NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

NCED Connect Symposium Fall 2026

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9:00am EDT

Gotta Engage ’Em All: Collab Edition

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

Calling all collaboration trainers! Build your ultimate collaboration strategy deck as you experience, battle, and evaluate classroom-ready strategies. Explore student talk, movement, vocabulary, reasoning, and critical thinking, then power up your favorite strategies for your own content and grade level. Gotta engage ’em all!

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 →

Thursday October 1, 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

AI and Information Security in education

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session will explore how educational institutions can benefit from ISO Information Security Management and ISO Artificial Intelligence Management standards. Participants will examine practical ways these frameworks can support data protection, responsible AI use, risk management, policy development, and institutional trust.

Speakers

Engin Ozturk

Engin Ozturk is a cybersecurity instructor and IT coordinator with 20+ years of international experience in teaching, training, and administration from KG to university level. Some major certifications he holds include Information Security Management, Artificial Intelligence Management... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels | Leadership, All Levels

9:00am EDT

Charting a Cyber-Smart Future

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how to turn gamified learning into actionable classroom insights with Cyber-PARK, a K–5 cybersecurity platform developed at UNCW. Learn to use student gameplay data to pinpoint critical knowledge gaps, seamlessly integrate interactive modules into your daily routine, and initiate meaningful conversations to build a cyber-smart future.

Speakers

Ellie Ebrahimi

Associate Professor, UNCW

Dr. Ellie Ebrahimi is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Clemson University. Her career goal is to find new ways to adapt and improve ideas and theories to help STEM education and workforce development... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Embedding ISTE into Daily Practice

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Stop checking boxes and start building a rhythm! This session moves ISTE Standards from a "someday" goal to a daily reality. Using a modular Canvas pathway to scaffold growth, you'll discover a sustainable "Standard-a-Month" workflow. Leave with a roadmap to turn your LMS into an engine for student agency and 21st-century innovation.

Speakers

Allyson Medlin

District Digital Teaching & Learning, Davidson County Schools

This is my third year serving as a Digital Teaching & Learning Coach. I spent the previous 17 years in the classroom in the elementary setting before moving into this position. Technology has always been a passion of mine. My goal is to help teachers intentionally use technology in... Read More →

Libby Moretz

ITF, Davidson County Schools

Libby is a seasoned digital learning coach with more than a decade of experience partnering with students and educators to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences. She is a certified K–12 Spanish teacher with both in-person and virtual classroom experience. Her work is... Read More →

Sue Tobin

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning

9:00am EDT

The Power Trio That Drives Learning

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

Meet the instructional power trio: differentiation, formative assessment, and feedback. Experience classroom-ready strategies to respond to student needs in real time, then build quick-check assessments, feedback routines, and differentiation moves. Come ready to think, create, and leave with resources you will actually use.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

9:00am EDT

Beating Barriers & Bumps

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Effective instruction practices should remove barriers and create more inclusive learning experiences. Explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility focused practices support learner variability, increase engagement, and improve access to learning. Leave with ready-to-use resources and ideas to support the needs of students.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Choosing Joy

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

Kylee Marshaachalk

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Accessibility for ALL!

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Colony B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

Cyber & AI: Essential Skills for Today's Classroom

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Cybersecurity is a critical skill set for students in today's AI-embedded world. As AI reshapes how threats are created, detected, and defended against, this session shares standards-based strategies, student scenarios, and ready-to-use cybersecurity resources educators can bring directly into K-12 classrooms.

Speakers

Meredith Ward Hill

Emerging Technologies Consultant, NCDPI

Meredith Ward Hill serves as the Emerging Technologies Consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she leads the state's AI education strategy for PK-13 public schools. Prior to this role, she served as a digital learning consultant, district media specialist... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

9:00am EDT

ML/Title III Framework: Aligning Systems

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am 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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

10:00am EDT

Campus Learning: Utilizing Quizzes

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will equip participants with the ability to utilize the quiz tool in Campus Learning. Creating quizzes, question banks, randomizing quizzes, and assigning with time-based settings will allow teachers to assess student understanding, and streamline the grading process all within NCSIS.

Speakers

Erin Wolfhope

Educator on Loan - NCSIS Educator Support, Burke County Public Schools

Erin is an experienced public school educator that strives to build connections through relationships in order to lead meaningful learning experiences. She's a wife, mom, and doctoral student. She's a curious introvert that loves to talk about books. Erin is an Educator on Loan to... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Tidewater AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, All Levels

10:00am EDT

Marzano in the Ring Engagement Smackdown

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

Step into the ring for an Engagement Smackdown where active learning meets Marzano’s research-based instructional practices! Experience high-impact strategies featuring collaboration, critical thinking, movement, gamification, and student choice. Try each strategy, advance your favorites, and leave with classroom-ready ideas.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom C 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

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom E Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

10:00am EDT

Safety on the World Wide Web

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Research shows that in today’s online world, there is a great need for digital citizenship training. The goal of this session is to inform educators of the importance of the NC laws regarding digital citizenship and training at all grade levels. We will evaluate available resources that educators can take back to their schools for use.

Speakers

Christina Overcash

Librarian, Thomasville High

Christina Overcash has worked in education for 24 years. She started as a Special Education teacher at the high school level. After working with students on a graduation project, she developed a love of teaching research and helping students be successful in classroom assignments... Read More →

Crystal White

School Library Media Specialist, Thomasville City Schools

Crystal White has been a NC educator over 20 years. She started as a classroom teacher and taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade before moving into the Library Media Center. The role of Library Media Coordinator has turned into a dream job where she gets to integrate... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Digital Accessibility in Google Docs

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

Josh Barton

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

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Colony B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Powering PLCs with SchoolNet Data

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am 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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Blandwood Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Read to Rise: A Reading Challenge

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Research shows that time spent reading increases student reading growth. This session shares information about planning, implementing, and evaluating a reading challenge to support Mo Green’s Achieving Educational Excellence plan. Participants will leave with a plan for implementing their own reading challenge at their school or district level.

Speakers

Christina Overcash

Librarian, Thomasville High

Christina Overcash has worked in education for 24 years. She started as a Special Education teacher at the high school level. After working with students on a graduation project, she developed a love of teaching research and helping students be successful in classroom assignments... Read More →

Crystal White

School Library Media Specialist, Thomasville City Schools

Crystal White has been a NC educator over 20 years. She started as a classroom teacher and taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade before moving into the Library Media Center. The role of Library Media Coordinator has turned into a dream job where she gets to integrate... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Cybersecurity is Everyone's Job

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

Regina Smith

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

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

Thursday October 1, 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 | NCSIS, Beginning

11:00am EDT

Fine Arts: Technology, Growth, & Mastery

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How can performance-based courses demonstrate measurable growth? Using a live student ensemble as a case study, this session explores how recordings, digital portfolios, rubrics, and student reflections can transform performances into evidence of standards mastery. Participants will leave with practical assessment and documentation strategies.

Speakers

James Robinson

James L. Robinson, II is entering his eighth year in education and serves as Director of Bands at North Wilkes Middle and High School in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Limestone University, a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Building Connected School Communities

Thursday October 1, 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 →

Thursday October 1, 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

Google Apps: Secrets Revealed

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover hidden features and time-saving tips in Google Apps that can boost classroom efficiency. Explore lesser-known shortcuts, organization tools, and creative instructional strategies that enhance teaching and learning. Leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas you can immediately apply in your daily workflow.

Speakers

Grant Haynes

Digital Learning Systems Coordinator, Cleveland County Schools

Grant is the Digital Learning Systems Coordinator for Cleveland County Schools. He started out working as a math teacher in 2009 before transitioning to technology in 2011. Grant has had the opportunity to present all over the state through programs like NCBOLD, NC Coaching Collaborative... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Carolina Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Intermediate | Coaches & SLMC, Intermediate

11:00am EDT

Level Up Learning, Gamify with AI

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

What happens when game design meets pedagogy? Explore how gamification can transform classroom learning from passive participation into active progress. Grounded in research on self-determination theory, this session will help educators understand how purposeful game mechanics can increase motivation while supporting academic goals.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

11:00am EDT

Vibe Securing - Intro to Cyber & AI

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how AI is changing the K–12 cybersecurity landscape without abandoning the fundamentals that already work. Participants will examine emerging risks and leave with practical short-term actions and ways to stay informed.

Speakers

Cory Rankin

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

Meredith Ward Hill

Emerging Technologies Consultant, NCDPI

Meredith Ward Hill serves as the Emerging Technologies Consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she leads the state's AI education strategy for PK-13 public schools. Prior to this role, she served as a digital learning consultant, district media specialist... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators Coaches & SLMC Leadership NCSIS

11:00am EDT

How to Train Your Algorithm

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

Mollee Holloman

School Library Education Consultant, NCDPI Digital Teaching & Learning

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

Sabrina Steigelman

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

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

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

Library Partners: Growing AI Fluency

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Join this school librarian guide for a hands-on AI adventure! Explore tools, practice prompt “recipes,” and discover quick ways to help students build AI fluency, digital citizenship, and ethical habits one classroom-ready activity at a time.

Speakers

Susanne Mullis

Media Coordinator, Pitt County/D. H. Conley High School

Susanne Mullis is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience and is currently serving as a high school media coordinator. Passionate about providing all students with equitable access to literacy, STEAM, and technology, she champions impactful collaborations across schools... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

Vibe Coding: Opportunity and Risk

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Vibe coding is rapidly changing how applications are developed, empowering teachers and students to instantly build custom applications. But what happens to student data privacy and district cybersecurity when anyone can generate and deploy software?

Speakers

John Bray

Director of Instructional Technology, Discovery Charter School

John Bray has taught science for grades 6-12, and engineering for grades 6-10. He is currently the Director of Instructional Technology, the SIS Coordinator, and the Testing Coordinator for Discovery Charter School in Bahama, NC.

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Intermediate | Coaches & SLMC, Intermediate

1:00pm EDT

Differentiation Made Doable with BriskAI

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how Brisk AI can make differentiation more manageable and engaging. Participants will explore real classroom applications, create differentiated instructional materials, and choose between two learning pathways: creating content with Brisk Next or exploring student-facing learning supports with Brisk Boost.

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 →

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

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

1:00pm EDT

Wouldn't That Work for Everyone?

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Ever wonder what the Department of Adult Correction can teach us about universal K-12 success? This high-energy session will unlock personalized strategies that foster learner agency for ALL students. We'll dive into real-world scenarios and share resources that you can immediately adapt to transform instruction across your school or district!

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 →

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 →

Niki Garrou

School Interventionist, NCDAC

Ms. Garrou is a Title 1 Interventionist at Foothills Correctional Institution with 2 and a half years of experience teaching in the Department of Adult Correction. For most of her teaching career, she taught exceptional children at the middle and high school level. She started teaching... Read More →

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

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

1:00pm EDT

Meet Claude Cowork: AI for Education

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm 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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

Building K-5 AI Literacy & Strategies

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

Ready to bring AI to K–5? Join this interactive, station-rotation workshop on early AI integration! Get hands-on with unplugged activities and digital sandboxes while connecting AI to durable skills like critical thinking. Leave with tested tools, resources, and a framework to prepare young learners for an AI-driven future!

Speakers

Brooke Johnson

Miranda Ketcham

Teacher, Stokes County Schools

Miranda Ketcham is a 4th grade teacher at King Elementary School in Stokes County with 18 years of experience teaching across kindergarten through sixth grade. An early adopter of technology, she brings an intentional focus on building AI literacy in her classroom. Miranda is passionate... Read More →

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 →

Thursday October 1, 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

1:00pm EDT

Drone Soccer: Future-Ready STEM Learning

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will examine how Drone Soccer can transform student engagement through hands-on STEM learning. Through demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will explore implementation strategies, funding opportunities, and student outcomes that make Drone Soccer a powerful tool for developing future-ready learners.

Speakers

Anthony Woodyard

Chief Information Officer, Asheboro City Schools

Anthony Woodyard serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Asheboro City Schools in North Carolina. In this role, he oversees the district's technology infrastructure and innovation initiatives. Previously, he held the position of Director of Technology and Innovation, where... Read More →

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

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

1:00pm EDT

Building an AI-Ready IT Program

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom B

Limited Capacity seats available

This session moves past the AI hype to give you a practical framework: what infrastructure you actually need, how to start without a big budget, and how to teach WITH AI instead of worrying about students using it to cheat. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for your first 90 days, no matter your budget.

Speakers

Charles Perdue

Charles Perdue designs IT education systems. He has presented on program architecture, AI integration, and simulated workpace programs at state and national conferences. He builds open-source infrastructure for CTE classrooms and believes that great IT education shouldn't require... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom B Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

From Planning Tool to AI Learning Engine

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom C

Limited Capacity seats available

In this 90-minute workshop, teachers will explore how generative AI can move beyond productivity tools to build custom, student-centered learning experiences. Through live demos and hands-on design time, you'll examine real K-12 examples and leave with a new mental model for AI's role in learning design — and a concrete starting point to build on.

Speakers

Mike Renne

Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction - Career & Technical Education

Mike is an experienced Education Consultant with a passion for innovative learning approaches. Mike currently helps drive excellence in Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education at the NCDP-CTE. With over 23 years of classroom experience spanning middle, high, and post-secondary... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning

1:00pm EDT

DOPE Educators App!!!

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom E

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how the DOPE Educator App helps educators save time, personalize learning, analyze data, create engaging lessons, and responsibly integrate AI into instruction through one powerful educational platform.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm 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

From AI Pilots to School Operations

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom A

Limited Capacity seats available

AI is becoming part of daily school IT operations. This session explores practical strategies for scaling AI-powered workflows using tools like Google Workspace, Apps Script, and AI automation. Attendees will examine real-world examples including help desk support, ticket management, onboarding workflows & operational automation for K–12 IT teams.

Speakers

Didar Hayytov

IT Director, Triad Math and Science Academy

I am an education technology professional focused on AI-powered operational systems, workflow automation, and Google Workspace solutions for K–12 schools. My work centers on helping school technology teams improve efficiency, streamline IT operations, and responsibly scale AI within... Read More →

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

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

1:00pm EDT

Managing Up with the SIS

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm 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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Pebble Beach Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

1:00pm EDT

AI Literacy For Educators

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will help educators build a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and why AI literacy matters for students K-12. Participants will explore how AI works at a basic level and how AI literacy can be embedded into existing instruction to strengthen critical thinking, questioning, source evaluation, and responsible technology use. The session will focus on practical, ready-to-use lessons and activities that can be adapted across subject areas, rather than on specific AI tools or student creation with AI. Participants will leave with classroom-ready resources and additional materials to support their continued learning.

Speakers

Sara Anderson

Digital Learning Coach, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

I am the digital learning coach for Ephesus and Scroggs Elementary Schools in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district. Previously, I have taught middle grades science as well as been an elementary homeroom and STEAM teacher. This is my 16th year as an educator.

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

Educators, All Levels | Coaches & SLMC, All Levels

2:00pm EDT

Quick Tech Tools for Engagement

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom F

Limited Capacity seats available

In this hands-on session participants will experience a variety of engaging tech tools. Participants will use the tools first as students then as teachers, considering how they might work best in their content/grade areas.

Speakers

Jason Lineberger

Senior Digital Learning Specialist, The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Jason Lineberger is a professional educator with 33 years of classroom experience. He has taught all levels of English/ELA from 8-12 as well as college writing and literature courses. Jason started Cleveland County Schools' Virtual Academy in 2015 and with the help of colleagues launched... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom F Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

Educators, Beginning | Coaches & SLMC, Beginning

2:00pm EDT

Architecting Engagement with Gemini

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm 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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Colony C Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

2:00pm EDT

Aligned by Design: AI-Powered Units

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Imperial Ballroom GH

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

Heather Gerbus

Media Coordinator, East Forsyth Middle School

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

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Imperial Ballroom GH Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

2:00pm EDT

Privacy in the Age of AI

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Speakers

DIANE DULANEY

Privacy Specialist, NCDPI

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

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Biltmore AB Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

2:00pm EDT

What School is For: Same Mission, New Terrain

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Grounded in research and aligned to the NCDPI AI Guidelines, this session makes an optimistic case for embracing AI to enhance critical thinking, deepen human development, and lead from the mission that has always defined great education. Leave reconnected to the purpose that brought you to this work and ready to shape what comes next.

Speakers

Meredith Ward Hill

Emerging Technologies Consultant, NCDPI

Meredith Ward Hill serves as the Emerging Technologies Consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she leads the state's AI education strategy for PK-13 public schools. Prior to this role, she served as a digital learning consultant, district media specialist... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Colony A Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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

2:00pm EDT

Then and Now: How the 1970s Can Save You from a Modern Data Apocalypse

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session connects FERPA’s foundational privacy requirements to modern data security practices. Participants will learn how concepts like access, disclosure, control, and legitimate educational interest inform safeguards for cloud systems, vendors, AI, logging, and incident response.

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 →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Meadowbrook Koury Convention Center 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407

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