Opening Dinner Reception

Relax, meet new friends, and reconnect with colleagues at the opening Summit dinner. Located at Skybokx109 - 319 Speen Street, Natick, MA 01760.

Registration and Breakfast

Attendees arrive to register, network, and enjoy breakfast, as well as get their “Passport to Prizes” pass. Throughout the day, attendees will complete their Passport by visiting with our partners either in scheduled meetings or during lunch if they do not have scheduled meetings. 

Welcome & Introductions 

Edtech luminary and international keynote speaker Carl Hooker brings his enthusiasm and passion for education to the Summit as our host and MC for the day. 

Keynote: Uncertainty is the New Normal: Future-proofing Innovation in Schools

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. For EdTech leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can we build systems, strategies, and mindsets that sustain innovation in schools, even when the future is unclear? This keynote will explore how education leaders can cultivate adaptability, leverage emerging technologies like AI, and design resilient innovation ecosystems that thrive amid disruption. Presented by Carl Hooker.

Speaker Bio:

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

• News/Media Literacy in the Age of AI - Facilitated by: Cathy Collins
• Supporting a District-Wide AI Pilot Program - Facilitated by: David Steinberg
• The Benefits of Intergenerational Learning: Building School/Home/Community Tech Connections - Facilitated by: Marialice B.F.X. Curran
• Launching a VR Initiative for Professional Development, App Exploration, and Virtual Collaboration -Facilitated by: Laura Spencer
• Ensuring Resource Accessibility - Facilitated by: Michelle Manning
• Supporting AI & Media Literacy - Facilitated by: Maya Lerner

Speaker Bios:

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

• AI Literacy for Students - Facilitated by: Steve Ouellette
• Building Virtual Learning Spaces - Facilitated by: Jacqueline Gardy
• Mobilizing Maker Spaces - Facilitated by: Susie Simmons
• Keeping District Campuses Secure - Facilitated by: John Martin
• Accessibility Updates: New UDL Frameworks & Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - Facilitated by Kim Zajac

Speaker Bios:

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

• Supporting UDL with Technology - Facilitated by: Melanie Acevdo
• AI and Data Privacy - Facilitated by: Daniel Downs
• Strengthening the Collective Power of District Partnerships - Facilitated by: Antoine Harrison
• Igniting Family Engagement with Technology - Facilitated by: Bill Runey and Fred Souza
• Tips for Vetting Tech Tools - Facilitated by: Melissa Zeitz

Speaker Bios:

Next-Gen Leadership: Charting the Future of EdTech

This session empowers forward-thinking EdTech leaders to embrace innovation, foster resilience, and build future-focused systems and teams. Join us in exploring bold strategies, emerging trends, and the mindset needed to thrive in the evolving educational landscape.

Speaker Bio:

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

Joy Lab: Rapid-Fire Empathy-Fueled Innovation

How might we bring authentic joy to colleagues using four paper clips and a pair of index cards? Find out in this session, where Dan Ryder will present an interactive "Joy Lab". Attendees will explore how to harness the power of empathy to spark creative solutions using the "5E Design Process" (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate). Presented by Dan Ryder.

Speaker Bio: 
 

Empowering Leaders, Igniting Innovation, and Shaping Future: AI and Tech 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, school and district leaders must empower their teams with AI and technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. In this session, the team from Dighton-Rehoboth will explore how AI-driven tools and emerging technologies can ignite collaboration, streamline decision-making, and optimize productivity. By leveraging these innovations, leaders can shape a future-ready organization that adapts to evolving challenges while maintaining a student-centered focus. Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating AI into daily workflows, maximizing its potential to support educators, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Walk away with actionable insights to empower your team, ignite innovation, and shape a more dynamic and efficient district. Presented by Bill Runey and Frederick Souza, Jr. 

Speakers Bio:

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

• Scaling AI Student Pilot Programs - Facilitated by Kerry Gallagher
• Phishing Education - Facilitated by Kimberly Ramos
• Accessibility Updates: New UDL Frameworks & Web Content Accessibility Guidelines  - Facilitated by Kim Zajac
• Equity in Computer Science: Free & Low-Cost Resources - Facilitated by Darshell Silva

Speaker Bios:

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include: 

• To Ban or Not to Ban Cell Phones - Facilitated by: Carl Hooker
• The Role of School Leaders in Championing and Modeling Innovation - Facilitated by: Matt Joseph
• Gamifying Teaching & Assessment - Facilitated by: Dan Ryder
• Supporting a District-Wide AI Pilot Program - Facilitated by: David Steinberg
• AI and Data Privacy - Facilitated by: Daniel Downs

Speaker Bios:

Team Activity: Moving to Action

Attendees work in teams to create a short presentation that presents a solution to one of the topics covered in the day’s agenda. Attendees vote on the best presentation and the winning team gets prizes.

Awards Ceremony

The winners of the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader awards will be announced, followed by the Passport to Prizes drawing.