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Wednesday, November 6
 

1:00pm EST

Conference Opening
Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:10pm EST
Conference welcoming remarks and daily announcements.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Mao

Jeff Mao

Executive Director, Vita-Learn
Jeff serves as the Executive Director of Vita-Learn. Previously, he has held a number of roles including Senior Director, Common Sense Media and Education Technology Policy Director for the Maine Department of Education.
Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:10pm EST
Northstar I

2:30pm EST

AI in the SECURITY World
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
An information secession on the Technoloy and AI available today for protection of your facility and the people in it. This is not a product demonstration it an info secession with Live and recorded demonstration of how to leverage AI to improve your current security solution, how to design an effective solution, how to get the support you need. Major topics: weapon and threat detection, allow or deny authorized access, real-time alerts, reduce false alarms, improved situational awareness, forensic research via simple words, automatic emergency response, predictive security, and customer behavior analysis.
Speakers
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Gateway II

2:30pm EST

How to Successfully Handle Printing Difficulties in K-12 Schools
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Please join our panel discussion that will be hosted by Alex Webster at SPC. Panel Members will be Peter Drescher (EWSD), Tina Scheindel (OSSD) and Nate Gingras (HUUSD).
How do you deal with Personally Identifiable Information? How do you deal with confidential data on devices that leave the district? How do you manage your inventory of copiers and printers? How does print management software help make the district staff more efficient and save money?

These questions and more will be discussed by our panelists.
Speakers
TS

Tina Scheindel

Technology Director, Orange Southwest Supervisory Union
PD

Peter Drescher

Director of Technology and Innovation, Essex Westford School District
Peter is currently serving as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex Westford School District.  He is passionate about working with educators to support teaching and learning with technology and in his past role, as State Director of Education Technology in Vermont, was... Read More →
avatar for Alex Webster

Alex Webster

Operations Manager, Specialized Purchasing Consultants (SPC)
Bidding and Purchasing Consortium for School Districts and Municipalities
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Northstar I

2:30pm EST

The Future Is Now! AI Is Alive!
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools. In this session, the guys will discuss AI and other hot items in K12 and how tech depts should prepare.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Warden

Chris Warden

K12 Tech Talk Podcast, K12 Tech Talk Podcast
A K12TechPro Podcast. This podcast is about trending K12 technology topics and issues. Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools.
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Northstar I

3:50pm EST

Ed-Fi Q&A and Data Governance Discussions
Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:50pm - 4:50pm EST
The Vermont Agency of Education would like to have a Ed-Fi Question and Answer session where we can discuss the current Ed-Fi deployment for state reporting. We also wish to review our data governance plans and other areas where we would like to use Ed-Fi to help the state collect and use data in meaningful ways.
Speakers
JN

James Nadeau

VT AOE Education Data Administrator, Vermont Agency of Education
James Nadeau is the Education Data Administrator for the Vermont Agency of Education. He is in charge of collecting education data required for Vermont's public and federal reporting requirements. Prior to his role at AOE, he was a web developer and IT consultant.
Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:50pm - 4:50pm EST
Northstar I
 
Thursday, November 7
 

8:45am EST

Opening & Keynote: Richard Culatta: Harnessing AI for Digital Good in Education
Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
Opening remarks and Opening Keynote with Richard Culatta, CEO, ISTE

Harnessing AI for Digital Good in Education
Join Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD and author of Digital for Good, for his keynote address at this year's Vermont Fest. As we stand at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Culatta will explore how we can leverage AI to enhance learning experiences and what we need to do to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Culatta will also discuss strategies for creating conditions for healthy tech use at home and school.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Culatta

Richard Culatta

CEO, ASCD+ISTE
As the CEO of ASCD+ISTE, Richard Culatta is focused on creating the next generation of innovative learning leaders. Richard has also served as the Chief Innovation Officer of the state of Rhode Island and was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the US Department of Education’s... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

10:00am EST

Bringing Authentic Representation to EdTech and Literature
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Charlotte Cheng will share how she brings authentic representation to children's books, video games, and EdTech learning experiences. We'll then explore ways you can foster authentic representation in your students' day to day environment through strategies that include identity maps, design thinking, focus groups, and so much more!
Speakers
avatar for Charlotte Cheng

Charlotte Cheng

Author
Charloe Cheng is a children's book author and the Director of Education at CodeCombat. Her expertise is creating effective and engaging content for kids at the intersection of education, media, and technology. Charloe has wrien and illustrated a variety of books including Night Market... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Gateway I

10:00am EST

Developing a Consortia Solution on Back-up/Cyber Safety/Disaster Recovery
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
This round table will engage with Tech Directors, Network Administrators, and other district personnel on the technical “side of the house” about ensuring back-up strategies, building in best practice cybersecurity methods, and equipment, and considering how a consortia model might serve needs of many of the smaller districts struggling with these issues. This session is seeking a robust conversation on what needs there are in this realm and what a model might look like that could leverage the back-end, back-up, infrastructure to ensure some cyber safe and redundant systems. Come and bring your ideas and needs to this round table discussion.
Speakers
PD

Peter Drescher

Director of Technology and Innovation, Essex Westford School District
Peter is currently serving as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex Westford School District.  He is passionate about working with educators to support teaching and learning with technology and in his past role, as State Director of Education Technology in Vermont, was... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Ken Goldberg

Ken Goldberg

MCG Managed Resources
MCG Managed Resources is a Managed Services Provider currently providing backup and disaster recovery services to the Essex Westford School District and the Addison Northwest School District. In addition, our company can provide remote help desk services, EDR/MDR solutions for security... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Gateway II

10:00am EST

Librarians Lead on GenAI and Intellectual Property
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
School librarians are at the forefront of important conversations about the complicated relationship between generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) and intellectual property. As we see genAI tools showing up in more classrooms, libraries and computer labs, school librarians have the opportunity to be a critical partner in helping students and educators understand the opportunities and implications of our use of these emerging tools.

In this session, we will explore real-world scenarios that dig into the complexity of content creation, ownership and intellectual property rights in a world where genAI is helping people to create art, compose music and write essays. We will discuss specific cases and their potential impact on educational spaces. Through practical strategies and conversation starters, we will work together to prepare ourselves, our colleagues and our students to consider the ethics and the boundaries of what it means to be a writer, a painter, a creator who shares their work with the world.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse

Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse

Online Learning Manager, Collaborative for Educational Services
Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse is the Online Learning Manager and ISTE Certification Trainer for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), where she has worked for the past 15 years supporting educators to innovate and explore new ideas around technology, curriculum and design... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Northstar I

11:30am EST

Library Advocacy 101
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Join Liz von Nagy for an engaging presentation on library advocacy. Discover how you can share the power of what's happening in your library with all stakeholders; students, teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members, and how your advocacy can affect your library. Participants will learn tips and tricks for creating infographics, how to pull information from Destiny Library Manager, and how to center student voice in your advocacy efforts.
Speakers
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Gateway II

11:30am EST

Literacy Comes Alive! Grant Opportunities with CLiF
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) offers many different grants to schools and libraries that help increase literacy skills by inspiring a love of reading and writing for children in under-resourced communities across VT and NH. Join Cassie Willner and Jana Brown, program managers from CLiF, to learn about these free grant programs and how CLiF can support your innovative efforts to inspire your students! We’ll talk about our grants for elementary schools, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and what we’re looking for with funding priorities. We’ll also share some recent examples of funded projects with creative librarians and educators who utilized technology to enhance their libraries and literacy instruction.
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Gateway I

11:30am EST

Tech Talk on Rostering/Onboarding/App Management
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Join us to explore how Essex Westford (Peter Drescher), Harwood Unified Union (Nate Gingras) , and Mount Mansfield Unified Union (Jeff Wallis), are leveraging ClassLink in their districts.
-Challenges they faced before using ClassLink
-From SSO to Rostering and Account Provisioning
-Implementation process
-See what’s new
While this is focused on a particular solution, all will talk about various ways all have explored this topic over the years. Consider how this solution might provide a streamlined means to roster and on/offboard employees.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Wallis

Jeff Wallis

Director of Technology, Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District
NG

Nate Gingras

Assistant Director of Education Technology, Harwood Unified Union School District
PD

Peter Drescher

Director of Technology and Innovation, Essex Westford School District
Peter is currently serving as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex Westford School District.  He is passionate about working with educators to support teaching and learning with technology and in his past role, as State Director of Education Technology in Vermont, was... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade I

1:45pm EST

Law for Librarians
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Is your library prepared for a book challenge? Is your district reviewing library or school board policies? How do you handle student privacy and the freedom to read? Where are the boundaries of the First Amendment in a school library?

This session can help you prepare against censorship and implement vital intellectual freedom best practices within your library.

Meg is was trained through Law for Librarians, a program of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). It is designed to provide librarians with information about the legal fundamentals of the First Amendment, intellectual freedom, and privacy in order to help ensure legal, consistent library policies and practices.
Speakers
avatar for Meg Allison

Meg Allison

Librarian, U-32 Middle & High School
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Escapade II

1:45pm EST

Leveraging AI to Manage & Protect your Network
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
This session will look at how AI is starting to impact your network from a management and security perspective. We will look at what tools are available today and what we should expect in the future and how you can prepare. Part of the session will be dedicated to a round table forum to hear from the group regarding what schools are doing today and how you would like to leverage AI to improve how you are able to protect and manage your network.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Mann

Jeff Mann

Territory Manager – ME/NH/VT, HPE Aruba Networking
HPE Aruba Networks provides Edge to Core network switching, wireless, and network security solutions supporting both on-premise and cloud deployments. Aruba’s solutions are built on a security-first, AI-Powered network leveraging Aruba Central as your network management tool delivering... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Roundabout

2:45pm EST

AI Policy Starter Kit: Concrete Tools for District Leaders
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
While policy and guidelines are only one part of a district's response to the advent of genAI, they are a critical foundation for your district’s approach. A well-crafted policy and resources to guide classroom practice help teachers and students navigate the shifting landscape of technology that surrounds us. In this hands-on session, we will explore the free AI Policy Starter Kit as a starting point for districts and schools to craft thoughtful and proactive generative AI guidance and policy aligned with their district needs and priorities. We will explore resources in the kit that spark conversations about the range of factors and conditions that go into creating genAI policy, and concrete steps that lead to draft policy and guidance language. Using case studies to guide our thinking, we will create a thoughtful and custom approach to district policy and resources that help our teachers and students feel confident in their ability to navigate complexity with a critical lens.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse

Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse

Online Learning Manager, Collaborative for Educational Services
Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse is the Online Learning Manager and ISTE Certification Trainer for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), where she has worked for the past 15 years supporting educators to innovate and explore new ideas around technology, curriculum and design... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade II

2:45pm EST

Updating Your District’s Legacy Apple Environment: Spotlight on Activation Lock and Managed Apple IDs
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Apple’s foray into enterprise device management has been a series of incremental changes that has resulted in current best practices standing in conflict with traditional fleet deployment. Fortunately, Apple has also introduced new tools to deal with these legacy challenges so that now is the prime time to prepare for the future of Apple devices using your organization’s Apple School Manager instance.

In this session, we will set the stage by surveying the history of Apple device deployment in education environments, one which was characterized by user-created Apple IDs that were barely a step away from personal ownership. We will then focus on the two primary challenges this has produced, namely, devices being rendered unusable by Activation Lock when transferring users and the existence of user identities that appear to be organization-based but exist without oversight. We will then do a deep dive in understanding the cause of these issues and establish clear processes for avoiding and ameliorating these situations using tools made available by Apple, including the newly announced process for directly converting Personal Apple Accounts to Managed Apple Accounts.
Speakers
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Roundabout
 
Friday, November 8
 

8:00am EST

Book Sale
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Phoenix Books will be hosting a book sale including titles from Keynote speaker, Charles Waters and titles from the Red Clover, Golden Dome, and Green Mountain Book Awards.
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

8:45am EST

Opening & Keynote: Charles Waters
Friday November 8, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
Opening Remakrs and Keynote with author and poet, Charles Waters.
Friday November 8, 2024 8:45am - 9:55am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

10:00am EST

Empowering Educators: An AI Toolkit & Resource Guide for the Modern Classroom
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the educational landscape. Educators will gain access to a practical toolkit filled with AI-driven tools and resources that can enhance and streamline instruction to foster student engagement. As we navigate these new technologies, we'll also discuss the magnitude of change required—rethinking traditional teaching practices, integrating AI into everyday learning, and ensuring equity and access for all students. This session is designed to empower teachers to confidently adopt AI, transforming their classrooms for the future.
Speakers
avatar for Patricia Aigner

Patricia Aigner

Director of Technology, Rutland City Public Schools
Patricia Aigner serves as the Director of Technology for the Rutland City Public Schools in Rutland, Vermont. She is licensed as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. In 2020, Patricia received the Frank Watson Lifetime Achievement Award from Vita-Learn. Recently, she was featured... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade II

11:00am EST

Break
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Coffee Break -- come to the ballroom to also check out the bookstore, get a book signed by Keynote speaker Charles Waters, and see the Maker Space exhibit and Robotics exhibit.
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Oscar Wilde Ballroom

11:30am EST

Artificial Intelligence: Potential, Precautions, 25 Mind Blowing Possibilities
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
A real challenge, and opportunity, for educators, is to learn how to use AI thoughtfully, safely, and productively.  Hear about concerns and cautionary tales, as well as ways to address the challenges. The primary focus, however, will be on the positive ways you can use AI.  Using AI to summarize the vast AI offerings, this human will add current research, teaching strategies, and a comprehensive overview. See AI apps that will save you time, and quickly create teaching materials that supplement your current curriculum.  Other apps will demonstrate how AI can be used for brainstorming, creating first drafts and editing.  There will be an overview of amazing apps that assist children and adults with special needs.  A collection of anecdotes, research findings, and interviews will provide examples of successful uses of AI for professional productivity, instruction, and activities that will stir your imagination.  Come be amazed, inspired and informed.  Bring your spirit of adventure and sense of humor. At the end there will be a light-hearted summary and raffle prizes.
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Yoder

Maureen Yoder

Professor, Lesley University
Dr. Maureen Brown Yoder is an Educational Technology Professor Emerita at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachuses. Dr. Yoder began her career when the field of educational technology was in its infancy, when the Apple 2 was state of the art, and a 300 baud modem was impressive... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Gateway I

11:30am EST

Red Clover Committee to the Rescue!
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Unfamiliar with the new 24-25 Red Clover list? Looking for ways to spice up your teaching with the Red Clover list in your school? Come to this session to share ideas and hear ideas about innovative ways to use this year's Red Clover list in your setting. From high tech to no tech to everything in between, this session will give you practical ideas to apply to your teaching.
Speakers
KL

Kate Lucia

Librarian, Shelburne Community School
Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:25pm EST
Escapade II

1:45pm EST

Cybersecurity for All Students
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
In today's digital landscape, both digital citizenship and cybersecurity are crucial for protecting our students. Understanding online safety and responsible behavior helps students navigate the digital world, safeguard their personal information, recognize the consequences of their online actions, and effectively report cyberbullying. Join this session to explore free, ready-to-use lessons designed to equip students with the skills they need for both secure and ethical online decision-making.
Speakers
avatar for Charlene Cooper

Charlene Cooper

Curriculum Development Specialist, CYBER.ORG
Charlene Cooper is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescent Science with over 20 years of experience as a public school educator. She has a masters degree in Educational Leadership and a Cyber Education Graduate Certificate from Louisiana Tech. Charlene taught... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Escapade I

1:45pm EST

Shared Resources to Improve Library Services and Classroom Learning: What the Department of Libraries Can Do for You
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Join Department of Library staff to learn more about the free databases, discussion sets, interlibrary loan services, and professional development resources that the Department offers. Discover resources to support you in providing accessible reading materials to students with IEPs. Learn about the ways that the Department support Vermont youth and how you can take advantage of these free resources.
Speakers
avatar for April Shaw

April Shaw

Librarian, Government Services, Vermont Department of Libraries
April Shaw is the Librarian of Government Services at the Vermont Department of Libraries as well as the Head of Interlibrary Loan. She oversees the statewide resource sharing system (Clover), and facilitates the Vermont Interlibrary Loan Round Table.
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Northstar I

1:45pm EST

Transforming Learning with Seesaw: Instruction + Insights and New Curriculum Tools
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Join us for an exclusive look at the latest version of Seesaw, featuring Instruction + Insights, designed to enhance classroom learning and simplify teacher workflows. This session will also introduce Seesaw’s powerful new Early Literacy and English Language Development (ELD) curriculum, tailored to support diverse learners and improve foundational skills. Discover how these tools can transform teaching, elevate student engagement, and provide meaningful insights to drive academic success.
Sponsors
avatar for Phil Terra

Phil Terra

Seesaw is a dynamic learning platform that connects students, teachers, and families through engaging, interactive experiences. With Seesaw, educators can create personalized, meaningful lessons that reach every student—regardless of learning style or ability. From early literacy... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:45pm - 2:40pm EST
Roundabout

2:45pm EST

Library Advocacy and Act 150
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
The VSLA Leadership and Advocacy Committee will explore the critical role of advocacy in school libraries, with a focus on building strong relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers.

They will also examine Act 150, which requires Vermont school districts to establish library material selection policies and procedures that protect students' intellectual freedom. The session will cover the efforts that led to the passage of the law and its anticipated impact on libraries. Attendees will learn how to prepare for the law's implementation in 2025.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Sherman

Stephanie Sherman

Librarian, Middlebury Union High School
intellectual freedom, library advocacy, critical information literacy, technology and media literacy
avatar for Rebecca Sofferman

Rebecca Sofferman

Librarian, Colchester Middle School
Rebecca Sofferman is the school librarian at Colchester Middle School in Colchester, VT. A graduate of Syracuse University’s iSchool (MLIS), Rebecca was previously district librarian and technology coordinator for the Tupper Lake Central School District in Tupper Lake, NY, an elementary... Read More →
avatar for Susie Snow

Susie Snow

Teacher Librarian, Hiawatha Elementary School
Susie Snow is a teacher librarian at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction, VT. She received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont and is licensed as a K-6 Educator, K-12 Librarian, and K-12 Educational Technologist. 
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade II

2:45pm EST

Storytime Jam
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Join for a storytime! A panel of librarians will each read a story just like we do with a class. Then we’ll facilitate a discussion about favorite storytime books, storytime practices, and storytime tips!
Speakers
Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Northstar II
 
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