Texas has no formal state guidance on AI, leaving districts to navigate implementation independently. After three years of research and data analysis tailored to our demographic, Ysleta ISD has gone through a path of implementation. Join us to explore our journey, covering essential pillars, such as strategic frameworks, professional development, infrastructure, and security. Gain insights into how we’ve successfully integrated AI tools to ensure a safe, effective learning environment for our students and staff.
Erick lives for education: As a Digital Resource & Content Specialist Erick manages district resources such as student and teacher devices, SSO applications, and many of the online resources including Google™. Holding a Masters in Cybersecurity, he mixes education with safe online... Read More →
The 4 Pillars of School Safety moves beyond checklists and compliance to deliver a practical, integrated framework for building safer, more resilient schools. This engaging session explores how physical security, cybersecurity, prevention, and social‑emotional well‑being must work together to reduce risk and strengthen response—especially in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape. Grounded in real‑world K–12 experience and tailored to the realities facing Texas schools, attendees will leave with clear strategies, actionable insights, and a shared language for aligning people, processes, and technology. Whether you’re leading safety efforts at the campus or district level, this session will help you turn intention into impact.
Jason Balters Region 11 In a world overflowing with data, the ability to tell a clear, compelling story is what drives real decisions. In this interactive session, participants will discuss practical strategies for transforming raw data into meaningful narratives. We’ll explore common storytelling pitfalls, effective visualization techniques, and how to select the right metrics for the right audience. Expect real examples, open discussion, and tools you can immediately apply in your work. Additional Information This session is designed as an interactive discussion rather than a traditional lecture, engaging participants in evaluating real-world data storytelling examples, identifying common pitfalls, and strengthening approaches to metric selection and visualization. Content is drawn from practical experience teaching Data Literacy 101 and 201 at ESC Region 11, focused on building foundational and applied data communication skills for education professionals.
The session will incorporate applied examples from education reporting and dashboard development, including support for district initiatives such as REACH and TEHCY reporting. It also reflects experience in survey design and analysis across student, family, and staff populations, as well as ongoing involvement in Ed-Fi data standardization efforts. Attendees will leave with practical, replicable strategies to improve clarity, consistency, and impact in their own data storytelling.
Great teachers and effective technology are a powerful combination. Apple designs innovative solutions for the classroom that put the power of technology to work. Join us to learn about the latest Apple products, tools, and programs for education, including what’s new for productivity and collaboration.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then, Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is... Read More →
CCMR is a critical component for both student success and the district’s accountability rating. This session will show how Comal ISD uses both DecisionEd and OnDataSuite to help campuses track CCMR status. We will review the processes the district uses to verify students are on track, are in the correct courses, and have been correctly coded for the progress they have made to ensure students and the district receive full credit for their efforts. Additional Information This session will discuss district accountability and data management using online analytics tools (DecisionEd and OnDataSuite). We will review the data sources, processes used to create and disseminate the data, and will show how the dashboards we have developed with our vendors empower our campuses to ensure students are on track and that they have been coded correctly to receive CCMR credit.This session will discuss district accountability and data management using online analytics tools (DecisionEd and OnDataSuite). We will review the data sources, processes used to create and disseminate the data, and will show how the dashboards we have developed with our vendors empower our campuses to ensure students are on track and that they have been coded correctly to receive CCMR credit. Essential Skill Strategic Planning; Instructional Focus & Professional Development; Information Technology; Data Management
In today’s threat landscape, vulnerability management can feel like navigating the wild without a map—especially for K–12 IT teams juggling limited tools and time. This session introduces a sustainable framework for managing cyber risk tailored to the realities of school districts. Attendees will learn how to prioritize vulnerabilities using inputs from vendor management, data security systems, and public threat intelligence—translating technical findings into operational decisions. Additional Information What audience members will learn from your presentation?: Establishing a tactical framework to aggregate, evaluate, and prioritize vulnerabilities for a sustainable vulnerability management program. We'll also explore how to frame cyber risks for superintendents and cabinet-level stakeholders, ensuring mitigation efforts receive the buy-in they need while minimizing instructional disruption. The session concludes with a tactical guide for recurring review, remediation, and reporting—helping districts safeguard infrastructure and student data without burning out their teams or breaking their budgets. Essential Skill Data Privacy & Security; Leadership & Vision
Tommy Pigeon is an experienced cybersecurity leader. With over a decade of Cybersecurity experience, he specializes in designing sustainable processes to secure an organization’s data, identities, and devices. Capabilities of extensive expertise include Data Security, Security Operations... Read More →
Jon has 25+ years of IT leadership experience in both the private and public sectors, and currently serves as the Deputy CTO at Dallas ISD. He's spearheaded initiatives to modernize technology infrastructure, leveraging key partnerships to enhance resiliency and security. Believing... Read More →
The federal E-Rate program has been in the political crosshairs as of late. From mobile connectivity to cybersecurity threats, the ever-changing technology landscape creates challenges for schools. Come learn the latest strategies and best practices to protect and maximize your E-Rate funding. Additional Information National politics can have a big impact on all federal programs including E-Rate. Within the past two years, the eligibility of Bus Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspots was added, then removed from the program. It's changes like these that can leave school administrators on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars. We anticipate even more changes as the E-Rate program continues to be challenged. It will need to adapt to keep up with technology demands. My goal is to make sure Technology Directors are informed and prepared.
The FCC launched the Cybersecurity Pilot Program in 2025. Over 200 school districts were selected and will receive funding for important tools to help fight cyber-attacks. While not part of the E-Rate program yet, the success of this pilot program could mean more help for technology staff.
During the second half of the session, I will go over the important deadlines and forms required for E-Rate. I use the analogy of filing taxes. You must apply for E-Rate funding every year and there is always a risk for audits. It is challenging working with a federal program, but the tips and strategies participants will learn in this session will give them the confidence to know it is being done right.
Lead E-Rate Specialist, ESC Region 12 E-Rate Consulting
I am a Lead E-Rate Specialist with ESC Region 12 E-Rate Consulting and a certified member of the E-Rate Management Professionals Association. Our organization assists over 280 school districts in Texas with E-Rate funding. We are customer driven consultants who strive to build relationships... Read More →
Join us for an energetic exploration of the Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) certification—the only accredited professional credential designed specifically for EdTech leaders. We’ll dive into how the CETL framework provides a common language for innovation, builds instant credibility with Cabinets and Boards, and ensures you are prepared to manage the complex "human side" of technology.
Dr. Kari Murphy with over 30 years experience in educational technology, currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Deer Park Independent School District in Texas. In 2019, she was awarded the TCEA Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Technology in Education. In 2016... Read More →
Dr. Karla Burkholder is a respected educator, ed tech leader, and author with a legacy of innovation in public education. A former TCEA President and current Deputy Director of Texas Education Technology Leaders, she has guided statewide initiatives and served on multiple influential... Read More →
Dr. Stacy Hawthorne, Executive Director at the EdTech Leaders Alliance and CAO at Learn21, has a distinguished career in educational technology. Stacy serves as the Chair of the CoSN Board of Directors. She led the Davidson Academy Online as Director of Online Learning, and has consulted... Read More →
Having completed my 21st year in education, with experience teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th grade, and as an Elementary Math Specialist, I'm currently the Instructional Technology Specialist at Lorena ISD. My three years in this position have given me extensive knowledge of obtaining... Read More →
The Texas K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative provides several no-cost security solutions to school systems. This session will cover some of the recent developments and additions to the program.
This session gives school district leaders a straightforward look at cyber insurance, current claims trends in education, and what really happens when a cyber incident hits. We’ll cover the basics of cyber coverage, what insurers look for, third‑party risk concerns, and how to work smoothly with your district’s risk manager or insurance coordinator. We’ll also walk through a real‑world “claims playbook” so attendees know what to expect before, during, and after an incident—including common coverage gaps and the latest cyber threats targeting schools.
Technology Director, Maypearl Independent School District
Corey Anderson is the Director of Technology for Maypearl ISD. With 27 years in education as a counselor and professor—and a second act in cybersecurity and IT—Corey bridges the gap between complex infrastructure and the classroom. After a tenure at ESC Region 11, he now leads... Read More →
With new updated rules clarifying Title II ADA digital accessibility requirements and compliance deadlines approaching, school districts must act quickly—but not in isolation. This session shares a task force‑based approach to digital accessibility that distributes ownership across technology, academics, communications, and support services. Attendees will gain a practical framework for organizing district teams, prioritizing risk, and moving from compliance‑driven work to sustainable accessibility practices.
Step onto the field with the latest updates to The Exchange. This session highlights new applications, enhanced functionality, and key improvements designed to help districts compete—and win—where it matters most. See how The Exchange continues to evolve to support smarter connections, stronger data, and better outcomes across Texas.
How do you know which edtech tools are actually making a difference for students? In this 30-minute session, Mary Batiwalla, ClassLink’s Associate VP of Data & Product Research, will introduce ClassLink Insights and demonstrate how districts can use data to pinpoint which applications drive engagement and support student success. Learn how to move beyond usage metrics to make informed decisions about your digital ecosystem.
Traditional approaches to technology delivery are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern education. EdTech360 redefines this model by unifying systems, services, and insights into a single, seamless experience. This session highlights how strong leadership, strategic innovation, and intentional design can eliminate inefficiencies, enhance the user experience, and establish a new standard for enterprise technology in K–12. Additional Information EdTech360 is more than a platform. Edtech 360 is a transformation of how technology is delivered, experienced, and sustained in a large-scale K–12 environment. This session goes beyond the build to examine the decisions, challenges, and strategic tradeoffs required to break from traditional models and deliver a modern, unified experience. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for leading change, driving adoption, and building systems that scale. Essential Skill Strategic Planning; Leadership & Vision; Information Technology; Data Management
In this session, we'll share the story of how Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD collaborated with GTS Technology Solutions to build capacity across district departments and set the district up for success with a system-wide plan for safe usage and mission-minded implementation. As with all AI initiatives, this story is a work in progress, but if you're trying to decide where to start, this session is for you.
This session equips technology leaders with practical ways to help administrators and staff confidently address parent concerns and communicate the real learning behind classroom technology use. Additional Information Primary Outcome: Acknowledge that if we don’t tell the story of the learning, parents and community only see the hardware. Essential Skill Leadership & Vision; Instructional Focus & Professional Development
Director of Instructional Technology, Richardson ISD
A public educator since 2005, I spent 12 years as a classroom teacher before becoming a K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist focusing on supporting authentic and engaging learning in a 1:1 environment in 2017. In January 2022, I moved into the role of Director of Instructional... Read More →
