2026 TETL Summer Conference

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.

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.


Essential Skill
Leadership & Vision

Technology leaders are constantly searching for trusted resources—policies, templates, checklists, cybersecurity guidance, privacy tools, AI governance documents, board communication materials, and more. The challenge is not a lack of information; it is finding the right information when you need it most.

Join us for an interactive preview of the TETL Policy Repository, a new AI-enabled knowledge system designed to help Texas education technology leaders quickly locate, organize, and apply practical resources aligned to the CETL, CCRE, and Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) frameworks.

Participants will learn how the repository is being designed to go beyond traditional document storage by leveraging Google Gemini to support natural-language search, framework-based navigation, and guided resource discovery. Whether you are a new CTO, a cybersecurity leader, a privacy advocate, or an experienced technology executive, the repository is being built to help you spend less time searching and more time leading.
Attendees will explore the repository structure, see examples of how resources are organized, learn how AI can assist with resource discovery, and have an opportunity to provide input on the future direction of this exciting TETL initiative.

Come see how TETL is transforming a collection of documents into a Framework-Driven Knowledge System that helps education technology leaders learn, improve, collaborate, and innovate.

Secure your K12 district with 8 critical audits. Build a "One-Person SOC" for Google/Microsoft and automate protection without increasing headcount.

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. 

Leveraging Google Gemini and Google workspace to move from "banning" to "building" AI literacy for both teachers and students.
Additional Information 
How to enhance the literacy of AI among admin, teachers, and students in a safe and meaningful experience. Our district uses in person PD, virtual PD, real-time help desk support, and partnerships across the district to mold instruction. Each brick of this foundation has been intentionally laid and solidified to allow learners to take risks and learn new skills and pedagogy applications. 
Essential Skill
Ethics & Policies; Instructional Focus & Professional Development; Data Privacy & Security; Team Building & Staffing

Follow along as we detail our journey to a unified Chrome classroom.  We will cover the drivers, solutions and benefits that informed this decision.  This is not meant to be a rulebook, but rather an open discussion.  We will share the hurdles, fears and misconceptions found during our transition as well as the rewards and benefits.  I hope you will be a part of our learning journey!

Russ Johnson

Experience Verkada Command the way schools actually use it. In this hands‑on, interactive session, attendees will work through real K‑12 security scenarios directly inside Verkada Command—no slides, just practical application. Led by Belton ISD CTO Shad McGaha and Tessera CEO Russ Johnson, participants will practice incident review, video search, live monitoring, and rapid response. The session wraps up with a fun challenge to test your skills and crown a Verkada Command standout.Additional Information 
Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Navigate Verkada Command more efficiently using real‑world K‑12 workflows
• Conduct faster, more effective video searches during incidents
• Apply best practices for daily and time‑sensitive security scenarios
• Understand how districts leverage Verkada tools beyond basic camera viewing

Session FormatThis session is highly interactive and hands‑on, designed to mirror real district use:

• Brief overview of Verkada Command and session goals
• Guided walkthrough of real‑life K‑12 scenarios inside Verkada Command
• Live participant interaction with facilitated discussion and problem‑solving
• Interactive challenge where attendees apply what they’ve learned

Intended AudienceThis session is ideal for:

• K‑12 technology directors and coordinators
• School safety and security personnel
• IT administrators currently using or evaluating Verkada
• District leaders interested in best practices for video security and operations

No advanced Verkada expertise is required.
Facilitators

• Shad McGaha, Chief Technology Officer, Belton ISD
• Russ Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Tessera Technology Group
  With participation and platform support from Verkada

Takeaways for AttendeesParticipants will leave with:

• Practical, real‑world knowledge they can immediately apply in their district
• Greater confidence using Verkada Command during real incidents
• Insight into best practices from a district actively using the platform
• A clearer understanding of how Verkada supports both safety and operations

Session Engagement ElementThe session concludes with a fun, low‑pressure interactive challenge where participants put their skills to the test. The top performer will be recognized as the event’s standout Verkada Command user.
Essential Skill
Data Privacy & Security; Information Technology; Communication Systems; Instructional Focus & Professional Development

 Amanda Lanicek - Springtown ISD

In the EdTech World Cup, winning takes more than a star striker—it requires a strong defense, a visionary coach, and a clear path to goal. Whether you lead a three-person team in a rural district or a metro-sized operation, the early years define your legacy. Hear from two veteran captains—a Small-District United and a Metro FC—sharing winning tactics, costly fouls to avoid, and set plays for a championship tech department.

Additional Information 
Draft Workshop Structure and Content: 
Workshop Structure & ContentI. Pre-Match Strategy: The First 90 Days

• Building the Roster: Identifying "influencers" vs. "decision-makers" in your district.
• The Audit Kick-off: What to look for in your first tech audit (Security, Infrastructure, and Instruction).
• Small vs. Large:
  • Small District: Wearing multiple hats without losing your head.
  • Large District: Navigating the bureaucracy to find the "lever" of change.

II. Defensive Maneuvers: Cybersecurity & Policy

• Hardening the Net: Prioritizing the TETL/CoSN "Trusted Learning Environment" (TLE) framework early on.
• The "Yellow Card" Incidents: How to handle your first major outage or data breach with transparency and grit.

III. Offensive Plays: Innovation & AI

• Scaling the Score: Implementing frameworks that work for 500 students or 50,000.
• The "VAR" (Video Assistant Referee) Approach: Using data visualization to prove the ROI of your tech spend to the School Board.

IV. The Post-Game: Longevity & Leadership

• Mental Fitness: Avoiding burnout in the "always-on" era of educational leadership.
• Mentorship: Leveraging the TETL/CoSN network to ensure you aren't coaching on an island.

Interactive Elements (Engagement)

• "The Penalty Shootout": A rapid-fire Q&A where attendees submit their "nightmare scenarios," and the presenters give a 30-second "pro-fix."
• "Draft Day" Networking: Grouping attendees by district size to share one "win" and one "worry" using a shared digital workspace.

Essential Skill
Leadership & Vision; Strategic Planning; Team Building & Staffing

Moderated by: Keyton Gibson and Erin Winnicki, Incident IQ

In the fast-paced arena of Texas K-12 education, technology leaders must act as both head coaches and general managers. To "win" for our students, IT departments must move beyond simple troubleshooting and toward strategic leadership.
This panel brings together three veteran leaders from diverse Texas districts to share their championship playbooks. We will dive into the "triple threat" of modern IT leadership.
Additional Information 
"Triple Threat" of modern IT leadership:

• The Defensive Line: Implementing best practices for secure, scalable, and resilient IT infrastructure.
• The Scouting Report: Strategies for identifying and mentoring the next generation of EdTech leaders within your own team.
• The Unified Field: The technical and political maneuvers required to move a district toward a single, cohesive platform that reduces "app fatigue" and maximizes data integrity.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify three high-impact IT best practices that can be implemented immediately to improve district stability.
2. Apply a framework for leadership development that helps technical staff transition into strategic management roles.
3. Evaluate the pros and cons of platform unification and develop a roadmap for vendor consolidation in their own districts.

Essential Skill
Strategic Planning; Leadership & Vision; Information Technology; Data Management

Onboarding is more than teaching systems and procedures. It should establish culture, expectations, and a pathway for growth. This session introduces a practical model for developing teams through a “Growing In or Growing Out” culture. Employees are either growing within the organization or being supported professionally as they grow into their next opportunity. Join us as we share our Commitment to Excellence Framework, which defines the standards for service, teamwork, professionalism, communication, and continuous improvement.
Additional Information 
Geared towards mid-to-large school district leaders.
Essential Skill
Leadership & Vision; Team Building & Staffing