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Digital Health

The Leading Ed Forum 2025

January 27, 2025 by Rod Carnill

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

 

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Filed Under: Classroom Snacks, Connected Educator Month, Digital Health, Edtech, Esports, Events, Inclusion, Live Events, SEL, STEM, Virtual Reality

A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use

November 15, 2024 by Patrick Hausammann

On November 13, VSTE partnered with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and The Social Institute for a dynamic webinar, "A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use" that covered important topics about cell phones in schools and Virginia's new "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban. Jennifer Clements and Charlie Hinsch, who are Instructional Technology Coordinators at VBCPS, joined Laura Tierney,  Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, to talk about some big challenges schools were facing related to cell phones and social media, like overwhelming notifications, TikTok challenges, and even behaviors like vaping in school bathrooms.

To address these challenges, VBCPS, implemented stricter cell phone rules, even before the state-wide ban, that require students to keep their devices in their backpacks during class. While these rules have been helpful, Clements and Hinsch pointed out that it can be hard for teachers, who often feel torn between enforcing phone restrictions and teaching students how to use technology responsibly. Instead of just banning phones, VBCPS teamed up with The Social Institute to take a positive and proactive approach to empowering students to make high-character decisions as they navigate technology, like cell phones. Through #WinAtSocial, The Social Institute's gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, VBCPS students learn from each other about making positive choices online, helping them build healthy tech habits without feeling restricted.

A big part of this strategy is involving students directly. Through #WinAtSocial, students can share their experiences anonymously, giving teachers a better understanding of what students face online. With this approach, VBCPS hopes to not only tackle tech challenges but also to empower students with the skills to make positive decisions online. Their goal is to build a school culture where students feel encouraged to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

Webinar Recording

Free Resources:
  • The Educator’s Guide to Cell Phone Policies and Student Buy-in
  • Creating a Classroom Technology Policy to Avoid Digital Distractions
  • Post webinar survey: Complete for a chance to win a Yeti Tumbler or Apple AirPods!

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Filed Under: Blog, Digital Health, Online Events, VSTE Partners Tagged With: Cell Phone Ban, Social Institute, social media, VBCPS

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