NCED Connect Symposium 2025

Are you tired of being bogged down by administrative tasks? Join us for a dive into the world of AI and discover how these powerful tools can revolutionize your role as a school leader.In this interactive session, you will:Learn about the latest AI tools specifically designed to streamline school operations.Explore real-world examples of how AI is being used to increase efficiency and productivity.Gain practical tips and strategies for implementing AI solutions in your school district.Network with other education leaders and share best practices.Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI can help you make data-driven decisions, automate routine tasks, and focus on what truly matters: student success.

How can you tell if your programs, professional learning sessions, or initiatives are truly making a difference? This session offers a fresh perspective on program evaluation, turning data into actionable insights. Learn how to efficiently collect, analyze, and share data to measure success and uncover opportunities for growth. Gain access to ready-to-use tools like editable surveys and protocols, along with strategies to showcase your results and guide future decision-making. Whether you're looking to celebrate wins or refine your approach, this session equips you to tell the story of your impact with confidence.

It's no secret that students often struggle with informational texts. But we can work to help students overcome this struggle in fun and engaging ways that don't include reading passages with questions! This interactive session will provide participants the opportunity to explore NCEdCloud resources and learn ways these free tools can support student success with reading and understanding informational texts. Participants will experience the wonder of Britannica and other various NCEdCloud resources for both students and teachers and leave with loads of implementation ideas and sound, research-based teaching and learning strategies! It is suggested that participants bring a device for full participation.

The NCDPI K-12 Cybersecurity Team will provide a general program overview, and update about current and future initiatives for PSU leaders.  The session will include awareness about the current cyber threat landscape in K-12 and other disruptive technologies providing cybersecurity protections.  Specifically, we will go into the evolving world of social engineering and phishing tactics that target K-12, and demystify complex topics like MFA, passwords, and passkeys.  This session will also deliver this information from a PSU business/financial perspective to help understand cybersecurity from a more dynamic lens.

This session explores the role of technology in education, focusing on how to balance screen time and prioritize its purposeful use. With growing concerns about the potential negative effects of excessive screen exposure, it’s crucial to identify strategies that keep technology use intentional, promoting engagement, active learning, and positive student outcomes. Attendees will examine best practices for integrating technology in ways that support pedagogy and foster student interaction rather than passive consumption. Together, we will develop strategies to ensure that technology serves as a tool for enriching education and not a crutch for classroom management.

Strategic planning is more than just a document—it's the roadmap to achieving meaningful change. In this session, participants will dive into the essentials of creating actionable and impactful strategic plans. Explore how to bring the right voices to the table, craft a focused work plan, and design strategies that drive progress. Learn how to map out goals, gather data to measure success, and effectively share your results with stakeholders. Walk away with interactive tools, templates, and practices that you can implement immediately to turn your strategic vision into measurable growth for your school or public school unit.

Discover how to maximize the benefits of your ISTE and ASCD memberships in this session tailored for North Carolina K-12 educators. Learn how to access and implement a range of instructional strategies and classroom resources that are readily available through these professional organizations. This session will guide you in exploring teaching materials, professional development opportunities, and instructional tools that align with your classroom needs. Whether you’re looking for subject-specific lesson plans or expert-led webinars, you’ll leave equipped with practical resources to support your teaching and foster student engagement.