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.

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:

• Using AI to Strengthen SEL, Student Wellness, and MTSS Systems (Andrew Taylor)
• Community as Classroom: Clarkstown's Model for Authentic AI Learning Partnerships (Jennifer Mazza)
• Podcasting with K-12 Students (Art Schouten)
• From Anxiety to Agency with AI Literacy in Schools (Jennifer Freedman)
• Bell-to-Bell and Beyond: What the New Cell Phone Ban Means for Learning (Jennifer Harriton-Wilson)

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:

• Implementing the Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards (Laurie Guyon)
• Fueling Deep K-12 Engagement with Quick-Start Robotics Activities (Deann Poleon)
• AI and Virtual Learning (Mike Sylofski)  
• Cybersecurity Challenges in K-12 (Laura Pollak)
• The Screen Time Debate: Myths vs. Facts (Carl Hooker)

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:

• The Role of Virtual Avatars in the Future of Education (Michael Kealy)
• Collaborating with CTOs & Expanding Your PLNs (Patrick Mangino and Michael Barbieri)
• Innovative Learning: Blending AI, Coding, and Creativity in K-12 (Mike Amante)
• AI for Multilingual Learners 
• Tackling the 2026-2029 NYSED Instructional Technology Plan (Bonnie Nobiling) 
   

K-12 Career Language Integration

This session explores effective strategies for integrating career-relevant language and skills into the standard K-12 curriculum. The goal is to move beyond teaching general academic language to explicitly teaching the discourse, vocabulary, and communication skills required in various professional fields (e.g., medical, technical, financial, creative arts). This helps students see the relevance of their coursework and prepares them for future pathways. Presented by Dr. Matthew Friedman. 
 

Networking Lunch 

Portrait of a Graduate and Project-Based Learning

Explore how districts can bring the Portrait of a Graduate to life through meaningful, project-based learning. This conversation will highlight ways to align graduate competencies—such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—with authentic projects that engage students in solving real-world problems. Participants will share strategies, challenges, and successes in creating learning experiences that connect district vision to classroom practice and prepare students to thrive beyond graduation.

Implementing Computer Science and Digital Fluency K-12

How do we actually implement K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards system-wide? This conversation moves beyond theory to focus on the practical, strategic steps for leadership teams. Together, we'll share and refine our approaches to create, implement, and support the successful integration of these standards into all classrooms.

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:

• Collaborating with CTOs & Expanding Your PLNs (Patrick Mangino and Michael Barbieri)
• Cultivating Adaptive Mindsets (Matt Joseph)
• The Role of Virtual Avatars in the Future of Education (Michael Kealy)
• From Anxiety to Agency with AI Literacy in Schools (Jennifer Freedman)
• Short Duration, High Impact Workforce Readiness Programs (Gitika Garg and Ritu Ojha)

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:

• Fueling Deep K-12 Engagement with Quick-Start Robotics Activities (Deann Poleon)
• AI and Virtual Learning (Mike Sylofski)  
• Classroom Translation Tools: Closing the Language Gap (Ryan Barrett and Greg Conley) 
• Bell-to-Bell and Beyond: What the New Cell Phone Ban Means for Learning (Jennifer Harriton-Wilson)
• Innovative Learning: Blending AI, Coding, and Creativity in K-12 (Mike Amante)

Team Activity: Moving to Action

Attendees work in teams to create a short presentation that shows actions they can take to work toward 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.

Closing Dinner

Unwind and reflect on our day at the closing Summit dinner. 

Located at NY Rec & Social Club | Sports Bar in Exit 33 at Turning Stone