EduTechGuys - Conference Coverage

Most substitute teachers operate in a state of chaos, risking the quality of education for millions of students—and yet, the solution has been limited to quickie trainings and vague standards. Dr. Stephanie Wall, director of learning at Kelly Education, reveals how her team is revolutionizing substitute teaching with a groundbreaking, scalable training program designed to elevate substitute quality from day one. Discover how Kelly’s new standards and tiered certification system are transforming the role of substitutes into a respected, professional career—one that supports learning continuity and student success long-term.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- The **LEARN standards**, the first-ever national benchmarks that define what every substitute teacher needs beyond just showing up

- How Kelly’s tiered training programs—covering core skills, instructional strategies, and inclusive practices—prepare substitutes for any classroom challenge in a short timeframe

- The innovative approach that links substitute training with actual employment opportunities, creating pathways into the teaching profession

- How focusing on quality substitutes could dramatically reduce disruptions, improve classroom management, and boost student achievement

- The broader implications for districts and schools seeking equitable access to skilled substitutes, even in small or rural districts

If you’re a district leader, educator, or aspiring substitute—especially in a world where teacher shortages threaten learning environments—this episode is your blueprint for making substitutes a cornerstone of educational stability. Kelly Education isn’t just filling classrooms—they’re redefining what it means to be a substitute, turning gig work into a professional pathway that benefits students and educators alike.

Dr. Stephanie Wall is the Director of Learning at Kelly Education, known for pioneering national standards and training programs that elevate substitute teaching from a backup plan to a respected profession. Her work is backed by research, real-world classroom data, and a mission to create consistent, positive learning experiences—no matter who walks through the door.

Prepare for a deep dive into the future of substitute teaching—one that emphasizes quality, professionalism, and opportunity. Perfect for district administrators, teachers, substitute educators, and anyone committed to improving student outcomes through better staffing solutions. Don’t miss the chance to learn how elevating substitutes could be your district’s game changer.

Most educators believe the number of ed tech tools is dwindling — but the latest data shatters that myth. At ISTE 2026, Tracy Weeks from Instructure reveals a surprising trend: despite efforts to streamline, students and teachers are actually using more apps than ever, yet fewer are truly purposeful. This episode dives into how intentionally selecting high-impact, purpose-built tools can drastically improve student outcomes and reduce digital clutter.

You’ll discover how the shift from dashboards to comprehensive systems enhances interoperability and simplifies decision-making for districts. Tracy shares insights on the rising importance of trusted ecosystems like Google and Canvas, and explains why tools embedded within familiar environments see more adoption. We explore the critical role of evidence-based, purpose-built education technology and how it outperforms general consumer apps in safety, privacy, and effectiveness.

This episode also uncovers the evolving landscape of AI in education—why smaller districts may lean on trusted ecosystems over new, unproven tools, and how thoughtful policies can prepare districts for rapid technological change. We break down the five ed tech quality indicators and how they guide smarter procurement, implementation, and AI literacy initiatives, ensuring students and teachers benefit without unnecessary distraction.

In a world where the pace of tech change accelerates, missing these insights can lead to wasted resources, fragmented learning experiences, and missed opportunities to truly enhance student achievement. But with the right frameworks and policies, districts can harness the power of AI and innovative tools—without the chaos.

Perfect for district leaders, ed tech coordinators, and educators eager to cut through the noise and make smarter, safer choices with technology. If you’re committed to moving beyond superficial solutions and building purposeful, interoperable learning ecosystems, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the future of ed tech.

Most teachers still struggle with clunky, outdated projection tools that hinder student engagement. What if the next step in classroom tech wasn’t just brighter and sharper—but entirely untethered from the front of the room? Epson’s latest display innovations are transforming how teachers and students interact—and it’s more exciting than you think.

Imagine classrooms where teachers move freely while students collaborate, share, and present seamlessly from their seats—all thanks to Epson’s ultra short throw projectors with native Wi-Fi 6E and cutting-edge interactivity. Tom Piche, a veteran product manager with over three decades in education technology, reveals how Epson’s new lineup is designed to bridge the gap between traditional teaching and the digital age. From massive 180-inch images that make every child feel involved to wireless content sharing that lets teachers work from anywhere in the room—these advancements are reshaping learning environments.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- How Epson’s newest projectors deliver 4K resolution at astounding brightness levels, making text and visuals pop even in well-lit classrooms

- The game-changing impact of wireless features like AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Epson’s Classroom Connect app that empower teachers to untether from the board

- Why large, immersive walls of projection—some reaching ten feet high—boost engagement without the need to turn off the lights

- The innovative use of projection in theaters and art spaces, turning traditional scenes into dynamic digital environments

- The future of flexible, easy-to-install teaching tools that minimize technical headaches and maximize classroom interaction

Why does all this matter? Because in a world where students are creating VR content, streaming videos, and collaborating across screens, outdated tech can hold their potential back. Epson’s new projectors don’t just upgrade your classroom—they unleash students’ creativity, foster participation, and prepare them for a future where technology integrates seamlessly into learning.

Perfect for educators, administrators, and tech directors eager to future-proof their spaces, this episode unpacks how Epson is making classrooms smarter—and more fun. If you believe education should be immersive, innovative, and hassle-free, you’ll want to hear how these new tools can transform your teaching.

Ready to see the future of classroom tech? Visit epson.com/education

Most kids learn differently — but how often do we truly tailor education to meet *them* where they are? Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, pulls back the curtain on a transformative approach that's changing K-12 education from the ground up. Discover how a 60-year-old edtech pioneer harnesses AI, flexible learning models, and a deep understanding of diverse learning styles to boost student engagement, cut dropout rates, and launch careers straight out of high school.

You'll hear about Edmentum’s innovative *Exact Path* system, a personalized AI-driven mastery tool that replaces traditional assessment methods. We break down how this platform adapts in real time to student needs, helping each learner master standards and build confidence. Jamie shares how their vast catalog of online courses — from AP classes to CTE pathways with over 55 career tracks — creates a seamless bridge from middle school exploration to high school preparation and career readiness.

We explore the critical role of flexible, 24/7 pathways that support working students, athletes, artists, and those pursuing trades. Jamie discusses groundbreaking strategies for integrating career exploration early—starting at fifth grade—and how virtual and blended learning models open up endless possibilities for educators and students alike. This episode reveals the fast-evolving policy landscape and how districts are leveraging outcomes-based contracts and AI to improve student success while managing tight budgets in a climate of rapid change.

Perfect for educators seeking practical solutions, school leaders aiming to future-proof their districts, and innovators eager to harness AI responsibly — this is a must-listen episode that redefines what it means to prepare students for the real world. If you believe education should empower every learner’s unique path, Jamie’s insights will inspire you to rethink the classroom and unlock new opportunities for success. Learn more at Edmentum.com

Most schools are woefully unprepared for the digital threats students face every day — but there's a game-changing solution you haven't heard of yet. Stephen Mirante, CRO of CyberNut, reveals how their innovative, AI-powered cybersecurity training uses gamification and personalized adaptive learning to turn students and staff into cyber defenders effortlessly.

This episode dives into the alarming rise of cyber attacks targeting schools — from phishing scams to invoice fraud and social media threats — and explains why traditional training falls flat. You'll discover how CyberNut’s approach removes anxiety and makes security education engaging for everyone, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, with simple browser extensions and incentives that actually work.

We break down how the platform's automation, real-time threat recognition, and tailored modules help districts respond faster, identify vulnerabilities, and turn cybersecurity into a fun, ongoing game. Steven shares surprising stories from the field — like district-wide phishing simulations for boards of directors — and discusses how AI adapts on the fly to each student's learning style and risk profile.

If you're a superintendent or IT leader concerned about protecting your students and staff from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, this episode is essential. Learn why ignoring cybersecurity isn't an option anymore, and how a quick two-week assessment can reveal your school's weaknesses before the hackers do.

CyberNut’s innovative program isn't just a tool — it's a movement toward smarter, safer schools. Tune in to find out how you can effortlessly upgrade your cybersecurity readiness and turn your district into a digital fortress with a simple, fun, and proven approach. Learn more at cybernut.com

Most educators are still figuring out how to balance immersive tech with traditional teaching — but what if VR could do more than engage students?

Class VR’s new lineup of four groundbreaking products, previewed at ISTE 2026, promises to transform how we think about immersive learning. From supporting self-regulation with sensory rooms to elevating STEM, literacy, and global experiences, these tools are designed to make learning more accessible, engaging, and impactful than ever before.

In this episode, we explore how VR is changing the educational landscape and why its judicious, short bursts of immersion are the perfect tool for modern classrooms. Gillian Rhodes, CMO of Avantis Education, and Simon Bradshaw, Head of Education, reveal how these innovations can support students with special needs, broaden curriculum possibilities, and foster skills like reasoning and creativity.

You'll discover:

- How 'sensory regulation' headsets are helping students improve focus and self-control without removing them from class.

- The incredible potential of VR to bring extinct ecosystems, distant cities, or complex science experiments straight into the classroom.

- The role of student-created VR content in fostering deeper engagement, creativity, and curriculum mastery.

- Why the new wave of VR content emphasizes safety, self-regulation, and purposeful use, addressing long-standing concerns about screen time.

- The exciting future of VR in language learning, math, and project-based STEM education, making once-impossible lessons accessible today.

Whether you're an educator eager to enhance student outcomes, a school tech leader seeking next-level tools, or a curious observer wondering how virtual worlds can unlock learning, this episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring possibilities.

Join us to understand why immersive tech isn’t replacing traditional methods but amplifying them—making education more equitable, interactive, and exciting for every student. If you believe in the power of tech to make a real difference, you should not miss this one.

For educators, school leaders, and edtech enthusiasts ready to embrace the future of learning — this episode could change how you see and implement virtual reality in your classroom. Learn more at ClassVR.com

Unlock the future of classroom tech with BenQ’s latest AI-ready interactive boards—designed to seamlessly integrate into existing lesson plans while prepping for the next five years.

Imagine a classroom where technology adapts to your teaching style, enhances student engagement, and ensures data security—all without complicated software setups or distractions. That’s exactly what BenQ’s RP05 series delivers, with features like instant whiteboarding, AI processing, and secure student data safeguards. No more fiddling with connections or old hardware—just pure learning power at your fingertips.

You’ll discover how these boards support platforms teachers already love—Google Slides, PowerPoint, Canva—and turn them into interactive, AI-capable lessons in moments. We break down the game-changing device management system that allows IT teams to manage hundreds of boards remotely, saving time and reducing tech headaches. Plus, learn how integrated features like digital signage, emergency alerts, and remote lesson recording make school communication smarter and safer.

This episode explores the sizes, resolutions, and multiple models of BenQ’s classroom solutions—up to 98 inches with 4K clarity, connecting effortlessly with Chromebooks and Windows devices via InstaShare casting. Teachers can move freely, cast multiple screens simultaneously, and capture lessons—all while kids stay engaged and safe online.

Why does this matter? Schools that ignore AI and streamlined management risk falling behind in digital learning, while those who adopt these intelligent boards unlock new levels of interactivity, security, and efficiency. Whether you're a tech coordinator or educator eager to elevate your classroom, this episode reveals how BenQ’s innovation is rewriting what’s possible in education today.

For district leaders, tech innovators, and passionate educators—this is your gateway to smarter, safer, and more impactful classrooms. Tune in to learn how to future-proof your school with tools that listen, adapt, and grow with your students.

Visit www.benqboard.com or find us on YouTube and social media to see these game-changing boards in action. This is essential listening for anyone committed to transforming education with technology that’s made to last—because the future of learning starts with the right tools today.

Christopher Klein joins us to talk about Photon Education and their two flagship products: ClassWise and the Photon Robot.

We dig into ClassWise, a student response system built around simple four-button class pads that connect to a teacher’s computer—giving students instant haptic and LED feedback without personal devices or screens. The web-based software lets teachers build quizzes, presentations, and games, with analytics that track student performance over time.

Christopher also walks us through the Photon Robot, offering curriculum-based learning from early childhood through high school.

Dr. Josh Prieur and Brandi Solis sit down for a great conversation about Prodigy! If you think the learning games are fun and exciting, then you definitely need to listen to this episode. Dr. Prieur and Brandi Solis bring the excitement for teaching and learning to your headphones!

Epson always brings it to the conversation, and this year was no different. Remi Del Mar catches us up the many ways Epson is enhancing all aspects of education with all off their video products. Lily Hunter shares the Maker Space power of the always reliable Epson printers. They have a printer for whatever your students and teachers can dream up to print!