Reflecting on the SETDA Leadership Summit 2024: Sessions, Collaborations, and Future Opportunities

Attending the SETDA Leadership Summit this year was an inspiring experience, full of rich conversations, thought-provoking sessions, and promising collaborations that will drive and guide our work as your EdTech partner and advocate. The SETDA Leadership Summit is a gathering of leaders that is dedicated to empowering learners and enhancing schools through technology. SETDA’s annual event was filled with insights and connections that made every moment worthwhile. Here are some highlights from the Summit and how they will help propel our mission in the coming year.

Sessions that Resonate: Bridging Gaps and Leading with Creativity

Throughout the Summit, sessions touched on critical issues and provided a roadmap for addressing key challenges in education. I had the honor of presenting a session on Leadership that Fosters Creativity, where we explored ways to create environments where creativity and innovation can thrive. The session was warmly received, with attendees sharing that it was one of the few leadership presentations that truly applied to everyone on their team, regardless of role. This meaningful feedback reinforces the importance of universal approaches in leadership, helping educators and administrators alike to lead in ways that inspire creativity, resilience, and growth.

Another standout session was Expanding Connectivity: E-rate’s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide. This discussion was a timely reminder of the need to address ongoing connectivity challenges in our schools, ensuring that students everywhere have access to the resources they need. Federal efforts and state initiatives discussed in sessions like this are invaluable in supporting our work to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students. The CoSN Digital Equity Dashboard is a great (free) tool to help educators understand the connectivity needs in their own areas.?

I also found Securing Identities, Data Integration, & Classroom Access Together particularly insightful. This session tackled pressing issues in digital security, an area that only grows more relevant as schools increasingly rely on digital resources and remote access.?

Fostering Partnerships and Collaborations

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending SETDA was the opportunity to collaborate with other educational organizations. I spent time with Jill Pierce from TETA, Amy DelCorvo from NYSCATE, and Christine Feenstra with CUE. Together, we discussed ways our organizations can support each other, from shared resources to joint events. Jennifer Womble joined our conversation, offering FETC discounts and benefits for our members—a great step toward expanding access to professional learning. These conversations are one reason why I always say that SETDA’s superpower is creating the conditions for great conversations to happen.

Additionally, I connected with industry leaders interested in partnering with our organization, including Patrick Devanney from ClassLink, Kevin Morrill from SchoolAI, Kurt Beer from Magic School, Nathan Davidson at Five Star Technologies, and Janice Mertes at CDW. Their enthusiasm for supporting ETLA shows the increasing industry interest in supporting EdTech initiatives as partners and not just vendors. These partnerships have the potential to bring meaningful resources and support to schools and educators. If you’re a CoSN Corporate Member, you have an opportunity to vote for either Janice, Nathan, or Patrick to represent you on the CoSN Board.?

Opportunities for Professional Development

The Summit also introduced some exciting professional development possibilities. I spoke with Mitch Weisburgh, author of Mindshifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success, about his professional development courses for teachers. These courses, titled Mastering Your Resourceful Brain, Flexible Mindsets for Long-Term Success, and Conflict and Collaboration, will provide educators with tools to navigate today’s challenges and strengthen their classroom skills.

These courses are designed to nurture resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential for both educators and students. By fostering a growth mindset, these professional development opportunities will help teachers better support their students and collaborate effectively within their schools.

Expanding Connections Across State Education Agencies

Networking with state education agency members from Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, North Dakota, Georgia, Arkansas, and Nebraska added a broader perspective to the discussions we have at ETLA Each state’s unique approach to digital learning and edtech provides valuable insights, helping us understand regional differences and potential collaboration opportunities. This exchange of ideas strengthens our collective efforts to address issues like the digital divide, cybersecurity, and equitable access.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Momentum

The SETDA Leadership Summit provided a fantastic platform for collaboration, exploration, and innovation. From impactful sessions and networking to newfound partnerships and professional development opportunities, this event underscored the importance of coming together to tackle education’s most pressing challenges. We are eager to continue these conversations and initiatives in the coming months, exploring ways to enhance support for educators and students across the country.

The Summit reminded me that, when leaders from across the education sector unite around a shared vision, powerful change is possible. Through collective action, we can create inclusive, innovative, and inspiring learning environments for every student. Here's to building on the momentum from SETDA, driving forward with new ideas, and making a lasting impact in education.