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:

• Refreshing Maker Spaces
• Implementing a Blended Learning Cohort
• Enhancing Personalized Learning with AI Tools
• Emergency Management
• Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder

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:

• Blended Learning Coaching
• Implementing Emerging Tech: AI, VR, eSports. AR, Interactive Panels
• AI PD
• Cost-Effective Edtech Implementation
• Creating a "Getting Started with AI" Toolkit for Teachers

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 for Elementary Students
• Creating Cybersecurity Student Champions to Understand the Fundamentals of Online Safety 
• Preparing Students for Careers with Project-Based Learning 
• Leading through Change Management 
• Executive Coaching with AI 

Minecraft for Students

Chicago Public Schools welcomes you to Chi-Craft: a creative, collaborative, and competitive usage of Minecraft Education. With over 60 schools and over 500 students participating in our eSports preseason, we spark innovative responses to our Build and Present Challenges. Build and Present Challenges are open-ended prompts that focus on imaginative storytelling or real-world problem solving. Their world and videos are scored using our STEM-powered rubric that encourages critical thinking. We encourage students of all backgrounds to embrace their STEM-identities in Chi-Craft and attendees will learn more about our work.

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

Smacking Down AI

Carl Hooker leads attendees through an interactive session leading attendees through an “AI Tools Smackdown”. Attendees will look at a wide range of tools in a variety of categories including LLMs, image generators and more! Then, using their tool of choice, they will attempt to create the best output for different scenarios in the ultimate battle for AI supremacy!

Focusing on the Essential: Overcoming the Most Important Challenges Facing Ed Tech Leaders

What are the most essential Hurdles, Accelerators and Tech Enablers in K-12 education today?  What is the State of Ed Tech?  Learn about CoSN’s national research and engage in a conversation about your leadership role in inventing the future.

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
• Leveraging Technology in the Spirit of Access, Inclusion and Engagement
• Blended Learning and AI
• Creating an Agricultural and Technology Initiative
• AR and VR solutions
• To Ban or Not to Ban Cell Phones?

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 Importance of Digital Literacy in the AI Age
• Recruiting & Retaining Talented, Passionate Educators
• Gamifying Teaching & Assessment
• Keeping District Campuses Secure
• PD for District Leaders

Team Activity: Moving to Action

Attendees work in teams to create a short slide 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.

Closing Reception & Dinner

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