NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

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10:00am EDT

AI Policy 3.0: Sustaining Success

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

Now in our 3rd year of GenAI implementation, Stokes County Schools explores shifting from initial policy creation to a mature framework. "AI Policy 3.0" reveals multi-year lessons on scaling responsible AI, adapting guidelines, and maintaining trust. Leave with practical tools and templates to sustain future-ready AI in your district.

Speakers

Brooke Johnson

Kimberley Thompson-Hairston

Director of Media and Technology & PIO, Stokes County Schools

Dr. Kimberley Thompson-Hairston is a seasoned educational leader and technology strategist with over 18 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She currently serves as Director of Media and Technology and Public Information Officer, overseeing district-wide tech initiatives... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

Connected Districts: Leveraging NCTIES to Solve Real-World Tech Challenges

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

While NCTIES is widely known for its annual state conference, our mission to support North Carolina public school units (PSUs) runs 365 days a year. Join us for an interactive session to discover how NCTIES actively partners with district leaders, instructional tech facilitators, media specialists, and IT teams to fuel innovation, remove operational friction, and build sustainable tech ecosystems. No district should have to solve systemic edtech and operational challenges in isolation. NCTIES connects NC educators and IT teams with the collective wisdom of their regional peers. Attend this session to learn how NCTIES supports your PSU through targeted regional gatherings, collaborative problem-solving frameworks (FUEL, FRICTION, and SPARK), and direct pipelines to state leadership. Come ready to learn what's available to your district and how your team can get involved right away.

Speakers

Melanie Honeycutt

ED, NCTIES

I have retired after 32 years of experience as an educator, from roles as a Media Coordinator and Instructional Technology Facilitator to working with the North Carolina Department of Digital Teaching and Learning, and most recently serving as the Chief Information Officer for a public... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

Digital Accessibility in Google Slides

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Google Slides can support engaging instruction and communication, but slide decks must be designed accessibly. In this session, participants will learn how to create and revise Google Slides presentations using accessibility best practices, including clear layouts, slide titles, reading order, alt text, readable formatting, and color contrast.

Speakers

Josh Barton

Josh Barton is the Digital Accessibility Coordinator with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he supports digital learning, accessibility, and inclusive technology practices across North Carolina schools. His work includes developing guidance, resources, professional... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

Empathy & Design

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Empathy is more than a value; it is a powerful design skill that creates impactful learning experiences. Learn how understanding learners' needs, perspectives, and barriers lead to more engaging, accessible, and meaningful learning. Explore practical tools and strategies that leverage empathy as a design skill to transform instruction and learning.

Speakers

Brian Whitson

Piedmont-Triad Digital Learning Consultant, NCDPI

Brian, an ISTE + ASCD Certified EdTech Leader, serves as the Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant for the Piedmont Triad Region at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He served as an instructional coach, technology facilitator, and STEM/science teacher in Rowan-Salisbury... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

STEM That Sticks: Systems That Last

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

STEM isn’t a program—it’s an ecosystem. In this interactive session, participants will explore how to build a sustainable, district-wide STEM framework that connects curriculum, technology, partnerships, and real-world learning. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to design a STEM system that lasts.

Speakers

Jill Rogers

STEM Coordinator, Richmond County Schools

Jill Rogers is the District STEM Coordinator for Richmond County Schools in North Carolina, where they lead the development of innovative, hands-on learning experiences that connect STEM to real-world applications. They support schools through curriculum integration, teacher training... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | NCSIS, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

From Overwhelmed to Optimized with AI

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Too many tasks and not enough time (or coffee)? Let AI help. In this interactive session you will learn how to turn simple prompts into powerful, time-saving systems using the TCREI framework. Walk away with practical ways to streamline workflows, make sense of data, and work smarter, not harder.

Speakers

Mandy Armstrong

Digital Systems and Learning Coordinator/Records Compliance Officer, Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf

I wear many hats at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. I have expertise in policy development, compliance training, staff development, and the strategic use of AI to improve efficiency and strengthen systems. With a focus on practical application and engagement, I specialize... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

10:00am EDT

NCEdCloud Data Flow and Syncs

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will cover the latest updates to the NCEdCloud IAM Service, including a review of how student and employee data gets into the system. We'll also take a look at the current options for MFA and discuss troubleshooting tips and tricks.

Speakers

John Mairs

Section Chief - PSU Tech Services, NCDPI

John currently leads the PSU Technology Services team at NCDPI, who manages the NCEdCloud IAM Service, Student UID System, and Staff UID System. A former charter school CTO, John is passionate about lowering the barriers to digital curriculum and personalized learning while ensuring... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Teacher Leadership Specialist in NCEES

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session will help participants unpack the Teacher Leadership Specialist Standards, examine the evaluation rubric, and develop practical strategies for documenting evidence that demonstrates proficiency. Participants will learn how to connect coaching and professional learning outcomes to evaluation indicators.

Speakers

Kelly Schultz

Standards Implementation Specialist, NCDPI

Kelly Schultz entered the field of education in the Spring of 2008 as a secondary English Language Arts teacher. She has since progressed in the field serving as a curriculum coach, MTSS District Coordinator, and NCDPI ELA Consultant. Kelly currently works as the Standards Implementation... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Digital Accessibility in Google Docs

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Google Docs is a common tool for instruction, communication, and collaboration, but documents must be designed with accessibility in mind. In this session, participants will learn practical strategies for creating more accessible Google Docs, including headings, links, alt text, tables, lists, and readable formatting.

Speakers

Josh Barton

Josh Barton is the Digital Accessibility Coordinator with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he supports digital learning, accessibility, and inclusive technology practices across North Carolina schools. His work includes developing guidance, resources, professional... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

How to Train Your Algorithm

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Our online behavior trains what algorithms show us next. Participants will explore how clicks, watches, likes, shares, searches, and pauses shape digital feeds. Attendees will connect these ideas to media literacy, misinformation, digital citizenship, bias, and digital wellness.

Speakers

Mollee Holloman

School Library Education Consultant, NCDPI Digital Teaching & Learning

Mollee Holloman is currently serving as the School Library Education Consultant for North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, in the division of Digital Teaching & Learning. A steward of stories and curator of worldly experiences using text + tech, she's driven to help adapt... Read More →

Sabrina Steigelman

State E-Rate Coordinator, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Dr. Sabrina Steigelman serves as the State E-Rate Coordinator for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Office of Digital Teaching and Learning, where she supports school connectivity, digital learning initiatives and digital citizenship efforts across the state. A... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Staff Meetings Reimagined

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform staff meetings into meaningful, differentiated professional learning. Participants will learn a practical process for using walkthrough trends, PLC observations, and student data to design teacher-led learning experiences. Leave with a step-by-step framework and tools to implement immediately.

Speakers

Megan Carraway

5th Grade Math & Science Teacher, Johnston County Schools

Tami Poland

Principal

I have dedicated more than 20 years to public education, beginning my career as both an elementary and middle school teacher for 11 years before transitioning into school leadership. For the past 10 years, I have served in school administration, where my passion has been building... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Choosing Joy

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Choosing Joy is an interactive and engaging professional development hosted by classroom teachers. This session is geared towards developing practical solutions to incorporating joy and fostering human relationships for the benefit of both teachers and students.

Speakers

Kylee Marshaachalk

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Student Success with Durable Skills

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

The Skills for the Future Pilot success will provide resources and ideas to effectively implement durable skills.

Speakers

Kristine Barberio

Skills for the Future Project Coordinator, NCDPI

I am a 22 year educator who has primarily taught 4th - 6th grades ELA. I am certified in and have worked as an Administrator, Gifted Education, and with MLL Students. I have worked from NCDPI since 2021 with the Office of Virtual Instruction / Rethink Education Grant. Recently, I... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

CRDC: It could be you.

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Before the first CRDC submission comes the question, "Where do I start?" Designed for new CRDC coordinators and support staff, this session provides an overview of the collection, available resources, NCDPI support, and key preparation steps to help districts confidently prepare for the upcoming collection.

Speakers

Terra Lynne Dominguez

Business Systems Analyst II, Department of Public Instruction

Terra Lynne Dominguez is a Business Systems Analyst II with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she serves as the EDFacts Coordinator, SEA CRDC Coordinator, and supports the CEDARS Data Warehouse. She works across program areas to coordinate federal reporting... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Auditorium II Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

12:00pm EDT

Cybersecurity is Everyone's Job

Tuesday September 29, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. In this interactive session, participants will explore strategies for building a culture of digital trust and cyber resilience. Through real-world examples and collaboration, attendees will learn how educators, leaders, and technology teams can strengthen cybersecurity across their schools.

Speakers

Regina Smith

CTE- Cybersecurity/Computer Science Teacher, Kearns Academy-Guilford County Schools

Regina Smith, is a National Board Certified educator with over 10 years of experience teaching computer science and cybersecurity and more than 25 years of industry experience in business and information technology. She teaches at Kearns Academy of Computer and Information Sciences... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | NCSIS, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

From Compliance to Culture

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

From LMS compliance training to PD and PLCs, educator learning is often passive and inefficient. This session introduces the C.A.R.E. Framework and R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N. Model, showing how AI can support redesign work. Participants leave with practical, usable strategies to improve learning systems.

Speakers

Mandy Armstrong

Digital Systems and Learning Coordinator/Records Compliance Officer, Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf

I wear many hats at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. I have expertise in policy development, compliance training, staff development, and the strategic use of AI to improve efficiency and strengthen systems. With a focus on practical application and engagement, I specialize... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Staff Meetings Reimagined

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform staff meetings into meaningful, differentiated professional learning. Participants will learn a practical process for using walkthrough trends, PLC observations, and student data to design teacher-led learning experiences. Leave with a step-by-step framework and tools to implement immediately.

Speakers

Megan Carraway

5th Grade Math & Science Teacher, Johnston County Schools

Tami Poland

Principal

I have dedicated more than 20 years to public education, beginning my career as both an elementary and middle school teacher for 11 years before transitioning into school leadership. For the past 10 years, I have served in school administration, where my passion has been building... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Excelerate Your Day - Beginners

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Unlock the full potential of your daily workflow with our introductory Excel session designed for beginners. Attendees will learn navigation shortcuts, master time-saving data techniques like Flash Fill & Transpose and apply foundational formulas & formatting to transform raw data into actionable insights.

Speakers

Chris Bunting

Executive Director of Student Assignment and Information Systems, Johnston County Schools

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Auditorium III Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

AI Mystery Theater

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

Step into the AI Mystery Theater to experience inquiry in action. Solve a classroom mystery, explore how AI supported its design, and learn to craft your own engaging, standards-based mysteries. Leave with templates, prompts, and strategies to make learning more curious, creative, and evidence-driven.

Speakers

Jennifer Graham

NC Regional Consultant, NCDPI

Jennifer Graham is the North Central Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant with NCDPI and she is a passionate advocate for engaging, learner-centered professional development. With 29 years of experience in a North Carolina school district, she has served as a teacher, instructional... Read More →

Paige Horton

Instr Support: Digital Learning Coach, Orange County Schools

Paige Horton is a leader in AI strategy, digital learning, and professional development with experience across K–12, higher education, and virtual learning environments. She specializes in designing engaging adult learning programs, coaching educators, leading organizational change... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

Introduction to Digital Accessibility

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Digital accessibility helps ensure that all learners, families, and educators can access and use digital content. This introductory session will help participants understand what digital accessibility is, why it matters, and how common barriers show up in everyday instructional materials and communications.

Speakers

Josh Barton

Josh Barton is the Digital Accessibility Coordinator with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he supports digital learning, accessibility, and inclusive technology practices across North Carolina schools. His work includes developing guidance, resources, professional... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

Teaching with the Brain in Mind

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how scaffolding technology tools can reduce stress, lower cognitive overload, and improve student engagement. Participants will experience brain-based strategies and classroom-ready examples for introducing digital tools in manageable stages that build confidence, accessibility, and deeper learning.

Speakers

Kalo Haslem

Instructional Tech Facilitator, Harnett County Schools

I am an educational professional with extensive experience developing and implementing multidimensional lessons across a variety of content areas and digital tools. As an ISTE Certified EdTech Leader, I specialize in thoughtfully integrating technology into instruction to strengthen... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

Meet Claude Cowork: AI for Education

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover Claude Cowork... An AI desktop assistant that doesn't just answer questions, it gets things done. Through live demos and real audience participation, this session shows educators, coaches, tech staff, and administrators exactly how AI can save time and reduce repetitive tasks in their daily work.

Speakers

Kenneth Josef

Network Specialist, Cumberland County Schools

Kenneth Josef is a Network Specialist and Digital Learning Innovator with Cumberland County Schools, an Air Force veteran, and an advocate for the practical use of AI in K–12 education. A former fifth-grade teacher with a master’s degree in education, he combines classroom experience... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | NCSIS, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

NCEdCloud Data Flows & Updates

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will cover the latest updates to the NCEdCloud IAM Service, including a review of how student and employee data gets into the system. We'll also take a look at the current options for MFA and discuss troubleshooting tips and tricks.

Speakers

John Mairs

Section Chief - PSU Tech Services, NCDPI

John currently leads the PSU Technology Services team at NCDPI, who manages the NCEdCloud IAM Service, Student UID System, and Staff UID System. A former charter school CTO, John is passionate about lowering the barriers to digital curriculum and personalized learning while ensuring... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Guilford D Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

3:00pm EDT

The Science of Screen Use

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What does research actually tell us about screens, devices, and student learning? This session separates headlines from evidence by examining current studies on screen use, attention, academic outcomes, mental health, and digital habits.

Speakers

Ashley McBride

Digital Learning Initiative Consultant, NCDPI

Dr. Ashley McBride is the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her role is to support PSUs and schools with their understanding and implementation of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan. You can reach out to Ashley... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

3:00pm EDT

My CIMC and Me: Getting CCP Audits Right

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to organize and execute a CCP course audit that is efficient, transparent, and sustainable—helping ensure students have access to accurate, high-quality postsecondary opportunities.

Speakers

Stephanie Adams

Meredith Weipert

Director of Testing and Accountability/PowerSchool, Randolph County School System

Meredith currently serves as Director of Testing and Accountability/Student Information Systems for the Randolph County School System. A 25-year educator, she has worked as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school principal. At the heart of her work is supporting her amazing... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Sandpiper Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

3:00pm EDT

Uncover the Mysteries of Staff UID

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

The Staff UID System has been doing its thing since 2009 — but how does it actually work?! In this session, we'll cover the purpose and basics of the Staff UID System, look at how data from payroll gets over to Staff UID, and discuss tips for navigating the system and diagnosing data issues.

Speakers

John Mairs

Section Chief - PSU Tech Services, NCDPI

John currently leads the PSU Technology Services team at NCDPI, who manages the NCEdCloud IAM Service, Student UID System, and Staff UID System. A former charter school CTO, John is passionate about lowering the barriers to digital curriculum and personalized learning while ensuring... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Guilford D Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

Bridging Languages, Building Futures

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover practical, high-impact strategies to support multilingual learners and create classrooms where every student’s language and culture are valued as strengths. In this interactive session, participants will explore research-based approaches that promote language development, academic success, and student confidence.

Speakers

Jonathan Lancho Villa

Multilingual Learners Specialist, Surry County Schools

Jonathan Lancho Villa is a multilingual educator at Pilot Mountain Elementary and Mountain Park Elementary in Surry County Schools. Originally from Spain, Jonathan is passionate about equipping multilingual learners with the language, confidence, and academic skills they need to thrive... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

Student Innovation with Design Thinking

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how Design Thinking transforms learning through authentic, Shark Tank–style challenges. Participants will learn practical strategies to guide students through Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test while fostering creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation across grade levels and content areas.

Speakers

Ashley Agner

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Rowan-Salisbury Schools

Ashley Agner has spent the last 14 years figuring out what makes a classroom truly come alive. Currently serving as the Elementary District Technology Facilitator for Rowan-Salisbury Schools, she’s dedicated the last five years to technology integration that actually works for kids... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

Aligned by Design: AI-Powered Units

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore an AI-powered tool that helps build lessons and units aligned to state standards, Portrait of a Graduate competencies, and UDL accommodations. Whether starting from scratch or refining existing work, K–8 educators will leave with a completed, ready-to-use unit. Because the best lessons aren't generated, they're Aligned by Design.

Speakers

Heather Gerbus

Media Coordinator, East Forsyth Middle School

Working in education since 1999, Heather Gerbus brings a wealth of experience to every learning community she serves. Her career spans 19.5 years as a classroom teacher, time in student services under a federal grant, work as an instructional technology facilitator, and, currently... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

Privacy in the Age of AI

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Privacy is still possible in an AI-driven world. This session explores how personal information is collected, shared, and used by data brokers and AI-powered technologies. Participants will learn practical strategies to protect privacy, reduce digital footprints, and strengthen student privacy and digital citizenship in schools.

Speakers

DIANE DULANEY

Privacy Specialist, NCDPI

Diane Dulaney is the Privacy Specialist at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and leads the agency’s efforts to safeguard student and staff data. She brings over a decade of experience in shaping privacy policy, ensuring compliance with FERPA, PPRA, and COPPA, and... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | NCSIS, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

Demystifying CTE Concentrator Status

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session provides a practical overview of how CTE concentrator status is calculated within the NCSIS. Participants will learn how key data elements and program requirements work together to determine concentrator outcomes, and will explore strategies for reviewing records, identifying data issues, and ensuring accurate CTE reporting.

Speakers

Nancy Cross

Misty Wolfe

Section Chief, NCDPI

Misty Wolfe is a section chief for the Office of Career and Technical Education at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction where she works with school districts across the state to implement high quality CTE programs of study. Misty’s areas of focus include CTE data... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Augusta AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning