NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

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9:00am EDT

AI Top Chef: Next-Level Lessons

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

In this unconventional, high-energy session, you’ll step into a Top Chef–inspired experience where AI becomes your creative sous-chef. Through interactive challenges, explore how AI can spark ideas, remix strategies, and accelerate lesson design. Leave with practical tools, fresh inspiration, and a digital recipe book for your classroom!

Speakers

Caty Carmendy

Instructional Coach, Mooresville High School

My name is Caty Carmendy, and I am the Instructional Coach of Mooresville High School. I have an extensive amount of experience as a technology liaison with other school districts to help with 1:1 or other technology initiatives, as well as presenting PD at conferences, not limited... Read More →

Erin Trahan

Math Teacher/Department Chair, Mooresville High School

My name is Erin Trahan. I have been teaching high school math for 27 years in Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina. I have taught AP statistics, I am an AP Statistics reader for the College Board, and I serve as one of the Instructional Coaches for Mooresville High School. I have... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Balancing Tech & Teacher Expertise

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom A

Limited Capacity seats available

Technology is a powerful instructional tool—but it is not a replacement for great teaching. In this engaging session, participants will explore how to create purposeful balance between technology use and teacher expertise. Leave with practical strategies for intentional screen use that reaffirms your unique value and centers student needs.

Speakers

Brooke Johnson

Lori Spencer

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

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

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Cybersecurity: You Make Your Own Luck

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

This session examines why some schools experience cyber incidents while others avoid them. PTAC experts will highlight attacker goals, cybersecurity trends, and practical best practices, including MFA, that schools can use to strengthen defenses and reduce risk.

Speakers

Brittani Fairchild

Ross Lemke

Director, Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), U.S. Department of Education

Ross Lemke serves as the manager for the Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) with over 10 years of experience providing TA around education data. He helps state and local education agencies, schools, districts and postsecondary institutions develop an understanding of FERPA... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

9:00am EDT

Unlocking Creativity With Canva AI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how Canva AI can support student-directed learning through creativity, choice, and visual storytelling. Participants will explore classroom-ready lesson examples, engage in hands-on AI image creation, and discover strategies for integrating Canva AI tools into authentic learning experiences that increase engagement and student ownership.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Meet Claude Cowork: AI for Education

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Rigor, Engagement, and Personalization!

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

Tired of checked out students or students looking for AI shortcuts? We will dive into rigorous, high-yield strategies that move students from "doing the work" to "loving the learning." Whether you want to add student voice and choice, design AI-resistant tasks, or get some “use tomorrow” quick wins, you'll get an idea for your own context!

Speakers

Katie Bogle

Instructional Coach

Katie Bogle is a veteran educator, having served in North Carolina public schools for 30 years. Retired from full time teaching in 2026, she now serves as an educational consultant and instructional coach, helping K-12 educators enhance their teaching practices. She is a self-described... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

9:00am EDT

The Science of Screen Use

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

From Expert To Facilitator

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Best practices for designing and presenting engaging
professional development — especially when teaching is not
your day job.

Speakers

Amir Lawrence

Cybersecurity Analyst, Friday Institute / North Carolina State University

Sandra Reynolds

Chief Information Officer, Currituck County

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership

9:00am EDT

K-12 Cybersecurity Town Hall

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Cory Rankin

NC K-12 Cybersecurity Program Lead, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Colony B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership

9:00am EDT

Tiered Support for NCEES Success

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform NCEES from a compliance chore into a powerful growth engine! Discover New Hanover County Schools’ tiered framework for supporting all employees, beginning teachers, and new APs. Interact with real-world scenarios and leave with a toolkit of timelines and templates to use in your district.

Speakers

Katie Fink

Dr. Katie Fink serves at the BT Support and Evaluation Specialist for New Hanover County Schools and has been in the position for 5 years. Prior to taking on that role, she served as a classroom teacher and Assistant Principal, also in NHCS.

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

9:00am EDT

Demystifying CTE Concentrator Status

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Victoria Ballroom A

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Victoria Ballroom A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

9:00am EDT

Excelerate Your Day - Intermediate

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Elevate your data management skills in this intermediate-level session, "Excelerate Your Daily Experience." Designed for those looking to move beyond spreadsheet basics, this workshop focuses on practical, advanced techniques to streamline your data analysis and visualization workflows.

Speakers

Chris Bunting

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

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Guilford D Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Intermediate | Leadership, Intermediate

9:00am EDT

Chronic Absenteeism in the SIS

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

You know who has behavioral, academic, or socio-emotional concerns. Who is under the radar because they aren’t present regularly? School attendance is important, and “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” -Robert Collier. Find out who needs to see those small efforts to be encouraged to send their child to school.

Speakers

Thomas Grimes

Director of Technology and Accountability, Hertford County Public Schools

After starting as a classroom teacher in 2013 I've moved a lot, first to being a lead technician, then to being an ITF, to SIS (in time for the IC conversion, yay!), and finally to Director. I've always had a reputation for being the data guy and working to understand connections... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Pebble Beach Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Intermediate | Leadership, Intermediate

10:00am EDT

Boosting Vocabulary with Canva AI Images

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how Canva’s Magic Media transforms words into engaging visual learning experiences. Participants will practice prompt-writing, generate AI images, and discover practical strategies to boost vocabulary development, creativity, and student engagement through curriculum-connected visual storytelling.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

10:00am EDT

Introduction to Digital Accessibility

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 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

Pixels with Purpose: K-12 Screen Use

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

When conversations about student screen time arise, leaders need to move beyond counting minutes to evaluating learning. Explore the ICAP and Triple E Frameworks to assess digital learning experiences, identify high-value technology use, and gain practical strategies for leading meaningful conversations about purposeful screen use in education.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

10:00am EDT

Powering PLCs with SchoolNet Data

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform SchoolNet into a PLC catalyst! Grounded in Hattie’s Visible Learning and DuFour’s PLC model, this hands-on session uses CFAs to drive student growth. Move beyond scores to build collective efficacy through pre/post-tests and real-time instructional shifts. Bring a device to explore features that fuel collaborative decision-making.

Speakers

Wendy Fusco

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Buncombe County

Wendy Fusco is the District Instructional Technology Facilitator for Buncombe County Schools and applies her 25 years of experience in the field to support 45 schools across grades K-12. She is also the district coordinator for the FIRST Lego League elementary teams to help foster... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Intermediate | Coaches & SLMC, Intermediate | Leadership, Intermediate

10:00am EDT

Work Smarter with Gemini and Gemini Notebook

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

Is instruction in your school teaching the topic or the standard? Learn how to prompt Gemini and Gemini Notebook to turn state unpacking documents into instructional partners that do the heavy lifting of curriculum analysis. Learn to leverage AI to ensure lessons are engaging, scaffolded for ML students, and exactly what students are required to master.

Speakers

Katie Bogle

Instructional Coach

Katie Bogle is a veteran educator, having served in North Carolina public schools for 30 years. Retired from full time teaching in 2026, she now serves as an educational consultant and instructional coach, helping K-12 educators enhance their teaching practices. She is a self-described... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

10:00am EDT

E-Rate Roadmap: Crossing the Finish Line

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

The journey doesn't end when funding is approved. This session focuses on post-funding activities, including implementation, service substitutions, invoicing, audits, record retention, and preparing for the next funding cycle. Join a panel discussion filled with practical advice, audience Q&A, and lessons learned from the road.

Speakers

Adam Benjamin

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Sue Boros

State E-Rate Coordinator, Department of Public Instruction

What shall we talk about? Our families, our hobbies, football or E-Rate? I'm game.

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 →

Chris Whitlock

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Turnberry Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

10:00am EDT

NCEES Checkpoint: Where Are We Now?

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Now is the perfect time to ensure your NCEES system is set up for success. This practical "Check Point" will walk you through a step-by-step review of your live system. We will check assigned plans and explore reports to quickly identify plan status, verify staff locations, and ensure proper peer observer and mentor rights are given, and more.

Speakers

Donna Currie

NCEES and OER Product Manager, NCDPI

Donna Currie is the NCEES and OER Product Manager at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). With more than 29 years of experience in education, she has held various roles, including Digital Subscription and Technology Analyst, Teacher, Instructional Technology... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

10:00am EDT

Excelerate Your Day - Beginners

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am 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

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Guilford D Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

10:00am EDT

The Human Advantage in the Age of AI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

AI can generate, recommend, and automate—but educators lead learning. In this interactive workshop, participants will analyze real-world scenarios, evaluate the role of human judgment with decision making, and develop practical strategies for human-centered technology integration.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

10:00am EDT

Incident Response Plan Workshop

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Join the K-12 Cybersecurity Program team for an overview of the PSU Incident Response Toolkit. Our team will break down the components of the toolkit and guide you step by step with how to consume and utilize it effectively in your PSU.

Speakers

Sammie Carter

Chris Hovis

Jason Shirley

IT Consultant, MCNC

Jason Shirley joined MCNC in 2018 and currently serves as a Managing Consultant. In this role, Jason leads MCNC's Vital Cyber Consulting team, providing a range of security consulting services to help clients address their cybersecurity challenges.Jason graduated from North Carolina... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Colony B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

11:00am EDT

AI Toolkit for Coaches: Amplify Impact

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

Your coaching plate is full. Let AI help lighten the load! Explore practical prompts, tools, and workflows that save time on feedback, PLCs, data collection, research, communication, and teacher support so you can spend more time doing what matters most: coaching.

Speakers

Caty Carmendy

Instructional Coach, Mooresville High School

My name is Caty Carmendy, and I am the Instructional Coach of Mooresville High School. I have an extensive amount of experience as a technology liaison with other school districts to help with 1:1 or other technology initiatives, as well as presenting PD at conferences, not limited... Read More →

Erin Trahan

Math Teacher/Department Chair, Mooresville High School

My name is Erin Trahan. I have been teaching high school math for 27 years in Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina. I have taught AP statistics, I am an AP Statistics reader for the College Board, and I serve as one of the Instructional Coaches for Mooresville High School. I have... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Coaches & SLMC, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

11:00am EDT

IMPACT: From Guidance to Action

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

The revised IMPACT Guidelines are out in the world—now what? Join librarians and leaders from across North Carolina to explore early successes, engage with implementation resources and strategies, and help inform what comes next.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

11:00am EDT

AI Mystery Theater

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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

Digital Tools for Place-Based Learning

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how place-based learning uses digital tools, local data, and community issues to create meaningful instruction. Participants will review examples and begin designing a standards-aligned project that builds engagement, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital literacy.

Speakers

Kaneka Threatt

Kaneka is a computer science educator and STEM advocate with more than 19 years of experience serving rural and underserved students. She teaches in Lowndes County, Alabama, and works with the University of West Alabama Black Belt STEM Education Institute to expand access to digital... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Student Innovation with Design Thinking

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Building Connected School Communities

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how digital media can strengthen school communication and community engagement. Explore practical, low-cost strategies for newsletters, digital signage, student-led broadcasting, and live streaming. Leave with real-world examples, implementation tips, and ideas to better connect with students, families, staff, and the community.

Speakers

Orhan Kul

I am an Information Technology and Public Relations Communications professional with more than 17 years of experience in K–12 education. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives in school communications, digital media, technology integration, and community engagement.

My w... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Privacy in the Age of AI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

AI-Resilient Projects: Slides to Vids

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

Do you wonder if the projects your students create are largely pasted from the internet or AI? Learn to use the familiar platform of Google Slides as a storyboard, scaffolding student thinking. Then, transition the storyboard into Google Vids, a powerful tool for producing narrated demonstrations of learning. Leave with templates ready to use now.

Speakers

Katie Bogle

Instructional Coach

Katie Bogle is a veteran educator, having served in North Carolina public schools for 30 years. Retired from full time teaching in 2026, she now serves as an educational consultant and instructional coach, helping K-12 educators enhance their teaching practices. She is a self-described... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

11:00am EDT

The New Digital Literacy

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

AI has arrived. If we only teach students to prompt, we train a perishable skill. Shift to durable literacy: evaluation, verification, and ethics. Aligned with the NCDPI EVERY framework and NC Portrait of a Graduate, this interactive session features a live "Hallucination Hunt." Leave with ready-to-use K-12 AI Academic Integrity Contracts.

Speakers

Jill Dancy

Technology Facilitator, Shadybrook Elementary /Forest Park Elementary

Jill Dancy is an Instructional Technology Specialist with Kannapolis City Schools. She has worked in a variation of this role for 14 years. In her 14 years she has worked hard to stay abreast of the latest evolving trends in instructional technology. She has participated in cohorts... Read More →

Megan Deal

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

NCEES Tools: Lead and Build Capacity

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session equips evaluators with NCEES resources and training templates to streamline staff evaluations. Participants will explore evidence-based questions to provide actionable feedback and customize templates for district-specific needs, ultimately fostering educator growth

Speakers

Jennifer Bass

NCDPI NCEES Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction

Jennifer has been working as an educator in NC for 34 years in a variety of school, district and state level roles, ranging from elementary teacher and instructional coach, school administrator, district level elementary coach, DPI Professional Development Coordinator and Regional... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels

11:00am EDT

From Data to Action with Infinite Campus

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Infinite Campus contains valuable student data, but how can it be used to improve outcomes? Participants will learn how to leverage reports and tools to identify at-risk students, monitor interventions, track graduation readiness, and make data-informed decisions that support student success.

Speakers

Betsy Navel

High School Counseling Coordinator, Cabarrus County Schools

With 29 years of experience in school counseling at both the middle and high school levels, I currently serve as the High School Counseling Coordinator for Cabarrus County Schools, a role I have held for the past six years. I am passionate about supporting student success through... Read More →

Mary Smith

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Grandover East Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

11:00am EDT

My CIMC and Me: Getting CCP Audits Right

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Sandpiper Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Digital Accessibility in Google Slides

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

The DOPE Experience GPT

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

This transformative session helps educators leverage generative AI to streamline instruction, increase engagement, and reduce burnout. Using the DOPE Framework—Deliver, Own, Push, Elevate—participants will explore practical, culturally responsive strategies grounded in CBAM and TAM to improve learning and retention.

Speakers

Sid Lathan

DTL Coordinator, Harnett County Schools

Sid Lathan is an award-winning educator with over 30 years of service as a Mathematics teacher (grades 6–12), 6th-grade Science teacher, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and District Digital Teaching and Learning Coordinator. A two-time Teacher of the Year... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

Excel-lent Efficiency

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What if your spreadsheets could do the work for you? Learn how to use PivotTables, conditional formatting, and other powerful spreadsheet tools to save time, reduce manual work, and quickly find insights. Walk away with practical strategies to organize data, highlight key information, and work more efficiently.

Speakers

Lauren Roberts

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach/Lead Media Coordinator, Iredell-Statesville Schools

I am a Digital Teaching and Learning Coach and Lead Media Coordinator with a library supervisor license. Previously, I taught middle school math and science and served as a Media Coordinator—experiences that shaped my passion for connecting curriculum with innovative technology... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

LEADING THE WAY: AI Implementation

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools approaches AI with purpose and responsibility. Learn how the district built governance, engaged stakeholders, and used pilot programs to guide implementation. Gain practical strategies for scaling AI with a focus on data privacy, instruction, and workforce readiness.

Speakers

Rebecca Lehtinen

Rebecca Lehtinen is an experienced educational technology leader whose career spans classroom teaching and district leadership. She began as a second-grade teacher, where she saw how technology can spark curiosity and transform learning—an experience that continues to shape her... Read More →

Dr. Candace Salmon-Hosey

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

1:00pm EDT

E-Rate Roadmap: Navigating the Funding Lane

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

The funding window can feel like rush hour traffic. This panel session focuses on filing, Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviews, documentation, and responding to requests during the funding phase. Attendees will hear lessons learned from the field, participate in Q&A, and collect practical tips for keeping their applications moving smoothly.

Speakers

Adam Benjamin

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Sue Boros

State E-Rate Coordinator, Department of Public Instruction

What shall we talk about? Our families, our hobbies, football or E-Rate? I'm game.

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 →

Chris Whitlock

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Turnberry Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

1:00pm EDT

Vetting Educational Technology

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how schools can evaluate educational technology for student privacy protections and FERPA compliance. Participants will learn how to interpret Terms of Service agreements, assess vendor practices, and make informed decisions when using apps and online services.

Speakers

Brittani Fairchild

Ross Lemke

Director, Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), U.S. Department of Education

Ross Lemke serves as the manager for the Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) with over 10 years of experience providing TA around education data. He helps state and local education agencies, schools, districts and postsecondary institutions develop an understanding of FERPA... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels | Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels

1:00pm EDT

Clean Up on Aisle 9: Fixing Tech Chaos

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Technology systems often feel fragmented, leaving districts stuck in reactive “fix-it” mode. In this interactive session, participants will explore how to align IT, instructional technology, SIS, and STEM into a cohesive framework, using real-world scenarios and practical tools to improve communication, clarify roles, and build actionable plans.

Speakers

Katherine Bendell

Director of Technology, Richmond County Schools

Katherine Bendell is the Director of Technology for Richmond County Schools in North Carolina, where she leads district-wide initiatives in IT infrastructure, instructional technology, student information systems, and STEM. She specializes in building cohesive systems that align technology... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

1:00pm EDT

Uncover the Mysteries of Staff UID

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Aligned by Design: AI-Powered Units

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom A

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

ML/Title III Framework: Aligning Systems

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Supporting multilingual learners requires more than effective programs—it requires aligned systems. In this session, participants will explore how Title III requirements can be integrated with local multilingual learner (ML) programs to create cohesive, sustainable systems that improve student outcomes.

Speakers

Susan Walz

Education Consultant, Department of Public Instruction

I am Michigan-born and raised, but for the past 20 years, North Carolina has been home. When I first moved to North Carolina, I was waiting for my Clinical Mental Health Counselor license and took a part-time position working with ESL students. I quickly discovered a passion for supporting... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | NCSIS, All Levels

1:00pm EDT

CRDC: It could be you.

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Auditorium II Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Join the K-12 Cybersecurity Program team for an interactive tabletop exercise desinged to test your PSU's incident response capability and plan through a real-world incident scenario simulation. This is a unique opportunity for your PSU to strengthen your preparedness and ensure a safer educational environment.

Speakers

Sammie Carter

Chris Hovis

Jason Shirley

IT Consultant, MCNC

Jason Shirley joined MCNC in 2018 and currently serves as a Managing Consultant. In this role, Jason leads MCNC's Vital Cyber Consulting team, providing a range of security consulting services to help clients address their cybersecurity challenges.Jason graduated from North Carolina... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Colony B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership

2:00pm EDT

Beyond the Battle: STEM QUEST

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores a STEM literacy model that pairs reading with engineering design challenges. Students read, collaborate, and solve problems using hands-on tools and robotics. Participants will examine a scalable approach that increases engagement, builds computational thinking, and gets students excited about reading.

Speakers

Nancy Cravey

Library Media Services Director, Guilford County Schools

Nancy Cravey is the Director of Library Media Services for Guilford County Schools. She has served students for over 25 years on the elementary, middle, high school and district level. She is passionate about creating engaging, dynamic, and equitable school library spaces for all... Read More →

Maghan Luka

Brad Rhew

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

2:00pm EDT

From Devices to Direction

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools developed a community-informed Digital Learning Plan focused on intentional technology use, instruction, digital safety, equity, and student well-being. Participants will explore lessons learned and practical strategies for leading similar planning work in their own districts.

Speakers

Al McArthur

Director of Digital Learning and Libraries, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools

Al McArthur is the Director of Digital Learning and Libraries for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. In this role, he supports digital learning, school libraries, instructional technology, digital resource vetting, and professional learning across the district. His work focuses on... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Advanced | Leadership, Advanced | Coaches & SLMC, Advanced

2:00pm EDT

NCEES System Check and Clean Up

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how to clear out digital clutter and protect your NCEES platform. This session provides a quick, practical guide to verifying evaluation plans, identifying former staff, and auditing administrative privileges to ensure your district's system stays secure, accurate, and efficient.

Speakers

Donna Currie

NCEES and OER Product Manager, NCDPI

Donna Currie is the NCEES and OER Product Manager at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). With more than 29 years of experience in education, she has held various roles, including Digital Subscription and Technology Analyst, Teacher, Instructional Technology... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Bridging Languages, Building Futures

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

3:00pm EDT

E-Rate Roadmap: Mapping Your Route to Funding Success

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Before the funding comes the planning. This interactive panel session focuses on the pre-funding phase of the E-Rate cycle, including needs assessments, competitive bidding, timelines, and common pitfalls. Participants will hear practical advice from E-Rate practitioners, ask questions, and leave with actionable tips to help position their organizations for a successful funding year.

Speakers

Adam Benjamin

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Sue Boros

State E-Rate Coordinator, Department of Public Instruction

What shall we talk about? Our families, our hobbies, football or E-Rate? I'm game.

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 →

Chris Whitlock

School Connectivity Coordinator, NCDPI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Turnberry Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Leading with Purpose for SLMC Success!

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover practical strategies for empowering School Library Media Coordinators through intentional leadership and support systems. Explore real-world examples of communication, mentoring, professional learning, and organizational structures, and leave with ideas and resources to build a thriving network of library professionals in your district.

Speakers

Amanda Moose

Director of Digital & Media Literacy, Catawba County Schools

Amanda Moose, a National Board Certified educator, has dedicated over two decades to public education and media literacy. She currently serves as the Director of Digital and Media Literacy for Catawba County Schools in Western North Carolina. Her career with Catawba County Schools... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Attendance Kiosk/Hall Pass Workflow

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session provides a comprehensive look at setting up and managing electronic hall passes to improve school safety and minimize classroom disruptions. Participants will learn how to configure administrator settings, establish time limits, and navigate the teacher dashboard to monitor active student movement in real-time.

Speakers

Jennifer Chapman

Student Information Systems Trainer, Cumberland County Schools

Jennifer Chapman is the SIS Trainer for Cumberland County Schools. This is her 3rd year presenting at the NCED Connect Conference. I have worked for Cumberland County Schools for 22 year.

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Guilford D Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

NCEdCloud Data Flows & Updates

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Auditorium III Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

3:00pm EDT

TIMS & Infinite Campus

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

TIMS & Infinite Campus will provide an overview of the data interactions between the two systems; from managing student bus requests in Campus to importing TIMS Bus Assignments onto student transportation pages.

Speakers

Kevin Hart

TIMS Program Manager, NCSU-ITRE

Kevin Hart is an NCSU-ITRE Program Manager for the statewide Transportation Information Management System (TIMS). Kevin holds a Masters Degree in Applied Social Research and has been a TIMS Project Leader since 2008.

Drew McGomery

TIMS Project Leader, TIMS Support

Drew McGomery is the TIMS Project Leader from UNC-Charlotte, specializing in TIMS School Bus Routing and Student Data Management between Campus and TIMS

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Tanglewood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Make Standards Meaningful with DOK

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Make standards meaningful with Depth of Knowledge through a guided deconstruction and reconstruction process inspired by Erik Francis’s work. Participants will use templates to identify what standards really require, connect them to instruction, and design stronger formative and summative assessments.

Speakers

Lauren Boucher

Consultant, NCDPI

Lauren Boucher has been in public education for 20 years. She has taught 3rd grade, gifted education in grades K-8, and was a district level Digital Teaching and Learning Coach for more than 8 years. She joined the NCDPI as the Southeast Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant in January... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

3:00pm EDT

Sparking Engaging Academic Discourse

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

Tired of classrooms plagued by the dreaded "crickets" when you ask a question? It's time to ignite a raging bonfire of student talk and watch your learners spark meaningful, content-rich conversations that will electrify your classroom!

Speakers

Caty Carmendy

Instructional Coach, Mooresville High School

My name is Caty Carmendy, and I am the Instructional Coach of Mooresville High School. I have an extensive amount of experience as a technology liaison with other school districts to help with 1:1 or other technology initiatives, as well as presenting PD at conferences, not limited... Read More →

Erin Trahan

Math Teacher/Department Chair, Mooresville High School

My name is Erin Trahan. I have been teaching high school math for 27 years in Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina. I have taught AP statistics, I am an AP Statistics reader for the College Board, and I serve as one of the Instructional Coaches for Mooresville High School. I have... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

3:00pm EDT

The Tech Playground: Empowering Creators

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Grab your Creator Passport and step into the Tech Playground! Explore STEM tools, makerspace resources, and Canvas learning pathways through self-paced challenges. Then redesign a lesson that transforms students from technology consumers into creators.

Speakers

Kelley Gerstenmier

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Franklin County Schools

Kelley Gerstenmier is a dedicated and forward-thinking educator with more than 19 years of experience in public education, serving students and educators across all grade levels. As an Instructional Technology Facilitator, she partners with teachers to integrate technology in purposeful... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Arrowhead AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Accessibility for ALL!

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom A

Limited Capacity seats available

Join this hands-on workshop to eliminate digital barriers and meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA mandates using UDL principles. Experience screen-reader simulations, engage in peer reviews, and use live Canvas and Adobe Express sandboxes. Master the "7 Pillars of Digital Design" to remediate your documents and confidently audit content before deadlines.

Speakers

Lisa Guzman

Digital Teaching & Learning Supervisor, Public Schools of Robeson County

Lisa Guzman leads the Digital Learning & Instructional Systems (DL&IS) department for the Public Schools of Robeson County, serving as the strategic bridge between academic curriculum and district technology across grades K-13. With a deep commitment to modernizing the educational... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Managing Up with the SIS

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will collaboratively review key Infinite Campus functions, discuss common role confusion, and build a district-level flow chart that clearly defines responsibility and ownership. Attendees will leave with a shared framework to support consistency, accountability, and efficient system management.

Speakers

Tony Smith

Director of Educational Information Systems, Wayne County Public Schools

Tony started out as a third-grade teacher back in 2000, and started helping teachers and students use technology in the classroom. Over the years, he progressed through school and district-level positions, learning all facets of technology along the way. Now, in his third-year as... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Sandpiper Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

3:00pm EDT

From "Pass Go" to Podcast Building the Ultimate Google Notebook

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

Pass Go, collect your sources, and start building with Google Notebook, formerly NotebookLM!
In this fast-paced, hands-on session, participants will create a notebook using PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, and Google Docs, then put those sources to work. You will practice asking focused questions, uncovering key ideas, checking citations, and turning information into practical resources. A game-board challenge will guide you through the experience, adding a fun and collaborative twist as you explore Audio Overviews, study guides, briefing documents, lesson plans, and other customized materials.
Come ready to build, explore, and create. You will leave with a completed notebook, practical workflows, and fresh ideas you can use right away with students, staff, and school leaders.

Speakers

Lindsey Sipe

Southwest Regional Consultant, NC DPI

Lindsey Sipe brings over 18 years of expertise in digital teaching and learning, beginning her career as an elementary school teacher before moving into a leadership role at the district office for one of the largest urban school districts in the nation. Currently serving in the role... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

3:00pm EDT

Back for another CRDC? So am I.

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Every CRDC collection brings new questions and considerations. Designed for attendees familiar with the CRDC process, this session covers the latest federal updates, lessons learned, and key considerations to help districts prepare for the upcoming reporting cycle with confidence.

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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Auditorium II Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Intermediate | Leadership, Intermediate

4:00pm EDT

Architecting Engagement with Gemini

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How can we use AI to make our classrooms more human centered? In this interactive workshop, explore how to utilize Gemini as a quick curriculum engine to tackle NC’s largest standard gaps. Instead of using AI to replace student thinking use it to grow soft skills and rigor. Bring your device for this prompt engineering lab.

Speakers

Heather Graves

Technology Teacher

Heather Graves is an innovative educator and CTE Teacher of the Year for Scotland High School who bridges the gap between industry design and classroom execution. Drawing from previous experience in architecture and a versatile teaching portfolio—including high school English, mathematics... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

4:00pm EDT

Uncover the Mysteries of Staff UID

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Auditorium III Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

NCSIS, Beginning | Leadership, Beginning

4:00pm EDT

From Overwhelmed to Optimized with AI

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm 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 →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Morehead Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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