VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Rod Carnill

Learning and Growing Alongside the VSTE Community

by

Dear VSTE Community,

As many of you know, my connection with VSTE spans over two decades, beginning with my first VSTE conference in 2001. What started as a valuable learning experience led to my election to the Board of Directors in 2015, and ultimately, my appointment as Executive Director in July 2022. It's been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration with my VSTE colleagues.

Following my “retirement” from Frederick County Public Schools in 2020, I briefly returned to work with VSTE and other organizations to support teachers at the onset of COVID-19 closures navigating the complexities of virtual, hybrid, and ultimately, a new normal in education. This experience, while rewarding, was a prelude to my second "retirement," which was then followed by my current role at VSTE.

These past two and a half years as Executive Director have been a period of significant progress and exciting developments for VSTE. With the support of the Board of Directors, we have refined our strategic direction, culminating in the development and release of the VSTE Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. I am particularly proud of the growth of the VSTE Certified Coaching Program, a collaboration with Forward Edge, which has seen over 300 coaches complete the program. We have also strengthened our partnerships, including the Power of Coaching Conference with VASCD/VATLL, an upcoming collaboration with GRAETC for EdTechRVA, and continued support for SVETC in the Shenandoah Valley.

However, at the top of the list is the VSTE Annual Conference. The Annual Conference Team has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with while Anchored in Innovation we have worked towards Illuminating the Future. Other notable achievements include VSTE's contributions to the ActiVAtED Learning Podcast, our popular Demo Slam Webinar Series, and our collaboration with Virtual Virginia on the Blended Learning Virtual Conference now evolving into the VITAL Conference, which is supported by our newly formed VSTE Professional Services Team.

As my third year with VSTE draws to a close, I am announcing my intention to retire as Executive Director and will not renew my contract. My last day as Executive Director will be June 30th. Over the next five months, I will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to a new leader and to continue preparations for our 40th Annual Conference in December.

I am deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie I have experienced within the VSTE community. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months to share VSTE stories and revisit many VSTE memories.

Be well, make good happen, and keep in touch

Sincerely,

Rod Carnill, Executive Director

For inquiries about the position or to express interest in receiving updates on the application process, please email the VSTE Search Task Force at VSTE_Search@vste.org.

The Leading Ed Forum 2025

by

Leading Ed Forum Event Banner

Event Overview

The VSTE Leading Ed Forum is a long-standing event tailored for district and school-level leaders who are at the forefront of technology integration and educational transformation. This Forum is a high-level, strategic gathering where superintendents, principals, instructional technology directors, and other education leaders collaborate on critical issues, discuss strategic technology implementation, and explore solutions to enhance student learning and organizational effectiveness.

Date & Location  

Date: March 13, 2025

Location: Reynolds Community College, 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228, USA

Target Audience

This Forum is designed for district and school leaders who drive technology and innovation initiatives in K-12 education. Attendees typically include:

- Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents – Seeking guidance on technology-driven transformation aligned with district goals.

- District-Level Instructional Technology Directors – Focused on system-wide technology integration, compliance, and digital equity.

- Principals and School-Level Administrators – Interested in scalable solutions to improve teaching, learning, and operational efficiency at the school level.

- Chief Academic Officers and Curriculum Directors – Looking for tools and strategies that support digital learning and curriculum alignment with technology.

Forum Goals

  1. Strategic Visioning – Empower leaders with insights to develop and implement visionary digital strategies for sustainable impact.
  2. Policy & Compliance Alignment – Provide guidance on data privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance to help leaders meet evolving legal and ethical standards.
  3. Investment & ROI Analysis – Explore frameworks for evaluating technology investments based on educational outcomes and operational efficiencies.
  4. Equity & Access – Address strategies for equitable access to technology and reducing disparities in digital learning opportunities.
  5. Community & Stakeholder Engagement – Offer best practices for engaging teachers, students, parents, and the community in technology initiatives.

 

Event Features

- Keynote Presentation: Hear from national leaders in education policy, technology, and innovation on strategic priorities for K-12 leadership.

- Leadership Roundtables: Small-group discussions focused on specific challenges, where attendees share insights, approaches, and best practices.

- Strategic Sessions: Topics include district-wide data governance, digital transformation, emerging funding opportunities, and maximizing technology ROI.

- Case Study Spotlights: Deep dives into successful district and school initiatives demonstrating effective, scalable technology implementation.

- Vendor Solutions Forum: A curated showcase of top-tier vendors offering tools and platforms designed to support the needs of school and district leadership.

- Networking Lunch: Events designed for high-level peer exchange, facilitating partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

 

Featured Topics for Leadership

- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Strategies for safeguarding student and staff information, complying with federal and state policies, and training staff.

- Digital Equity Initiatives: Approaches to ensure equitable access to technology across diverse student populations, addressing urban and rural needs.

- Financial Planning & Funding Resources: Insight on maximizing available funding (federal, state, and private) and managing the financial aspects of district-wide technology investments.

- Teacher Retention & Professional Development: Examining how technology can enhance teacher satisfaction, retention, and professional growth.

- Future-Proofing Infrastructure: Building a resilient infrastructure that supports future technological advancements and growing district needs.

Exhibitor Opportunities

The Leading ED Forum offers tailored sponsorship packages to maximize brand visibility among high-level decision-makers. Exhibitors will host a table, participate in networking, and gain exposure throughout the Forum. Current VSTE Diamond and Gold Sponsors are provided a table at the event. Others may contact  LEF_INFO@vste.org to learn more about exhibitor opportunities.

Exhibitor Ticket includes one event registration and a table in the exhibitor area. Exhibitors will also be provided with an attendee list. Exhibitors will be provided two tickets to the event including morning drinks, snacks, and lunch. The cost for the table and attendees is $500 ($510.49 with fees). 

Why Attend?

By attending this Forum, education leaders will:

- Develop a clear, actionable vision for advancing technology within their districts and schools.

- Network with like-minded leaders and share strategies for tackling today’s most pressing challenges in K-12 technology.

- Discover solutions that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and increase student engagement.

- Gain exclusive insights into policy trends, funding sources, and emerging technologies critical to long-term success.

Registration

Reserve your place to gain critical knowledge and insights that will shape the future of K-12 education. 

For more information or to inquire about sponsorship, please visit our website at https://2025leadingedforum.sched.com/ or contact us at LEF_INFO@vste.org

 

Power of Coaching 2025

by

 Register - February 4-5, Williamsburg,VA
POC_Promo_Graphic

Click HERE for the room block rate at The Williamsburg Lodge!

VASCD and VSTE are teaming up to bring Virginia educators the coaching conference to unpack the power of coaching!

In this two-day conference, participants will gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively serve in the role of instructional coach. As more and more schools bring coaches as part of their staff and as the role of ITRT shifts from resource teacher to coach, this is a much-needed conference for building capacity and for developing strong networks of coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors across the Commonwealth.

Join us for an amazing chance to learn, teach, lead, and connect!

  • Instruction: Teaching and learning are the core business of schools, and the coach’s chief role is to improve and support instruction in the classroom. Sessions in the INSTRUCTION strand provide coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors with practical applications to support the role of improving instruction.
  • Relationships: The relationship between the coach and school leaders is a critical one for improving student learning outcomes. Sessions in the RELATIONSHIPS strand focus on strengthening the partnership between coach and school leader, data literacy, strategic planning, and roles and responsibilities of coaches and administrative teams.
  • Leadership: Working with teachers and leaders is another key function of instructional coaches, and this is a different skillset when compared to working with students. Sessions in the LEADERSHIP strand will build participants’ capacity for differentiated support when working with individuals, teams, and/or large groups with a heavy emphasis on research-based development, effective professional learning strategies, and adult learning theory.

Day 1:

  • General Session Keynote (Jody Carrington)
  • One concurrent choice session
  • Lunch and Networking
  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Panel Discussion)

Day 2:

  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Kim Richardson)

COST: $325

 

2024 Annual Report from the Executive Director

by

As the year draws to a close it is fitting that we look back on the months and milestones that have made 2024 a year of significant growth and advancement for VSTE. The highlights from 2024 feature many of the ways that VSTE has advanced and grown as an organization. Communication, Membership, Development, and Partnership are the four goal areas identified in the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Guided by our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, we achieved the following.

Communication
Communication as a goal primarily focuses on showcasing the identity of VSTE, focusing on its purpose, and recognizing ways to strengthen involvement through awareness. Our strategic plan emphasizes a clear purpose and intentional decision-making. Developing the strategic plan provided many opportunities for the Board to discuss the values and vision of the organization. The plan has helped to solidify our commitment to our core values and utilize our organizational strengths. Communication is critical to our success. There is more to follow regarding the Communication Plan and gaining insight from our membership. We have restructured our regular meetings to enhance communication and encourage dialogue among the Board. Weekly meetings with the executive director have also increased the flow of information and the opportunities for said dialogue.

Membership
Engaging and expanding our membership is the focus of the second strategic plan goal. The adoption of an association management system and the creation of a membership portal will lead the organization toward better understanding and interacting with its membership. The membership portal has enhanced member engagement by allowing members to manage their profiles and keep their information up-to-date. The membership portal has also allowed the organization to better keep track of the roles and locations of our members, including those that support the organization as exhibitors and sponsors. This will lead to more effective and efficient dialogue with members and allow VSTE to effectively know and better understand our membership. Through these efforts, we have been establishing a foundation for enhancing the benefits of membership. Every attendee at this year’s annual conference is an active VSTE member with an updated profile including all of our exhibitors and our sponsors.
Our annual conference builds on our reputation for providing an outstanding lineup of presenters and featured speakers. Our presenters allow us to celebrate the success of the finest educators in Virginia and bring perspectives from those recognized for their impact on the national teaching and learning community. The efforts of our conference team have been focused on continuing this legacy through the enhancement of the overall conference experience.

Development
Continued development is important to any organization. VSTE has continued to build on the certified coaching program and has also begun to shape and develop the professional services team. The certified coaching program has grown significantly, with over 300 certified coaches and over 100 more in training. The professional services program has begun to recruit talent and has taken on its first series of content creation and delivery which will roll out in early 2025. Both of these programs bring together a network of talented individuals to support the ongoing innovation that is a hallmark of VSTE. These networks will also help us to better identify the needs of our community and also the expert and experienced professionals to meet those needs.

Partnerships
Partnerships with other organizations stretches VSTE in positive ways as the collaborations extend the reach and influence of the organization. Our partnerships with key supporters are essential to our mission and vision. Maintaining ongoing partnerships and seeking out new partnerships provides both structure and new opportunities to serve our community. We are pleased to continue the work we have done with the Virginia Department of Education, Virtual Virginia, the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (VASCD), CodeVA, the Greater Richmond Area Educational Technology Consortium (GRAETC) and the Shenandoah Valley Educational Technology Collaborative (SVETC), Blue Ridge PBS, WHRO, Virginia Ed Strategies, Forward Edge, Virginia's Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC), the Commonwealth Partnership for Learning, as well as our many sponsors and exhibitors. We also continue our memberships with national organizations like the Consortium of School Networks (CoSN), the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and the School, Health, Library Broadband Coalition (SHLB). We learned in 2024 that the merger of ASCD + ISTE will bring changes to the relationship we have with those organizations as ASCD + ISTE refine their partnership program. Continuing on with effective partnerships provides VSTE and its members with great possibilities in the future. An example of this type of collaboration can be heard and seen in season one of the ActiVAtED Podcast series and by subscribing to season two.

Strategic Planning
The recently adopted 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is one way the Board has focused on VSTE’s internal growth and development. We completed several necessary revisions to our guidance documents and standard operating procedures like the VSTE Webinar Protocols, Procedures, and Best Practices and the Finance Policy and Procedures documents. The development of a Communications Plan has helped us make improvements in the utilization of the VSTE Blog, VSTE newsletter and various social media platforms to keep our followers informed and engaged. Effective communication, emphasis on the value of membership, developing programs that respond to the changing needs of our community and engaging partners that can support our growth are the goal driven and strategic means by which VSTE can proudly enter into 2025 and toward our fortieth conference with pride in its past and hope for its future.

Be well, make good happen, and keep in touch.

VSTE Professional Services Coordinator Announced

by

Patrick Hausammann picturePatrick Hausammann is a perpetual optimist and believer in the power of a growth mindset to fail forward approach en route to creativity and innovation. Most fittingly, he will now take the helm of VSTE Professional Services as the professional services coordinator.

Patrick works as the Supervisor of Instructional Technology & as an ITRT with Clarke County Public Schools. Patrick serves on the VSTE Board as the Treasurer and VSTE’s Digital Resources Manager. 

VSTE professional services operate to meet the professional development needs and desire for lifelong learning of school divisions and individuals throughout the state.  The Professional Services Coordinator (PSC) will lead this outreach and education component of VSTE by coordinating Professional Services, overseeing the maintenance of the consultant database, coordinating booking and logistics of client engagements, marketing the services offered, and collaborating with the VSTE Board and the VSTE Certified Coach Coordinator. The VSTE PSC is a contracted consultant to the VSTE Board and serves the VSTE membership.

Welcome Patrick to your new role with VSTE!