My Takeaways from FETC 2025

My Takeaways from FETC 2025: Insights on Education, Technology, & Future-Ready Leadership
The Future of Educational Technology Conference 2025 conference offered a wealth of thought-provoking sessions and practical insights, showcasing the dynamic intersection of technology, pedagogy, and leadership in education. From AI-driven tools to transforming classroom culture, here’s a breakdown of my key takeaways and ideas that are shaping the future of education.
The Curse of Knowledge: Navigating Communication in Education
Tom Murray kicked off the Leadership Summit at FETC conference by addressing the "Curse of Knowledge" — the tendency to assume others share our perspective. Using optical illusions and examples like the "Red Car Effect" and "Old Lady, Young Lady Illusion," Murray emphasized how biases shape both our understanding and communication. He stressed the importance of stepping outside our own lenses to truly connect with students and colleagues.
Curating a Skills-Driven Future in Education
Mary Hemphill highlighted the role of leaders as curators, creating learning environments that are not only tech-savvy but also foster creativity and innovation. She discussed the shift from knowledge-based to skills-based systems, asking leaders to reflect on where their districts stand on this continuum. Hemphill introduced an “Instructional Walkthrough Checklist" to assess what learning spaces look like, sound like, and feel like, guiding educators in embedding human-centered behaviors. 

• Eyesight - what is observed (e.g. tech fails and pivots, peer steps in to help a struggler; pause and quick feedback)
• Soundbite - what it sounds like (e.g. Let's work through this challenge together,,,, what are your ideas? “I didn’t get it at first but when we talked about it as a group, it clicked for me”)
• Highlight - what it feels like (e.g. mutual respect and trust; energy and enthusiasm; palpable feeling of psychological safety)

Courage, Expectations, and Support in Leadership
Jill Siler’s session focused on leadership traits and the role of courage in guiding teams through both successes and failures. She discussed how clear expectations and strong support systems are crucial when helping those who are struggling, echoing the importance of learning from failure. She also recommended the book Deliberate Discomfort by Jason VanCamp to dive deeper into this concept.

Leadership, personal growth, and how to create a positive, productive school environment. 
Joe SanFillipo discussed the role of the leader as a connector, highlighting the need for leaders to foster relationships and connect with their teams in meaningful ways. He then explored 3 key reasons people stay in their comfort zones: comparison, fear of failure, and decision-making fatigue, offering 

insight into how these factors limit growth and how leaders can address them. SanFillipo encouraged leaders to look up, urging them to step out of their usual spaces to see things from different perspectives, and emphasized that a leader’s reaction to setbacks directly shapes the team’s response and attitude moving forward. Highlighting a shift from being reactive to proactive, SanFillipo advocated for ​being helpful over being a help desk, suggesting that real growth happens when you help others become better, rather than just fixing their immediate problems. He also identified two types of people: those who want to get better and those who want their problems fixed, encouraging leaders to align with the first group. SanFillipo concluded with reflective exercises, prompting participants to ask themselves: “If I want my team to _______________, then I must _________________.” This exercise helped leaders establish clear action steps for moving forward. The session was a dynamic blend of leadership strategies, personal reflection, and practical advice for creating a positive school culture and empowering teams.

Our own, Dr. Michael Nagler was a featured speaker at FETC this year and delivered six sessions that focused on Leading Technology Innovation along with Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar from Desert Sands Unified School District and Glenn Robbins from Brigantine Public Schools. His other sessions were focused on Developing and Implementing Personalized Competency Based Education, Reimagining Time, Space, and Pace in a Student-Centered Classroom, a Computer Science and Computational Thinking Continuum (PK-12), and Mineola's "Mineola Grows" program based on Brain Science that fosters the development of a Growth Mindset.

Tech Integration and Transformation: Canva and Apple
Elisabeth Bostwick and Apple’s Ron Chandler shared their insights on how technology tools are reshaping the classroom experience. Bostwick shared Canva’s new features, including Magic Studio, allow for easy design creation and content transformation (such as turning presentations into poems or generating AI-powered designs). Bostwick also highlighted how Canva supports accessibility features like alt text, translation, and captions — empowering students to create in diverse formats.
On the Apple front, Ron Chandler and the Apple Education Team discussed the company's advancements in accessibility, showcasing tools such as eye tracking, live captions, personal voice generation, and mobility aids, ensuring all students have access to educational resources. Apple's holistic integration of accessibility across its products was a key highlight.

The 5 Pillars of Apple Accessibility 
Speech - communicate your way (live speech, personal voice (30 minutes recording yourself and then your device will be able to generate your voice), Vocal Shortcuts)
Vision - spoken content, zoom, audio descriptions, magnifier app, object detection
Hearing - live captions, sound recognition; hearing health - airpods Pro 2 (hearing test, hearing protection, hearing aid)
Mobility - assistive touch, eye tracking, switch control, voice control 
Cognitive - background sounds, auditory reinforcement, assistive access (changing interface by making easier access, less tools, highlighting tools), shortcuts

AI in Education: A Digital Workforce in the Classroom
Sabba Quidwai’s session explored the role of AI in creating a "digital workforce" within schools. She posed the question: What tasks do we want humans to do, and what should be delegated to AI? Quidwai also presented the concept of "AI Teams," where AI becomes a collaborative digital assistant in education, helping to streamline tasks and support both students and educators. She also illuminated the importance of Jensen Huang from Nvidia’s quote that stated "In a lot of ways, the IT department of every company is going to be the HR department of AI agents in the future."
The idea of AI being a “digital twin” — acting as a companion to students and teachers — was also discussed using HeyGen, along with tools like Notebook LM that allow students to interact with and analyze their notes. This shift is creating a more team-oriented environment, where digital and human workers collaborate for more efficient and effective learning.
The Power of Collaboration: Teamwork in Education
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the idea of collaboration. Sabba Quidwai argued that much like chefs, doctors, and CEOs work in teams, educators should also embrace teamwork to tackle the complex challenges of the modern classroom. The sense of community and collaboration was also emphasized at Opportunity Central project in Forney ISD, where students engage in real-world work and internship experiences across different fields, blurring the lines between school, career, and community. This school is extraordinary! ​

Empowering Educators with AI Tools
Eric Curts introduced a suite of AI tools that empower educators to personalize learning and improve classroom efficiency. Tools like Snorkl and HeyGen allow students to record and transcribe their answers, improving reading fluency, while TeacherServer offers a vast library of prompts and feedback tools for various subjects. These ​

innovations are not just about automating tasks but enhancing the learning experience for both students and teachers. I am always in awe at how much content Eric creates and shares with the community. Find him at https://www.controlaltachieve.com/ and all social media. ​

Fostering a Growth Mindset and Empowering Future Leaders
Guy Kawasaki’s keynote emphasized the importance of fostering a growth mindset, not only for students but also for educators. He shared his "Top 12 Ways to Help People Be Remarkable," urging educators to focus on the process of learning, embrace challenges, and empower students to pursue their own interests rather than passions. Kawasaki also touched on the role of AI in fostering innovation, urging educators to "evangelize AI" and teach students to "go and see" — encouraging exploration and real-world application of knowledge.
Protocols for Effective Data Discussions
Becky Funderburk and Elissa Cox from York School District shared their insights on data and its impact in their district. Effective data use is essential for driving instructional decisions, and at FETC 2025, participants learned how to navigate challenging conversations around data through structured protocols. The session introduced a Predictive Assessment Protocol, designed to help educators analyze data from benchmark assessments ( Mastery Connect administered in the fall and spring). The session provided a step-by-step guide:​

1. Describe the Data: Review class reports, item analysis, and district-level reports.
2. Analyze Individually: Reflect on what the data tells you about student performance.
3. Collaborate with a Thought Partner: Discuss your analysis with a colleague.
4. Create Actionable Plans: Formulate one targeted strategy for improvement.
5. Reflect and Plan for Change: Develop a department-wide approach for addressing gaps in performance.
6. Commit the Plan: Facilitate PLC meeting to finalize the plan 

Participants were encouraged to focus on growth rather than perfection, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for feedback. Ground rules for these discussions stressed respect, mindfulness, and focusing on the “why”—to improve student outcomes. The session concluded with an emphasis on strategic change agendas—recognizing that transformation comes from continuous, collaborative data analysis.
AI Literacy for Educators 
As artificial intelligence becomes more ingrained in education, understanding its implications and practical applications is vital. J. Matt Miller and Holly Clark’s session focused on AI literacy for educators, breaking it into three primary components:

1. Awareness: Educators must start by understanding AI fundamentals—how it works, the role of data and algorithms, and its societal impact. An effective tool for building awareness is using an “Explore Board,” which Clark uses to introduce 8th-grade students to AI concepts by engaging them with multiple large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
2. Critique: AI literacy isn’t just about using AI—it’s also about critically assessing it. This phase encourages students to evaluate AI’s outputs for bias, context errors, and social implications. Miller and Clark introduced activities like AI or Not using Sight Engine, asking students to determine if a piece of content was generated by AI or a human. The goal is for students to reflect on AI’s societal role, challenges like bias, and its potential for both good and harm.
3. Exploration: In this phase, educators are encouraged to have students collaborate with AI tools to enhance their learning. The focus is on co-creation—using AI to solve problems rather than simply providing answers. Miller and Clark shared examples such as using AI for feedback on student projects or brainstorming ideas for science fair topics, illustrating how AI can support critical thinking and creativity.

This session highlighted how AI is not just a tool but an educational partner that can help develop ethical, collaborative problem solvers. The framework presented prepares students not only for current technological trends but also for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in their lives.

AI Literacy for Educators
Dr. Marc Cicchino’s session focused on how AI can be integrated effectively into the classroom while promoting AI literacy across various stakeholders—educators, students, and parents. Cicchino emphasized that AI literacy involves not only understanding the tools themselves but also the ethical dimensions of their use in education.Key themes discussed included:

• From Guessing to Research: Educators are shifting from traditional teaching methods of providing answers to fostering research-based inquiry where students engage with AI to enhance their learning experience. One study shared during the session (Without Guardrails AI Can be Harmful to Education published by Wharton’s Hamsa Bastani) showed that students working with AI tutors scored 127% better compared to unassisted students yet those same students scored about the same on the exam as the control group. This highlights the transformative potential of AI in learning— yet is a “cautionary tale” since students and teachers aren’t yet trained on how to use AI effectively to augment traditional teaching methods.
• AI’s Potential and Risks: Cicchino acknowledged the risks and misuses of generative AI but pointed out that with proper safeguards, AI can be a powerful educational tool. A key concern was the Dunning-Kruger effect, where both students and educators might overestimate their understanding of AI tools without a solid foundation in their underlying principles.

The session also touched on AI as a tool for equity—offering resources and opportunities for all students to succeed, regardless of their background. Cicchino concluded by urging educators to focus not only on teaching students to use AI but to reflect on its societal implications and develop ethical frameworks for its use.

Key Takeaways:

• Data is a powerful tool for driving instructional decisions but requires structured protocols and collaboration to be used effectively.
• AI Literacy is crucial for both students and educators, focusing on awareness, critique, and exploration of AI tools to foster ethical use and critical thinking.
• AI Integration can enhance creative projects, improve learning outcomes, and offer new ways for students to interact with technology—but only when used thoughtfully and with appropriate safeguards in place.

These sessions highlighted the growing role of data and AI in shaping the future of education and the importance of preparing both educators and students for this rapidly evolving landscape.
Looking Forward: A Future-Ready Education System
As the conference wrapped up, it became clear that the future of education lies in the intersection of technology, collaboration, and skills-based learning. Tools like AI, accessibility features, and digital design platforms are not just transforming how we teach, but also how we engage with and empower students. Education in 2025 and beyond will be marked by more personalized learning, stronger teamwork, and a greater emphasis on developing skills that prepare students for the future workforce.
The FETC 2025 conference reaffirmed the importance of evolving our educational practices to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that students are not only consumers of knowledge but creators and collaborators, ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The conference also underscored the transformative power of technology in education. From leveraging AI to curating creative learning spaces, the conversations and insights shared at the conference pushed educators to think beyond traditional models of teaching. 
The future of education is collaborative, adaptable, and driven by technology that enhances human potential. As educators, leaders, and innovators, it’s our responsibility to harness these tools to create inclusive, engaging, and future-ready learning environments for all students. The journey has just begun.

Slide Credit: Adam Bellow
​
Presentations/Session Materials:
Agenda and Links from the Executive Leadership Summit with Tom Murray, Mary Hemphill, Jill Siler and Joe SanFillipo
The AI Toolbox from Eric Curts  - (Session Notes Doc)
Vibing Visuals from Elisabeth Bostwick’s Canva Presentation
Matt Miller and Holly Clark’s Presentation on AI Fluent Students: Empowering Students with AI Literacies for the Future
Protocols for Effective Data Discussions 

Resources (Mostly Ai but not All):
Reaching All Learners with iPad - iPad is designed with accessibility features built in, enabling all people to learn and create in the ways that work best for them. 
The Achievery - A free and safe online learning platform created by AT&T to provide K-12 students with engaging and entertaining videos paired with educational activities.
HeyGen - Produce studio-quality videos in 175 languages without a camera or crew.
Adobe Express - Design (Generate Template, Generate Text Effect), Image (Generate Image, Remove Background), Video (Animate Characters, Caption Video, Remove Video Background)
Hotshot - Image Generator, Video Generator
Gamma - Presentations, documents, and websites. No design or coding skills required.
Plaud - Wearable AI voice recorder (Video)
Suno - Make a song about anything
Infinity - Infinity is a video foundation model that allows you to craft your characters and then bring them to life.
Vurbo.ai - Vurbo.ai turns your voice conversations into smart, multilingual transcriptions that are easy to display, share, and organize. Easily transcribe meetings, lectures, or interviews in real time while translating conversations on the fly.
D-iD - This AI-powered animation tool turns static photos and moving videos into dynamic, lifelike Avatars
​napkin.ai - Napkin turns your text into visuals so sharing your ideas is quick and effective.
elevenlabs.io - The ElevenLabs voice generator can deliver high-quality, human-like speech in 32 languages. Perfect for audiobooks, video voice overs, commercials, and more.