It’s that time of year once again! The public voting period for SXSW EDU’s PanelPicker has arrived, and we would appreciate your help in bringing The Learning Accelerator (TLA) back to Austin. As you consider sessions to support this year, please take a few minutes to look into TLA’s sessions below, featuring topics ranging from virtual and hybrid learning to teacher wellbeing and equity in educational technology, and vote for your favorites.
If you are not registered to vote for SXSW EDU sessions yet, you can create your account in order to cast your votes. Voting ends on Sunday, August 21.
Centering Equity in Your Edtech Work
Many school systems rapidly adopted edtech tools during the pandemic, which led to challenges but also spurred the development of new ways to use technology in instruction. Learn from state leaders and practitioners about how and why Massachusetts partnered with educators and leaders to develop an equity-centered edtech guide to support the reimagination of student-centered edtech selection, implementation, and evaluation – to ultimately build sustainable systems that work against inequity. Speakers include two members of the TLA team: Jin-Soo Huh, partner, and Michael Ham, associate partner.
Changing Tides: SEAs as Change Agents
The changing political and educational landscape calls on leaders of state educational agencies (SEAs) to re-evaluate their roles in pursuit of educational equity. This meet-up is designed to connect these leaders and prompt discussions on how the nature of these roles is changing and the strategies their colleagues are using to effect change at the state level. Session facilitators include two members of the TLA team: Michael Ham, associate partner, and Jessica Mayorga, managing director, external relations.
Making Virtual a Reality: Learnings from Schools
The pandemic brought about seismic shifts in education. While many schools launched their first foray into virtual and hybrid learning to respond to a global health crisis, established exemplar schools in this realm existed well before the pandemic. TLA worked alongside 15 schools with established virtual/hybrid programs to document best practices, highlight innovation, and create actionable resources. Educators will walk away with concrete resources to apply best practices in their contexts. Speakers include two members of the TLA team: Roshni Lakhi, special projects consultant, and Ashley Fellows, partner, practitioner learning.
No More Yoga! Real Strategies for Adult Wellbeing
The past few years have had a profound impact on adults working in schools, particularly educators of color and the students they serve. Given the evidence associating adult wellbeing with students’ wellbeing and academic performance, leaders need a concrete understanding alongside specific strategies to support teachers and staff without burning themselves out. While self-care activities themselves can be valuable, this session highlights strategies that leaders can leverage to build a strong, meaningful culture of wellbeing in their community. Speakers include: Yolanda Abel, associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Education; Kenita Williams, chief operating officer of the Southern Education Foundation; Violet Ford, associate partner at TLA; and Ashley Fellows, partner, practitioner learning at TLA.
Sustaining Virtual & Hybrid Learning Beyond COVID
This panel discussion with district and school leaders of established virtual and hybrid learning programs from across the country will share the opportunities, challenges, and best practices needed to sustain effective, equitable, and engaging virtual and hybrid schools beyond the pandemic. Panelists will share how their district, school, or charter network supports their program, the strategies they have implemented for equitable virtual instruction, and how they are continuing to evolve beyond COVID. Speakers include: Olga Romero, principal at Dallas Hybrid, Dallas Independent School District; Bilqis Taiwo, digital learning specialist for virtual programs, KIPP DC; Julie Reed, principal at LaunchED Virtual Academy at St. Vrain Valley School District; and Rashida Kimbrue Major, associate partner at TLA.
Thank you for your support and sharing this list with your networks. Hope to see you in Austin!
