AGENDA

Join us to meet with district leaders and participate in actionable sessions, group discussions and networking to expand your PLN.

Saturday, June 28, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

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. 

 
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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. 

Carl Hooker
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote: Antidotes for the Anxious Generation 


To ban or not to ban? That is the question when it comes to cell phones in the classroom. Now more than ever, educators need to be equipped with strategies to address student anxiety through mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) techniques, and effective classroom management. Learn how to implement SEL practices that build resilience, and strategies for students to reduce distractions and anxiety. This session provides actionable insights to create a calm, focused learning environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically. Join us to discover how to transform anxious energy into positive engagement, fostering a supportive classroom culture for the Anxious Generation. Presented by Carl Hooker.
 

Carl Hooker Jeff Kurtz
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

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:

  • Esports & Special Education: Explore how the integration of esports in special education can be a powerful tool for engaging students with diverse learning needs.
  • Creating Equitable Access to Computer Science: Strategies to ensure all students have access to quality computer science education.
  • Addressing Bias in AI: Delve into the critical issue of bias in artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
  • The Importance of Digital Literacy in the AI Age: This small group discussion will discuss the need for individuals to understand and navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. 
  • Personalizing Learning with AI: Explore how AI can personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and enhance educational outcomes.
 
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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:

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs.
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Learn strategies to improve teacher retention by streamlining onboarding processes, creating a supportive culture, and offering personalized coaching and professional development programs.
  • Creating Successful Professional Development Programs to Support the Integration of AI: This small group discussion will explore PD programs that help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate AI into their lessons.
  • To Ban or Not to Ban? This small group discussion will navigate cell phone bans in schools.
  • Using AR/VR to Build Virtual Models of the Real-World:  
 
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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:

  • Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Mathematics to prepare students for future careers
  • Competency-Based Education: Moving away from traditional grade levels and focusing on students' mastery of skills and knowledge.
  • Global Citizenship Education: Preparing students to understand global issues, cultural diversity, and the importance of being active global citizens.
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging students to engage in complex, real-world projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Utilizing data analytics to inform teaching practices, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes.
 
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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

Gregory Bagby
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Unleashing AI for Day-to-Day Teacher Empowerment

Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education and empowering teachers in their daily practice. This session will provide educators with insights into the latest advancements in AI, practical applications in the classroom, and strategies to enhance student learning and reduce administrative workloads. Participants will also discover recommended AI tools and resources to personalize learning experiences, create innovative projects, and support professional development. 

Mike Afdahl
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Navigating Limited School Budgets 

School budgets are tighter than ever, forcing educators to make difficult choices. This session provides strategies for maximizing resources while maintaining high-quality education.  We'll explore creative funding sources, cost-saving measures, and ways to prioritize spending for the greatest student impact.

Kristen Brooks
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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: 

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs.   
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Learn strategies to improve teacher retention by streamlining onboarding processes, creating a supportive culture, and offering personalized coaching and professional development programs. 
  • Creating Successful Professional Development Programs to Support the Integration of AI: This small group discussion will explore PD programs that help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate AI into their lessons. 
  • To Ban or Not to Ban? This small group discussion will navigate cell phone bans in schools 
  • Using AR/VR to Build Virtual Models of the Real-World
     
 
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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: 

  • Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Mathematics to prepare students for future careers
  • Competency-Based Education: Moving away from traditional grade levels and focusing on students' mastery of skills and knowledge.
  • Global Citizenship Education: Preparing students to understand global issues, cultural diversity, and the importance of being active global citizens.
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging students to engage in complex, real-world projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Utilizing data analytics to inform teaching practices, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes.
     
 
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Team Activity: Tech & Learning Olympics 

In honor of the recent 2024 Summer olympics, teams will compete in a series of mini-challenges based on the topics shared throughout the day. The team with the most points at the end of the challenges wins the gold!

 
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Closing Remarks & Awards 

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

 

 
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Closing Dinner Reception

 
Saturday, June 28, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

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. 

 
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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. 

Carl Hooker
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote: Antidotes for the Anxious Generation 


To ban or not to ban? That is the question when it comes to cell phones in the classroom. Now more than ever, educators need to be equipped with strategies to address student anxiety through mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) techniques, and effective classroom management. Learn how to implement SEL practices that build resilience, and strategies for students to reduce distractions and anxiety. This session provides actionable insights to create a calm, focused learning environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically. Join us to discover how to transform anxious energy into positive engagement, fostering a supportive classroom culture for the Anxious Generation. Presented by Carl Hooker.
 

Carl Hooker Jeff Kurtz
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

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:

  • Esports & Special Education: Explore how the integration of esports in special education can be a powerful tool for engaging students with diverse learning needs.
  • Creating Equitable Access to Computer Science: Strategies to ensure all students have access to quality computer science education.
  • Addressing Bias in AI: Delve into the critical issue of bias in artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
  • The Importance of Digital Literacy in the AI Age: This small group discussion will discuss the need for individuals to understand and navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. 
  • Personalizing Learning with AI: Explore how AI can personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and enhance educational outcomes.
 
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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:

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs.
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Learn strategies to improve teacher retention by streamlining onboarding processes, creating a supportive culture, and offering personalized coaching and professional development programs.
  • Creating Successful Professional Development Programs to Support the Integration of AI: This small group discussion will explore PD programs that help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate AI into their lessons.
  • To Ban or Not to Ban? This small group discussion will navigate cell phone bans in schools.
  • Using AR/VR to Build Virtual Models of the Real-World:  
 
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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:

  • Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Mathematics to prepare students for future careers
  • Competency-Based Education: Moving away from traditional grade levels and focusing on students' mastery of skills and knowledge.
  • Global Citizenship Education: Preparing students to understand global issues, cultural diversity, and the importance of being active global citizens.
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging students to engage in complex, real-world projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Utilizing data analytics to inform teaching practices, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes.
 
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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

Gregory Bagby
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Unleashing AI for Day-to-Day Teacher Empowerment

Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education and empowering teachers in their daily practice. This session will provide educators with insights into the latest advancements in AI, practical applications in the classroom, and strategies to enhance student learning and reduce administrative workloads. Participants will also discover recommended AI tools and resources to personalize learning experiences, create innovative projects, and support professional development. 

Mike Afdahl
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Navigating Limited School Budgets 

School budgets are tighter than ever, forcing educators to make difficult choices. This session provides strategies for maximizing resources while maintaining high-quality education.  We'll explore creative funding sources, cost-saving measures, and ways to prioritize spending for the greatest student impact.

Kristen Brooks
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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: 

  • Adaptive Learning Tools: This small group discussion will explore the latest adaptive learning tools to support students with special needs.   
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Learn strategies to improve teacher retention by streamlining onboarding processes, creating a supportive culture, and offering personalized coaching and professional development programs. 
  • Creating Successful Professional Development Programs to Support the Integration of AI: This small group discussion will explore PD programs that help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate AI into their lessons. 
  • To Ban or Not to Ban? This small group discussion will navigate cell phone bans in schools 
  • Using AR/VR to Build Virtual Models of the Real-World
     
 
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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: 

  • Emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Mathematics to prepare students for future careers
  • Competency-Based Education: Moving away from traditional grade levels and focusing on students' mastery of skills and knowledge.
  • Global Citizenship Education: Preparing students to understand global issues, cultural diversity, and the importance of being active global citizens.
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging students to engage in complex, real-world projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Utilizing data analytics to inform teaching practices, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes.
     
 
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Team Activity: Tech & Learning Olympics 

In honor of the recent 2024 Summer olympics, teams will compete in a series of mini-challenges based on the topics shared throughout the day. The team with the most points at the end of the challenges wins the gold!

 
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Closing Remarks & Awards 

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

 

 
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Closing Dinner Reception