VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Live Events

New VSTE Conference Lead Named

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The Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) is proud to announce that Heather Hurley has been named the organization's next Conference Lead, beginning July 1, 2025. Heather currently serves as Assistant Principal of a virtual elementary school and brings deep expertise in instructional technology, professional learning, and large-scale event planning.Heather Hurley headshot

Heather has long been a dedicated member of the VSTE community, having served as a Board Member, Presentations Chair, and Exhibits Lead for the annual conference. Her leadership extends nationally through her work with ISTELive, where she has held multiple roles in conference planning and content development.

"Heather's deep knowledge of instructional technology and her proven leadership in local and national arenas make her an ideal fit to lead the VSTE Annual Conference," said Craig Spraggins, outgoing Conference Lead and incoming Executive Director. "She understands the value of connection, innovation, and meaningful professional learning."

Heather will officially begin her tenure as Conference Lead on July 1, 2025.

The Leading Ed Forum 2025

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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

 

February 2025 Power of Coaching Conference

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 Register - February 4-5, Williamsburg

 

Click HERE for the room block rateat The Williamsburg Lodge!

 

Our Call for Proposals to Present is still OPEN! Click HERE to submit yours today.

VASCD and VSTE are teaming up to bring Virginia educators a 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

Maker Mindset Conference 2025: Let’s Make it Work in K-12!

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Conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/maker-mindset-conference/home

 

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Anyone can be a maker. A maker mindset requires creative and critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and perseverance. These are all skills that not only help students to succeed in the classroom, but also in the world around them. 

The conference planning committee invites you to submit a proposal for this year’s fall conference in the following formats:

  1. Panel Discussion - These are discussion sessions that aim to bring together experts on a topic, which they will discuss during the session and will have a longer and more interactive discussion with the audience. 
  2. Workshop - Workshops are subject focused sessions that provide participants the opportunity to gain knowledge and learn skills together. This can range from professional development topics, such as teaching strategies, to timely theoretical topics. 
  3. Traditional Presentation - A formal, speaker-led session where an expert or group of experts present on a specific topic related to the maker mindset. This session is designed for attendees to gain new information, insights, or perspectives on a focused area, typically including slides, data, or case studies. Audience interaction is limited to Q&A at the end, allowing for in-depth exploration of the presented material.
  4. Campfire - Campfire sessions are a more informal take on the traditional presentation. Its aim is to break down the barriers of the lectern.  While the session starts with a 15-20 minute presentation from a speaker, it then shifts to focusing on gaining key participation from the audience. The presenter turns facilitator allowing attendees to answer questions and provide comments. It allows attendees to drive their own learning, listen to different perspectives and share experiences.

Note – All sessions are 50 minutes long

Interested presenters should submit a proposal by 11:59 pm October 31, 2024. The conference committee will review the proposals and electronic acceptance communications will be sent to the lead presenters by no later than November 15. 

Please submit your proposal online: https://forms.gle/HiCwKRwryei7qJqP6 

 

Kindly,

Conference Planning Committee

 

 

VSTE DEI Presents (2-21-24): Student Innovators: Merging Technology with Social-Emotional Education Through App Design

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VSTE DEI Logo

In a world where technology continues to shape our daily lives, it is crucial to empower and encourage our students, especially girls to step into the realm of innovation. As I reflect on my book with Adam Welcome "Empower our Girls," I am always excited whenever I encounter young people who are an inspiration and aspire to make their mark in the tech industry.

I know first-hand the transformative power of education and self-empowerment. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges but found solace and inspiration in technology, especially as a young teacher. In my years as an educator and VSTE board member I have encountered others who are determined to break barriers, using technology as a tool to empower not only themselves but also the students they encounter along the way.

What's truly exciting and encouraging for me is the emergence of a generation that actively addresses social and emotional issues. During our recent conference we met some amazing young girls who are taking the lead in fostering supportive communities, advocating for equality, and inspiring change. They are not just passive recipients of technology but active participants, shaping its future, making magic happen.

The equity committee invites you to join an upcoming webinar where you can meet some incredible girls, Cooper and Ava, who are making waves in the tech industry. These young trailblazers are not just breaking stereotypes; they are rewriting the narrative and changing the game for their peers. The webinar promises to be a platform for insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the power that comes from empowering our students in technology. Register now for the 2-21-24 event!

By fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, we pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future where every student is encouraged to speak up, share their ideas, and shape the world of technology.