting culture among students, teachers, and parents. The process acts as a cycle that will constantly gauge the opinions of all participants to know what direction to take with AI.

Gallagher presented an action plan that worked with existing school policy. The plan is designed to evolve as the needs of the students and educators evolve. The main idea behind the process is not only to educate students, teachers, and parents on the potential of AI, but also to demystify AI from the established reputation it garnered through early media coverage. Approaching AI with understanding makes its use more palatable, and Gallagher and Papa have paved the way for a roadmap for the ever-changing landscape AI in education.

Gamifying Schools, Looking Forward to What’s Cool 

Dan Ryder, Director of Design and Innovation for Community Regional Charter School, presented a game-based and human-centered problem-solving model to help reimagine how to tackle educational challenges. The presentation was accompanied by a brief activity in which participants divided groups of two, learned about game-play styles, and ultimately, each created a game that their partner would enjoy playing.

After the presentation, attendees were given the opportunity to get an advanced look at cutting-edge technology companies. This provided some quality time with industry innovators to get a glimpse of what the future of educational technology could look like.

Artificial Amateurs are Absolutely Amazing 

Once the day reached its final moments, the original teams organized at the beginning of the summit reconvened and, equipped with the knowledge gained throughout the day, created endearing proposals for introducing AI to a school. Some groups had used AI tools to craft and sing unique songs about the benefits of students and teachers using AI. Other groups used AI to create artworks to emphasize the helpfulness of artificial intelligence.

Innovative and Celebrated 

After the team presentations, Tech & Learning recognized the innovative leaders in attendance for their achievements. The Innovative Leader Award winners were:

Innovative District Instructional Tech Specialist: Russell Levendusky

Innovative Director of Design and Innovation: Dan Ryder

Innovative Assistant Principal: Kerry Gallagher

Best Example of Virtual Learning: Jacqueline Gardy

Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits offer a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with passionate educators from across the nation. Whether organizing unique solutions to complex and ongoing challenges, or being on the cutting edge of the edtech space, the connections made and time spent here become indispensable in helping to further educational endeavors for students, teachers, and parents.

Tech & Learning’s first-ever Utah Regional Leadership Summit in Salt Lake City brought together leading minds in technology and education to delve into the convergence of innovation, learning, and leadership. Focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), esports, and the application of design thinking in educational settings, the conference provided a rich platform for collaboration, exchanging ideas, and actionable insights. 

Tech & Learning partnered with the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology for this pre-conference learning opportunity at the Leonardo Museum.

During the conference, several conversations explored AI's transformative potential in revolutionizing educational practices. Event emcee Carl Hooker showcased AI-powered learning, instructional ideas, and intelligent content creation tools. Discussions emphasized the importance of ethical AI deployment, data privacy, and ensuring inclusivity in AI-driven educational solutions. Leaders in the field highlighted the need for continuous research and development to harness AI's full potential in enhancing teaching, learning, and administrative processes.

One spotlight session by Dr. Shannon Putnam highlighted AR/VR technologies and emphasized the immersive and experiential learning capabilities for learners of all ability levels. Educators shared success stories of using immersive tech simulations for complex subjects, and examples of AR/VR content creation tools were offered, enabling attendees to explore innovative ways to integrate these technologies into curricula. Discussions centered on scalability, accessibility, and the role of AR/VR in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

Esports continues to grow in popularity in school districts, and the session presented by esports expert Audra Yocom, Director of Technology Education for Success in Education, a nonprofit serving every school district in the state of Utah with core education-based programs, explored the potential of esports to engage students and teach valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital citizenship. How esports programs have a positive impact on student retention, academic performance, and career readiness was a point of focus, while panel discussions addressed concerns around screen time, gaming addiction, and the need for establishing responsible gaming guidelines.

I presented the day's final session focused on design thinking methodologies, particularly on fostering a culture of innovation within classrooms and schools. Participants learned how design thinking principles could be applied to tackle challenges such as curriculum design, pedagogical innovation, and instruction. Attendees also discussed how to use design thinking to reimagine learning spaces, develop student-centered solutions, and build a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation.

A Special Thank U(tah) To Our Partners!

• Apptegy - Apptegy makes it easy for administrators and educators to reach parents, students, staff, and your community at large. Their tools lets adminstrators communicate better and influence how your public thinks and feels about your schools.
• ClassLink - A global education provider of access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement.
• evolv - Evolv Technologies is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for schools using industry leading AI-powered weapons detection and analytics.
• ScreenBeam - ScreenBeam's wireless screen sharing untethers teachers to provide freedom of movement changing the trajectory of their classrooms to be more collaborative in new and dynamic ways.
• Lincoln Learning Solutions - Lincoln's EK-12 curriculum facilitates student success in and beyond the classroom in any learning environment. 
• GoGuardian - GoGuardian provides simple, proven solutions to create effective, engaging, and safer learning environments where every student can thrive.
• Incident IQ - Incident IQ is the workflow management platform built exclusively for K-12 schools, featuring asset management, help ticketing, facilities maintenance solutions, and more.
• Education Market Experts - From small start-ups hoping to break into the education market to established companies branching out beyond their existing spheres, EME provides the research, product development, sales, and marketing tools needed to help our clients succeed.
• Cignition - Cignition delivers virtual high-impact K–12 tutoring, led by experienced educators who produce proven, repeatable results in student success.
• Elephant Learning - Elephant Learning is a supplementary curriculum delivering effective conceptual mathematics through adaptive gamification. 
• nXu - With a commitment to serving BIPOC & historically marginalized youth, nXu delivers best-in-class SEL and College & Career Readiness resources, development, and support to educators so that students in schools nationwide can lead thriving lives, driven by purpose and connected to community.
• Rhythm Nation - Rhythm Nation is an early education music curriculum that builds community, fosters creativity, and develops confidence in young learners…all while supporting literacy.
• Pathway2Careers - P2C is dedicated to clearing the biggest hurdles in education by challenging current approaches and motivating student learning through career-connected relevance.

UCET Conference Bonus

Following the Leadership Summit, Tech & Learning joined the first-ever Utah Educational Library Media Association (UELMA) and Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) combined state conference, which kicked off at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

This event brought together educators, librarians, technology specialists, and administrators from across the state to explore innovative practices, tools, and educational resources. Tech & Learning was a partner and supported numerous sessions to add to the event.

ISTE CEO Richard Culatta kicked off the event with content focused on the core message of his book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. His keynote emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments, leveraging technology responsibly, and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce.

The conference featured diverse breakout sessions covering various themes and topics relevant to educators and technology specialists, and Tech & Learning had the honor of hosting a room featuring a variety of edtech innovative speakers, including Eric Curts, Steve Isaacs, Ken Shelton, myself, and more. 

Other conference sessions included:

Digital Literacy and Citizenship: Workshops equipped educators with strategies and resources to teach digital literacy skills and promote responsible digital citizenship among students.

STEM Education and Maker Spaces: Presentations showcased innovative approaches to STEM education, including integrating maker spaces, robotics, and coding activities into the curriculum to foster creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences.

Blended Learning and Personalized Instruction: Educators shared best practices for implementing blended learning models and leveraging technology to personalize instruction, differentiate learning experiences, and meet students' diverse needs.

AI In Education: These sessions explored its transformative impact on education. Topics included AI-driven personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and data analytics for student success. Ethical considerations in AI deployment, fostering inclusivity, and empowering educators with AI tools were also discussed. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops and shared best practices for AI integration.

The vendor expo allowed attendees to explore the latest edtech solutions, digital resources, and available learning platforms. Attendees were able to enjoy demonstrations, hands-on activities, and special discounts for conference attendees.

From inspiring keynote presentations to interactive breakout sessions and a vibrant vendor expo, the UCET Conference and the Utah Regional Leadership Summit provided attendees with valuable insights, resources, and networking opportunities to support their professional growth and enhance student learning outcomes.

• Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit
• Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards

The Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits are unique opportunities to engage with other school and district leaders whose work draws from national, state, and edtech organization standards such as NGSS, CCSS, and ISTE. For educators, it provides a think-tank like space to dream and build innovative and accessible futures for learners. 

At this year’s Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia regional event held at the Maritime Conference Centre in Baltimore, teams of colleagues, many meeting for the first time, worked throughout the day to craft their own versions of schools based on the new National Educational Technology Plan. Much of the content used to inspire the building of these model learning centers derived from the different sessions from throughout the day. 

Breaking the AIce 

Naturally, AI was a topic on everyone’s mind, and as such, the day started with a fun icebreaker developed by the summit’s trusted and enthusiastic facilitator, Carl Hooker, called “KarAIoke.” In the activity, attendees had to guess popular songs based on AI-generated images. The icebreaker was a massive hit and provided a fun opportunity for teams to work together and experience using AI in a low-risk and exciting way. 

Emerging Tech 

ISTE CEO Richard Culatta sat down for an intimate chat with Carl Hooker to discuss emerging tech trends on the horizon. Culatta reminded the school and district leader attendees that the trends over the year of AI is the equivalent of 100 years of ed policy change. Meaning, it is moving quite expeditiously! 

Culatta highlighted the importance for educators to have an understanding that ChatGPT is not AI, but instead is one tech tool that uses generative AI, and that there is a shift from generalist AI to specialist AI. For example, StretchAI for education is in Beta testing, and it relies on a “walled garden” approach in which all the data fed it is carefully curated by ISTE and ASCD. This is important because it protects the accuracy of the information. 

Moving from a primary focus on academic integrity concerns with AI, Culatta highlighted three trends in schools that are doing AI right:

• Time to Tinker with AI: Providing time for educators to explore using different types of generative AI. Some schools use the weekly faculty meeting time to allow for open experimentation with AI tools. 
• Modeling AI Use: Leaders in schools are modeling use of AI. For example, a school leader will include an AI-generated image in their weekly newsletter to show it is ok to use AI in fun ways for teachers. 
• Talking to Students about AI: Instead of banning AI outright, schools are having intentional discussions with students on what AI is and how it could or should be used or should not be used. For example, kids can consider how they can use AI to support writing a college application essay or not; having the discussion is key here. 

Future of Education 

Sharing that one constant in edtech is change and that none of the top five issues from ten years ago are the same as today is how Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN, started his presentation on the future of education. Krueger showed images of “older” tech (cell phone brick, palm pilot, disk man, large computers) that in many ways still perform the same functions that we rely on currently, but we use newer technologies to do so. This was a great reminder to focus on the function of technology as opposed to specific tech tools, and then laid the foundation for presentation nicely. 

Kreuger’s three big challenges that affect tech leaders are: 

• Cybersecurity: Since 2018, cybersecurity concerns continue to increase, and K-12 schools are the No. 1 targeted population for ransomware attacks, at 57%. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of protection of data or people keeping things secure in K-12, and districts have large amounts of employee and student personal information, including SSNs, DOBs, and addresses. The impact of ransomware includes lost learning time and loss of reputation. The CoSN website provides resources that districts can access to be more proactive in addressing cybersecurity. 
• Digital Equity: Despite increased focus on access, which can still be a challenge, student connectivity remains an equity issue. The type of device matters (not all devices can do video conferencing for example), and what the government considers being a high connection internet speed is not sufficient for remote learning tools. As we move into the future, underconnectivity will be a focus and ensuring that not only do all students have a device, but they have the right device to handle robust computing and enough processing. 
• AI in K-12: AI will undoubtedly be a challenge going forward. Currently, there have been three responses from school districts regarding AI use: ban it, embrace it, and duck and cover. CoSN is working on providing supports for districts and has created a K-I2 generative AI readiness checklist and toolkit. AI’s cross-cutting impact with cybersecurity, as well as its influence on analytics and adaptive technologies, are also areas to watch. 

Other Emerging Topics Explored During the Summit 

The day was quite full, and a dozen other topics were presented and discussed. Some of the highlights include:

Esports: An Esports presentation by Tarrin Morgan from Morgan State University and CEO of REALdigitizED was exceptional, and showed the alignment between esports, student wellness, and career readiness, amongst many other areas. 

Esports has existed since 1972 and is a testament to the power of computing. Individual growth benefits to students who participate include: 

• Emotional, mental, and physical wellness 
• Analytical and critical thinking 
• Increased hand-eye coordination (i.e. transferable skill to be a surgeon) 
• Learning to be a good teammate and leader  
• Effective communication skills
• Networking and community building  
• Adaptability 
• Strategic planning (shooting and building at the same time) 
• Computer fluency (many video games reply on coding skills) 
• Extends STEM career opportunities (e.g. cybersecurity, animation, game design and coding, sound design, block chaining - dealing with digital currency) 

NextGen Science Standards in Action: Dr. Godfrey Rangasammy and Jessica Leedy from Prince George’s County School District provided insights on changing the STEM status quo through an equity lens by working toward justice-centered and multilingual science education. They shared how they have helped their students think about how they can change the world through teaching, using the NGSS. Their work is a culmination and continuation of a decade’s worth of innovation, curriculum audits in grades 3-8 biology, ambitious science teaching, and using AI + Scratch for multilingual cohorts as well as K-5 robotics in science instruction. 

The Shifting Role of Edtech Coaches: Dr. Amy Jackson and Krystle Pearson discussed the  shifts in instructional coaching in this post-pandemic era, recognizing that many teachers have fatigue with using tech tools. Change management using Kotter’s method was suggested as well as intentional long-term planning with other coaches by forming coaching teams with reading, math, and science coaches as edtech coaches are curriculum agnostic. Modeling digital pedagogy, engaging in more collaborative learning, and focusing on capacity building were advised. 

Putting a Bow on the Learning

The day concluded with the group presentations of model schools, which were showcased with walkup music, in poetry form, and featuring the D-ID avatar generator. Model school examples had eco-friendly materials, including state-of-the-art tech tables, and focused on developing students’ soft-skills, cultural competence, and engagement with community and industry partners. 

After the model school presentations, the Innovative Leader Award winners were recognized, including: 

Best Example of Innovative Digital Curriculum: Amanda Lanza and Valerie Schaffer, Baltimore County Public Schools

Best Example of Providing Equity & Access: Godfrey Rangasammy and Jessica Leedy, Prince George’s County Public Schools

Innovative Chief Technology Officer: Chad McGaha, Belton ISD

The Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits are one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn, network, and be on the edge of all things new in edtech. Use some of the information shared in your own work and join us in the future!