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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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