NCED Connect Symposium 2025

NCED Connect Symposium 2025

Welcome to the NC ED Connect Symposium!

10:00am EST

Streamline, Automate, Elevate: AI Tools for Efficient School Leadership LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Mike McKay

Chief Technology Officer, Carteret County Public Schools

Mike McKay is the Chief Technology Officer for Carteret County Public Schools. With a distinguished 28-year career in education, Mike has held a variety of roles, including CTE teacher, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Technology/Science Director... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership

11:00am EST

Making an Impact: Evaluating Programs That Drive Change LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Ashley McBride

Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief, NCDPI

Dr. Ashley McBride is the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her role is to support PSUs and schools with their understanding and implementation of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan. You can reach out to Ashley... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC Coaches and SLMC

12:00pm EST

Winter Wonders: Literacy Meets NCEdCloud LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Kaye Menjivar

District Media Specialist, Johnston County Public Schools

Kaye Menjivar has 20 years experience working with Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) and NC Virtual. She has served as both an English teacher and school librarian at the middle and high school level; she now works to support and advocate for K-12 school librarians through JCPS... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators

1:00pm EST

Cyber Threat Landscapes for PSUs from the NCDPI K-12 Cybersecurity Program Team LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Samuel Carter

Systems Architect, Friday Institute / North Carolina State University

Samuel is a Systems Architect in the Technology Infrastructure Lab at the Friday Institute where he supports the team in all matters of cybersecurity with the purpose of improving the security posture at PSUs and Community Colleges throughout North Carolina. He serves as a leader... Read More →

Tim Wease

PSU Cybersecurity Director

Tim Wease serves as the Director of Public School Units (PSU) Cybersecurity with NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Tim works to provide and manage a comprehensive offering of solutions and services for PSUs around NC to meet the program goal of helping all PSUs achieve essential... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership NCSIS Educators Coaches and SLMC Coaches and SLMC NCSIS

2:00pm EST

Intentional Technology Use: Avoiding "Zombie Learning" and Fostering Engaged, Purposeful Classroom Experiences LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Ashley McBride

Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief, NCDPI

Dr. Ashley McBride is the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her role is to support PSUs and schools with their understanding and implementation of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan. You can reach out to Ashley... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

3:00pm EST

From Vision to Action: Building Strategic Plans That Deliver LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Ashley McBride

Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief, NCDPI

Dr. Ashley McBride is the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her role is to support PSUs and schools with their understanding and implementation of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan. You can reach out to Ashley... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership

4:00pm EST

Classroom Instructional Strategies and Resources Found in Your ISTE/ASCD Memberships LIMITED

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Ashley McBride

Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief, NCDPI

Dr. Ashley McBride is the Digital Learning Initiative Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her role is to support PSUs and schools with their understanding and implementation of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan. You can reach out to Ashley... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

9:00am EST

Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Using Canva LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Discover how to enhance communication with others by using Canva, a versatile design tool that helps you create simple and impactful visuals.

Speakers

Melissa Kidd

PowerSchool Coordinator, Randolph County School System

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership NCSIS NCSIS Coaches and SLMC Coaches and SLMC

10:00am EST

From Small Steps to Big Leaps: Scaling AI Professional Learning District-Wide LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Ready to take your district’s professional learning on AI from small beginnings to transformative impact? In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to scale AI-focused training and support across schools. Learn how to create sustainable programs, foster educator buy-in, and ensure equity in access to AI learning opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach, this session will provide actionable ideas to help your district take big leaps toward empowering teachers and students with AI tools and knowledge.

Speakers

Sarah Cardwell

Blended Learning Coordinator, Watauga County Schools

Sarah is the Blended Learning Coordinator for Watauga County Schools. She has been an educator for over 17 years and is passionate about working with teachers and helping them grow professionally. Sarah loves reading and spending time with her family and dog.

Alison Schleede

Director of Technology, Watauga County Schools

Alison Schleede is the Director of Technology in Watauga County Schools in North Carolina. She has worked in several districts across North Carolina and in China. Alison has served as a teacher in all grade ranges, an Instructional Technology Facilitator, and a school administrat... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

11:00am EST

Future-Ready with NCTIES: Empowering Digital Learning for Tomorrow LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Get a front-row seat to discover what’s next with NCTIES, North Carolina’s leading advocate for educational technology and professional growth. Join us as we explore highlights from the upcoming NCTIES Annual Conference, happening March 5-7, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center. With over 4,000 educators, technology coaches, and leaders expected, this event features interactive sessions, inspiring keynotes, and ample networking opportunities—including a dedicated leadership pre-conference for district and school administrators.Learn about our specialized cohort-based professional development for media specialists, instructional technology coaches, instructional coaches, and curriculum directors, designed to build effective strategies for integrating digital tools and content that elevate student outcomes. Additionally, get a sneak peek at our upcoming online professional development platform, offering a diverse range of courses, from classroom instruction to business continuity planning. Join us to see how NCTIES is shaping the future of digital learning in North Carolina!

Speakers

Melanie Honeycutt

NCTIES Executive Director, North Carolina Technology in Education Society

I have retired after 32 years of experience as an educator, from roles as a Media Coordinator and Instructional Technology Facilitator to working with the North Carolina Department of Digital Teaching and Learning, and most recently serving as the Chief Information Officer for a public... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

12:00pm EST

Cybersecurity Incident Response for Principals and School Leaders LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

This session will offer practical strategies for PSU teams to efficiently respond to cybersecurity incidents, minimizing the impact on their learning and working environment. In addition, the team will perform a simulated Tabletop Exercise (TTX) that walks PSUs Principals and Schools Leaders through their role for a common cyber incident.

Speakers

Samuel Carter

Systems Architect, Friday Institute / North Carolina State University

Samuel is a Systems Architect in the Technology Infrastructure Lab at the Friday Institute where he supports the team in all matters of cybersecurity with the purpose of improving the security posture at PSUs and Community Colleges throughout North Carolina. He serves as a leader... Read More →

Jason Shirley

IT Consultant, MCNC

Jason Shirley joined MCNC in 2018 and currently serves as a Managing Consultant. In this role, Jason leads MCNC's Vital Cyber Consulting team, providing a range of security consulting services to help clients address their cybersecurity challenges.Jason graduated from North Carolina... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership NCSIS NCSIS Coaches and SLMC Coaches and SLMC

1:00pm EST

Common Assessments in Schoolnet Workshop LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Brush up on your Schoolnet skills! This workshop will provide a view of assessments in Schoolnet at the classroom, school, and district levels. First, we will walk through creating and assigning assessments. Second, we will dive into reviewing student data, the student perspective and student data tracking.Presenters: Catherine Simone, Rebecca Stokes, and Amanda Phillips

Speakers

Rebecca Stokes

Instructional Improvement Systems Consultant, NCDPI

Rebecca works at DPI as a Professional Development Specialist and Product manager for Schoolnet. She has been in education for 16 years serving as a Classroom Teacher, Digital Literacy Coach, and Instructional Technology Facilitator. Rebecca is passionate about helping classroom... Read More →

Amanda Phillips

Education Technology Support Consultant, Pearson

Amanda Phillips is a Project Coordinator for Pearson. She works with North Carolina schools and districts, supporting and responding to Service Now Cases for Schoolnet.

Catherine Simone

Project manager, Pearson

Catherine Simone is the Project Manger from Pearson for North Carolina's Instructional Improvement System. As a former teacher and school administrator, she supports North Carolina's schools and districts in utilizing formative and interim assessment platforms.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

3:00pm EST

The Right Assessment for the Purpose LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Join us for a school’s view of juggling multiple assessment options. Bethany Community School will discuss their choices for assessing student’s learning. The presentation will provide a view of using Schoolnet, Navvy, and PRoPL to assess students grow, review multiple sources of data, and support instruction.Presenters: Maegan Parker and Catherine Simone

Speakers

Rebecca Stokes

Instructional Improvement Systems Consultant, NCDPI

Rebecca works at DPI as a Professional Development Specialist and Product manager for Schoolnet. She has been in education for 16 years serving as a Classroom Teacher, Digital Literacy Coach, and Instructional Technology Facilitator. Rebecca is passionate about helping classroom... Read More →

Amanda Phillips

Education Technology Support Consultant, Pearson

Amanda Phillips is a Project Coordinator for Pearson. She works with North Carolina schools and districts, supporting and responding to Service Now Cases for Schoolnet.

Catherine Simone

Project manager, Pearson

Catherine Simone is the Project Manger from Pearson for North Carolina's Instructional Improvement System. As a former teacher and school administrator, she supports North Carolina's schools and districts in utilizing formative and interim assessment platforms.

Maegan Parker

Director of Teaching and Learning, Bethany Community School

Maegan Parker is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Bethany Community School. In her role she leads and supports teachers in grades 6-12. Coaching teachers includes data analysis, planning professional development, developing the school's curriculum plan, facilitating Professional... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership Coaches and SLMC

4:00pm EST

EdTech Tools for a Busy Administrator LIMITED

Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

School administrators juggle countless tasks daily, from managing school operations to supporting instructional goals. But how can they leverage EdTech tools to streamline their work while modeling best practices for digital teaching & learning? In this interactive session for administrators, we’ll explore a curated selection of time-saving edtech tools that empower administrators to work smarter, not harder. Learn how to incorporate digital tools that not only boost productivity but also showcase best practices in technology integration for your staff. Join us to discover how being a tech-savvy administrator can elevate both your role and your school community.

Speakers

Jordan Caldwell

DTL Consultant, NCDPI

Jordan has worked in public education for 15 years; previously serving as a district level Instructional Technology Specialist, an elementary Digital Learning Facilitator, and high school social studies teacher. Jordan currently serves as the Northwest Digital Teaching and Learning... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Leadership

9:00am EST

Instructional Strategies for Integrating Computational Thinking Across Content Areas and Grade Levels LIMITED

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

In this engaging presentation, Ashlee will share instructional strategies that can be used immediately for implementing computational thinking into current curriculum across content areas and grade levels. Computational thinking will become increasingly important as we continue to make pedagogical shifts toward learning with and from AI and various emerging technologies.

Speakers

Ashlee Russell

Educator/AI Consultant/PD Facilitator, Cumberland County Schools/AI Learning Central

Ashlee Russell is a seasoned educator from Cumberland County Schools with experience teaching, instructional coaching, and leading district-wide professional development. She has developed and delivered PD in the areas of ELA and for the CCS Teacher AI Cohort. Ashlee owns a company... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

10:00am EST

Reimagining Education with AI: Bringing the NCDPI Generative AI Guidance to Life LIMITED

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

In this dynamic session, Ashlee will bring the NCDPI Generative AI Guidance to life through engaging activities that support learning and understanding of the information provided in the document. Through the use of current AI applications appropriate for education, participants can expect to experience AI first hand and explore case studies that highlight both the pros and cons that must be carefully considered when developing policies and implementing AI in classrooms. Educators will build AI literacy as they move through the various aspects of the guidance, and will be provided time to ask questions and engage in cooperative learning that will deepen their understanding of what the NCDPI Generative AI Guidance "looks like" in practice.

Speakers

Ashlee Russell

Educator/AI Consultant/PD Facilitator, Cumberland County Schools/AI Learning Central

Ashlee Russell is a seasoned educator from Cumberland County Schools with experience teaching, instructional coaching, and leading district-wide professional development. She has developed and delivered PD in the areas of ELA and for the CCS Teacher AI Cohort. Ashlee owns a company... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

3:00pm EST

Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Using Canva LIMITED

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Discover how to enhance communication with others by using Canva, a versatile design tool that helps you create simple and impactful visuals.

Speakers

Melissa Kidd

PowerSchool Coordinator, Randolph County School System

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 51 - Colony BC (Level 3)

Educators Leadership Leadership NCSIS NCSIS Coaches and SLMC Coaches and SLMC