2026 TETL Summer Conference

Too often, technology is seen as providing internet and devices. Most school district decisions impact or are impacted by technology. Often, technology leaders fixate on cabinet seats, but the real work is partnering with the larger organization. That work begins inside the technology department. We won’t be seen as partners until we act like partners. In this session we will explore ideas for growing a culture of service and empowering your team.
Additional Information 
While this is a presentation, there will be opportunities for participants to interact and discuss ideas presented. Leverage participant expertise is important where it exists, but the presentation does not require audience participation. This is work I have done in two large school districts of over 50,000 students.
Essential Skill
Leadership & Vision; Team Building & Staffing; Strategic Planning

EdTech has the power to transform teaching and learning—but only when it’s intentionally selected and strategically implemented. This session offers district leaders a practical roadmap for navigating the edtech lifecycle, from decision-making to long-term impact.


You’ll gain strategies to:
* select tools aligned to district priorities
* apply best practices for evaluation and implementation
* leverage customizable resources
* adapt confidently to an evolving edtech landscape


Move from edtech overload to intentional, effective integration! 
Participants will:

• Explore the impact of EdTech on teaching, learning, and operations, with a focus on trends and alignment to districts’ academic and organizational goals
• Identify key decision-making factors for selecting tools that align with district priorities, budgets, and instructional needs
• Apply evidence-based practices for professional learning, rollout, and continuous improvement
• Gain access to customizable, ready-to-use resources that can be implemented immediately
• Stay ahead of emerging trends to ensure flexibility and sustainability in an evolving EdTech landscape

This session will explore how classroom instructional audio systems support student learning by ensuring every student can clearly hear instruction, regardless of where they are seated. Participants will learn how improving speech intelligibility increases student engagement, reduces teacher vocal strain, and creates more equitable learning environments for all students. The session will also highlight how emerging technologies such as real-time AI translation are transforming access for multilingual learners by delivering instruction instantly in their preferred language.

Essential Skill
Instructional Focus & Professional Development; Information Technology; Leadership & Vision; Communication Systems