Opening Reception & Dinner

Relax, meet new friends, and reconnect with colleagues at the opening Summit dinner at Electric Shuffle Austin.

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:

• PD and Supporting Teacher Planning - Courtney Garza
• Providing Affordable AI to Teachers - Maurie Beasley
• Navigating House Bill 1481 Cell Phone Ban & Teach Digital Wellness - Carl Hooker
• Creating Custom Chatbots and GPTs - Cori Coburn 
• Supporting a District-Wide AI Pilot Program - David Steinberg

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:

• Integrating STEAM into Core Curriculum - Knikole Taylor 
• Providing Affordable AI to Teachers - Maurie Beasley
• Personalized Learning with AI - Lacey Merrifield 
• Leading Through Uncertainty: How School Leaders are Planning for What’s Next - Melissa Adams
• Creating An AI Task Force - Gina Covington

 Meet Our Partners

Attendees enjoy dedicated time for scheduled sponsor meetings and to complete their Passport to Prizes as they meet our Regional Summit partners. 

Networking Lunch  

Providing Affordable AI to Teachers

By leveraging open-source resources, Llano ISD developed a custom AI tool that gives teachers and staff access to large language models via an API. This flexible, pay-per-use model allows the IT team to manage costs while providing access to multiple AI platforms.

In this session, Jim and Maurie Beasley will explain how their team created an AI toolkit to avoid upfront licensing fees and maintain the flexibility to switch or update platforms as needed.
 

Empowering the Digital Learning Environment: How Instructional Technology Bridges the Digital Divide

In this session, Terri Webb and Dr. Natasha Lawyer of Dekalb County School District (GA) present ways they empower students to become good digital citizens. They will explore what it means to not block technology, but help students use technology in responsible ways.

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: 

• Navigating Limited Budgets - Shad McGaha
• Leading Through Uncertainty: How School Leaders are Planning for What’s Next - Melissa Adams
• Creating An AI Task Force - Gina Covington
• Integrating STEAM into Core Curriculum - Knikole Taylor 
• Creating Custom Chatbots and GPTs - Cori Coburn 
• Starting a Refresh Plan - Jennifer Rushing 

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: 

• Leading Through Uncertainty: How School Leaders are Planning for What’s Next - Melissa Adams
• PD and Supporting Teacher Planning - Courtney Garza
• Data Privacy - Christy Hedrick
• Leading Adult Learning - Annice Garza
• Supporting a District-Wide AI Pilot Program - David Steinberg
• Building a Sustainable Blended Learning Culture - Anna Fitzsimmons

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.