METAA CTO Clinic 2025: Full Schedule

The METAA CTO Clinic will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at our NEW location, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event! We look forward to reconnecting with all of you! To register for the METAA CTO Clinic, please use this link! Do not register through sched.org Please review our event code of conduct.

We will continue to update this schedule so be sure to check back with us! To stay informed, follow us @TechDirectors #METAA Please visit METAA Conferences for more information!

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TBA

ADMINNOVATION: Administration + Innovation to level-up leadership

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Are you ready to transform your administrative role into a catalyst for innovation? Adminnovation is a dynamic workshop designed to equip you with the tools, mindset, and strategies to drive innovation within your organization. Dive into the CORE Concept Framework to leverage Collaboration, Optimization, Reimagination, and Exploration as key tools to identify innovation opportunities, cultivate a creative mindset, collaborate effectively, and overcome obstacles.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Advancing Digital Equity to Strengthen Personalized, Competency-Based Education

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

In this session, participants will deepen their understanding of the connections between digital equity and personalized, competency-based education. To begin, participants will learn about the 2024 National Education Technology Plan (NETP) and its framing of three divides limiting the potential of educational technology: digital use, digital access, and digital design. The session will then dive into how addressing these divides are critical for both ensuring digital equity and creating the conditions for more personalized and competency-based education to occur. Participants will leave with concrete resources and plans to move their schools and systems forward.

Speakers

Beth Holland

Managing Director - Research, Measurement, & Policy, The Learning Accelerator (TLA)

Dr. Beth Holland is the Managing Director of Research, Measurement, & Policy at The Learning Accelerator (TLA). She has over 25 years of experience working as an educator and researcher examining challenges of equity, technology, and leadership within K-12 public school systems. Prior... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

AI in MA Schools: DESE’s Roadmap to Safe and Purposeful Integration

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

After working closely with school stakeholders over the past year, DESE is releasing a series of information, resources, and support opportunities for districts as they continue to navigate the use of artificial intelligence in schools. This session will include insights from the Massachusetts AI Task Force, as well as the state’s strategy for supporting safe, equitable, and impactful AI integration. Participants will hear about upcoming resource development and professional learning opportunities, and will have a chance to ask questions and share input as DESE launches this work.

Speakers

Jackie Gantzer

Director of EdTech and School Support, DESE

Jackie Gantzer is the Director of Educational Technology and School Support at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In this dual capacity she leads the Department’s efforts to promote equitable and effective use of edtech and supports the Chief of... Read More →

AJ Cote

Assistant Director of EdTech, DESE

Andréa (A.J.) Coté, M.Ed., CETL has over 20 years of educational experience in the areas of digital learning, adult learning & professional development, assistive technology, and special education. The first 15 years of A.J.’s career were dedicated to serving in Massachusetts... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

AI Readiness for Tech Departments

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

What do technology departments & leaders need to do to prepare for implementing an AI tool? This session will take you through the main areas that technology leaders should consider when it comes to implementing AI in your district. We'll cover some technology policy considerations, technical readiness, and solutions that you can get behind!

Speakers

Mark Racine

Consultant, K12 Tech Pro

Mark Racine, the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Boston Public Schools, now serves as a consultant for RootED Solutions, a Boston, Massachusetts-based consulting firm specializing in EdTech strategy. During his over ten years as CIO for Boston Public Schools, Mark led several... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Aspen - Meet up

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join fellow Aspen SIS professionals for an informal gathering to network, share best practices, and discuss current challenges and opportunities in managing student information. This session provides a valuable opportunity to connect with peers from other institutions, exchange insights, and learn about innovative approaches to leveraging your SIS for improved student outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned SIS administrator or new to the field, all are welcome!

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Building Bridges: Supporting Multilingual Families Through Technology

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This panel discussion will explore strategies for using technology to enhance communication with multilingual families and build stronger school communities. Topics will include translation options for sensitive documents, real-time voice translation tools, and text messaging platforms that support two-way communication in families’ native languages. The panel will also address solutions for providing translation during live events and video streaming. Join us for a collaborative conversation featuring insights from education leaders and opportunities for audience engagement.

Speakers

Erin Johnson

English Learner Education Program Coordinator, Andover Public Schools

Erin Johnson is currently the English Learner Education Program Coordinator for Andover Public Schools, bringing over 20 years of experience as an ESL teacher in urban districts across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, working with students in grades PreK-8. For the past six years... Read More →

Sarah Perkins

Integration Specialist, Andover Public Schools

Sarah Perkins is an education professional, with experience as a middle school English Language Arts teacher, prek-12 Digital Learning Coach, and administrator. In her current role as the Interim Director of Technology Integration & Digital Literacy for Andover Public Schools, Sarah’s... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Continuing Education at the Massachusetts Cyber Ranges

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

CyberTrust Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that operates two security operations centers (SOCs) and supports four cyber range training facilities across the Commonwealth. Participants will learn more about CyberTrust's overall services specifically designed for municipalities, with a focus on how METAA members can engage with the cyber range training centers for their training, education, and workforce development needs.

Speakers

Meghan Martinez

Director, Cyber Range Programs, CyberTrust Massachusetts

Meghan Martinez is the Director of Cyber Range Programs for CyberTrust Massachusetts, responsible for the successful adoption of advanced cyber range technology across CyberTrust member colleges and developing innovative programming that can meet the needs of cybersecurity students... Read More →

Mike Lyons

Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Massachusetts Bay Community College

Mike Lyons is Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Massachusetts Bay Community College. With over 30 years of experience in IT, Mr. Lyons holds numerous industry certifications. As a computer instructor, technology advocate, and lifelong learner, he is passionate about... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Crafting Equitable AI Guidelines for Schools

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join us for a dynamic workshop, "How Policy Guidelines Can Help Ensure the Equitable and Responsible Use of AI in K-12 Schools," where participants will step into the shoes of school community stakeholders. Together, we will collaboratively develop policy guidelines that address the ethical and equitable integration of AI technologies in teaching and learning environments. This hands-on experience will empower participants to navigate the complexities of AI use while prioritizing student equity and responsible practices. Come ready to share insights, brainstorm solutions, and shape the future of AI in education!

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Cyber Risk Management

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Cyber Risk Management and best practices. Cyber prevention techniques including user training. Cyber Resources available (multiple sources). Cyber Insurance Marketplace and Coverage. Cyber Claims. Q&A.

Speakers

Todd Ohanesian

Senior Account Executive, Certified Insurance Counselor, Certified Risk Manager, Cabot Risk Strategies, LLC.

Todd joined Cabot Risk Strategies in 2009 and is currently a Senior Account Executive. His primary focus is the coordination of risk management and insurance services for municipal, non-profit and medium to large accounts.Todd has over 15 years of insurance/risk management related... Read More →

Thomas DePaulo

VP of Sales, Cabot Risk Strategies, LLC.

Thom joined Cabot Risk Strategies LLC in 2017 and is Vice President of Sales. A graduate of Northeastern University, Thom comes to Cabot with more than 20 years of experience in agency management and operations where he has developed an expertise in designing, implementing and monitoring... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: Protecting Schools Before the Next Attack

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Recent data breaches in schools have exposed sensitive student and staff information, putting privacy and security at risk. This session will provide examples of past breaches and actionable steps to prevent future attacks. Strengthening cybersecurity now means fewer emergencies, less stress, and a safer learning environment for all.

Speakers

Chris Daggett

Director of Managed Services and Security, HUB Tech

Chris is a highly skilled technology professional with over 20 years of IT experience. He leads a successful Managed Services and Security program at HUB Tech, which has become one of the top programs in the country. HUB’s program focuses on keeping customers Connected, Managed... Read More →

Dan Lovetere

Vice President of Engineering, HUB Tech

As Vice President of Engineering at HUB Tech, Dan oversees the Engineering divisions, Managed IT Services, and Professional Service Delivery, ensuring consistently excellent client experiences. Dan and the team actively assist clients in transforming their technology to provide a... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Defending sensitive public sector data: Spotlight on ransomware

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Organizations are tasked with defending against attackers 24/7/365. With the broadened attack surface and evolving entry points, organizations must ensure endpoints are secure. With more than half of ransomware encounters in the last 12 months involving double extortion techniques; it’s imperative to know the types of cybercriminals you are battling. Can you adapt your defenses as quickly as attackers find new ways to exploit them? How do you defend against attackers who never take a break?

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

EdTech Legal Essentials

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Technology is transforming education, but are you prepared for the legal implications? This session will cover the essential legal considerations for K-12 technology staff, including student data privacy, cybersecurity, acceptable use policies, emerging tech challenges, and legally sound practices for records retention. Gain the knowledge and strategies you need to protect your district, ensure responsible technology integration, and maintain compliance.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

From Endpoints to Insights: Leveraging osquery for School Security

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Managing and securing school district environments has never been more critical or complex. This session explores how you can leverage osquery, and open-source tool, to help uncover hidden threats, enforce best practices for hardening, and simplify IT Operations. Learn how to use powerful real-time insights to detect anomalies, strengthen security, and streamline operations.

Speakers

David Balcar

Chief Evangelist, NeXasure

David Balcar is a recognized thought leader and distinguished Security Strategist and Cyber Profiler with over two decades of experience spanning security research, network penetration testing, incident response, and computer forensics. He has worked with law enforcement around the... Read More →

Nicholas Comeau

My name is Nick Comeau, and I have worked in cybersecurity for about a decade. I do not have a background in Computer Science or cybersecurity, but rather studied Biomedical Engineering and worked as an Electro-Chemical Scientist for several years out of school. Despite lacking knowledge... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

From Vision to Funding: A Roadmap for EdTech Success

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

You can dream it, but can you buy it? This workshop will provide you with a practical roadmap for navigating the budget and funding process for technology initiatives. Learn how to develop a compelling case for your projects, effectively communicate the value of your edtech investments, and successfully secure approval from capital improvement committees. We will explore the power of visual storytelling, including student impact, and provide actionable strategies for building strong partnerships and securing the funding you need to support student success.Sample ideas, arguments, and cases will be examined in 3 different districts.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Future-Ready Teams: Building Technology Foundations for Long-Term Success

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Creating a robust technology program requires more than addressing immediate needs; it demands a team committed to vision planning and sustainable growth. This session delves into the dual pillars of technology leadership: infrastructure development and the integration of educational technology. Learn how to assemble and empower a team to craft a shared vision, set measurable goals, and ensure alignment with district objectives. Attendees will explore best practices for managing resources, fostering collaboration between IT and instructional technology, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset to support evolving student needs. Walk away with strategies to cultivate a cohesive team that drives innovation and ensures long-term success.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Google Admin Console Best Practices

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This session provides a comprehensive overview of best practices for effectively managing your Google Workspace environment through the Admin console. We'll cover key areas such as user management, security settings, device management, and reporting. Learn how to streamline administrative tasks, enhance security posture, and optimize your organization's use of Google Workspace. This session is ideal for administrators with beginner to intermediate experience.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Google Updates -What's Coming and What's New?

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This session provides a fast-paced overview of the latest features, updates, and upcoming changes across Google's suite of products and services. We'll cover key updates to Google Workspace, Search, Android, and other relevant platforms, highlighting new functionalities, improved user experiences, and potential impacts on your work and personal life. Stay informed and discover how to leverage these updates to enhance productivity and innovation.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Implementing AI in Schools: Opportunities, Challenges and Responsible Integration

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This session will explore how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into K-12 education, balancing innovation with ethical considerations. We will discuss real-world applications, from personalized learning to administrative efficiencies, while addressing key concerns like data privacy, equity, and responsible use. Educators and administrators will engage in a dynamic conversation about practical strategies for implementation, ensuring AI enhances—not replaces—human-centered learning. The discussion will highlight the importance of clear policies, professional development, and an intentional approach to AI adoption in schools.

Speakers

Monsurat Ottun

Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA/DHS

Monsurat Ottun currently serves as a Cybersecurity Advisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an entity within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Her role involves enhancing the state's cyber resilience in... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Inclusive School-Home Connection and Communication: What’s Working

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Effective communication is at the heart of strong school communities, yet multilingual families often face barriers that limit their participation—not because of disinterest, but due to access challenges, challenges often shared by hard-to-reach families no matter what language they speak. We’ll explore practical strategies for reframing school communication to better engage multilingual families messaging approaches that remove barriers and foster connection. Learn how to integrate multilingual tools, effective messaging techniques, and family-centered frameworks like Language Access Plans into your district’s communication plan.

Participants will gain actionable insights, explore free resources, and share experiences to create communication systems that empower families and build trust. We’ll also discuss how to support staff with professional development resources that make implementing these strategies sustainable and impactful.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Innovative Leadership: Building Collaborative Bridges for Enhanced Student Learning

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

In today’s dynamic educational landscape, technology leaders must foster innovative collaboration to bridge the gap between district goals and classroom impact. This session explores strategies for leveraging technology, building meaningful partnerships with schools, and driving initiatives that prioritize student learning. Participants will gain actionable insights into fostering a culture of trust, promoting cross-departmental collaboration, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to support personalized learning and modern outcomes. Join us to discover how innovative leadership can inspire transformational changes that leave a lasting mark on educators and students alike.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Leading the Charge: Technology Strategic Planning in Real World Examples

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join us for an engaging session on the updated Massachusetts EdTech Strategic Planning Guide and hear firsthand stories of success from experiences of K-12 technology leaders driving change in their districts. Discover new state-provided resources and tools designed to enhance technology integration and strengthen your district’s systems. Gain valuable insights from your peers on overcoming challenges, fostering collaboration, and achieving impactful outcomes. Whether you're looking to refresh your strategic plan or be inspired by real-world solutions, this session is your roadmap to leading EdTech innovation with confidence.

Speakers

Jackie Gantzer

Director of EdTech and School Support, DESE

AJ Cote

Assistant Director of EdTech, DESE

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Leveraging MS-ISAC's Free Resources for Enhanced Cybersecurity

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Cybersecurity challenges face all types of organizations. The threats we see impacting the
private sector are similar to the threats that the MS-ISAC has seen impacting State-Local-Tribal-and Territorial entities throughout New England. These threat actors are not only after money, personal information and organization secrets, but they are also looking to damage your organization’s reputation. While no single organization can prevent these threat actors from targeting and infiltrating your network, the resources provided at no-cost by the MS-ISAC can help mitigate these risks.
Resources ranging from actionable intelligence and passive monitoring of your public
information, to actively blocking malicious connections from establishing, the MS-ISAC provides no-cost resources to over 18,000 organizations across the United States. During this presentation we will provide an overview of the no-cost & low-cost services MS-ISAC has to offer.

Speakers

Elijah Cedeno

Regional Engagement Manager, MS-ISAC

Elijah Cedeno: is a Regional Engagement Manager for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center™ (MS-ISAC®), a division of the Center for Internet Security, Inc.®. He is a member of the Stakeholder Engagement team, which works with our nation’s State, Local, Territorial... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Navigating Change: Developing Enduring AI Literacy

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

As we move forward with the two year experiment of generative AI in education, if one idea has clearly emerged it is that AI literacy is the critical foundation for meaningful use of the technology. The session will demonstrate hands-on activities, an enduring framework and process to help educators develop an improved understanding of generative AI. Session attendees will develop a deeper understanding of text generative AI, a spectrum of use cases, and an increase awareness of ways in which text generative AI is evolving from idea generating to truth generating technology.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Navigating Technology Lifecycle Management: Strategies and Tools for Success

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join a peer-led discussion forum on the lifecycle management of technology equipment in educational environments. This session will feature a panel of educational technology professionals sharing insights on inventory management systems, best practices for asset tracking, and strategies for determining the ideal lifecycle of various devices. Panelists will address key questions and share real-world experiences, followed by an open forum for audience questions and collaborative discussion. Whether you’re refining your lifecycle strategies or exploring new inventory solutions, this session offers valuable perspectives and practical advice tailored to the challenges of K-12 technology management.

Speakers

Tim Raposa

Director of Technology, Franklin Town/Public Schools

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

One Dashboard, Endless Insights: Transforming Student Data into Action

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Participants will explore a cutting-edge dashboard designed to unify data from diverse sources, providing a comprehensive view of student information. The dashboard serves as both an analytical and operational tool, empowering staff at all levels—from teachers to principals—to make data-driven decisions. Attendees will learn how to leverage the platform to track student performance, identify trends, and take actionable steps to improve outcomes. The session will showcase how the dashboard simplifies access to critical data, making it an essential resource for improving student success.

Speakers

Veronique Roberts

Director of Research and Accountability, Lowell Public Schools

Veronique Roberts is a French national who moved to the US in 2013 and joined the Lowell Public Schools District in 2014. With a background in teaching, then in IT, Vero started in Lowell as an Instructional Specialist, then became the Coordinator of Data Analysis and is now the... Read More →

Kim Clements

Principal, Bailey Elementary School in Lowell

Kimberley Clements has dedicated the past 18 years to serving the Lowell Public Schools, with 13 years in administrative roles and the past 10 years as the principal of Bailey Elementary. A certified data enthusiast, Kim has played a key role in developing data systems that support... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Planning for Change: AI's Evolution from Text to Real Time Audio & Video

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Where the current and most dominant forms of generative AI require an unnatural interaction with a chatbot via a keyboard, the technology is changing rapidly and requires our attention and curiosity. As the technology evolves, both audio and video interactions will emerge as common avenues to both create and engage with generative technology. The session will demonstrate, explore and provide insight and vision on the role multimedia generative AI may play in education.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

PowerSchool Meet up

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join fellow PowerSchool SIS professionals for an informal gathering to network, share best practices, and discuss current challenges and opportunities in managing student information. This session provides a valuable opportunity to connect with peers from other institutions, exchange insights, and learn about innovative approaches to leveraging your SIS for improved student outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned SIS administrator or new to the field, all are welcome!

Speakers

Marcia Pereira

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Project Unicorn: Unleashing the Magic in EdTech Interoperability

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Participants will learn about the core concepts of interoperability in K-12 education, practical strategies for building an interconnected EdTech ecosystem, and hands-on planning to implement these practices within their own districts. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of why interoperability matters, explore real-world examples and best practices from successful districts, and collaboratively develop actionable roadmaps tailored to their unique challenges.

Speakers

Taylor Wrye, Ed.D.

Director of Technology and Innovation, Nauset Public Schools

Dr. Taylor Wrye is the Director of Technology and Innovation for Nauset Public Schools on Cape Cod. He holds a Doctorate in Learning Technologies from Drexel University and brings extensive administrative experience, including serving as a Middle School Principal in Massachusetts... Read More →

Steve Smith

Executive Director, Access 4 Learning

Mr.Steve Smith, is the Executive Director of Access 4 Learning. He has twenty seven + years of CIO/CTO experience in rural and urban, large and small, school districts in New England, most recently as CIO of Cambridge Public Schools.. He has represented both Maine and Massachusetts... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Ready Player 1- The Game of Ed Tech Funding

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Ready to conquer the EdTech boss level? This workshop equips you with the ultimate power-ups to secure funding and achieve a high score for your students. Four veteran school and district tech directors will share their top-level strategies and cheat codes for the game of Ed Tech Funding. Learn how to craft a killer quest log for your projects, showcase the epic value of your projects, and defeat the final boss: the capital improvement committee. We'll explore the power of data-driven storytelling, provide actionable strategies for forging alliances, and share real-world examples of successful funding playthroughs. Come play the game and leave a WINNER!Get your 8-bit questions answered and leave powered up to make your EdTech dreams a reality!

Speakers

Lytania Mackey

Director of Technology, Libraries, and Innovation, Swampscott Public Schools

Lytania has been in Swampscott Public for her 23 years in education.Former science teacher at middle and high school, recovering high school administrator, and in this role for 8 very fast years! She still has not figured it all out but has some tricks to offer! You can find LT... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Rediker/School Brains Meet up

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join fellow Rediker/ School Brains SIS professionals for an informal gathering to network, share best practices, and discuss current challenges and opportunities in managing student information. This session provides a valuable opportunity to connect with peers from other institutions, exchange insights, and learn about innovative approaches to leveraging your SIS for improved student outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned SIS administrator or new to the field, all are welcome!

Speakers

Jared Perrine

Director of Technology, Narragansett Regional School District

Jared has been involved in education on many levels for the past 25 years. Holding a Bachelors Degree from Muskingum University and a Masters Degree in Education from Lesley University, Jared has a variety of experiences to draw upon, including direct instruction, IT management, innovation... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Right Access, Right Time: Effective Account Management for K-12

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Managing access control and account management for staff transitions is essential for maintaining security and operational efficiency in school districts. This session will focus on best practices for technology professionals responsible for provisioning and deprovisioning accounts during onboarding, role changes, leaves of absence, and terminations. Topics will include implementing automated workflows to grant or revoke access based on roles, enforcing least privilege principles, and conducting periodic access audits to ensure compliance. Participants will also explore strategies for tracking account changes, integrating identity and access management (IAM) systems, and communicating effectively with stakeholders to streamline processes and minimize security risks. Leave this session equipped with practical tools to manage staff transitions while protecting district systems and data.

Speakers

Drew O'Connors

Director of Technology, Minuteman Tech

Drew is in his second year as the Director of Technology for the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District. Before his current role, he was a classroom teacher for 10 years, with the last five years at Minuteman, where he was the founding instructor for Multimedia Engineering... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Shaping the Future of K-12 Technology: Insights from Cross-Agency Listening Sessions

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Antoine (EOE), Jacqulyn, AJ Cote DESE), and Susan Noyes (EOTSS/OMST) represent a partnership who formed a Cross-Agency Listening sessions launched in the Fall of 2024. There is a set of 10-15 questions developed to hear what K-12 stakeholders (such as MASS, METAA, MASSCUE, MASBO, MASC, MSAA, ASE, MATSOL, DLCS Network, MassTech) have to say about their technology goals, pressing challenges, and thoughts on what the state could do better. Results of these listening sessions will be presented, and a collaborative discussion on setting priorities with the attendees would be solicited.

Speakers

Susan Noyes

Director, Office of Municipal & School Technology, EOTSS

Susan Noyes is the Director at the Office of Municipal and School Technology (OMST) at the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) for the Commonwealth. OMST supports local government efforts to effectively serve their residents, students, and employees using... Read More →

Antoine Harrison

Secretariat Chief Information Officer, Executive Office Of Education

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Streamlining Public Records Requests: Practical Solutions with AI

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

The presenter shares their experience building an AI-powered tool using ChatGPT to automate data gathering, PDF conversion, and sharing, replacing a time-consuming manual process. Attendees will learn how the tool evolved from a basic program to user-friendly standalone applications. The presenter will also discuss sharing the tool, incorporating feedback, and prioritizing accessibility over profit. The session highlights AI's potential to simplify tedious tasks and inspires attendees to explore AI solutions for their own workflows, offering access to the tool and code.

Speakers

Randy Mcleod

Director of Technology, Lenox Public Schools

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Supporting Multilingual Learners: Tools, Strategies, and Connections

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Discover effective strategies and tools to support multilingual learners in your classroom and greater school community. This session will cover translation hardware and web-based options, live captions, and techniques for engaging newcomers. You'll also gain insights into building communication bridges with parents to foster student success.

Speakers

Erin Fisher

District-Wide Technology Integration Facilitator, East Bridgewater Public Schools

Erin Fisher is the Technology Integration Facilitator, PreK-12, for the East Bridgewater Public Schools. This position was implemented in the 2016-2017 school year. In this role, Erin leads initiatives focused on purposeful integration of educational technologies to maximize teaching... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Tech She Can: Strategies for Women's Success in K-12 Ed Tech Leadership

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Join a panel of inspiring women leaders in educational technology as they share their journeys into ed tech leadership. This scenario based workshop will explore the unique challenges faced by women in K-12 Ed Tech leadership roles, including gender inequality and the impact of male-dominated tech cultures. Areas of discussion will include:

- Identifying and addressing gender bias: Recognizing and challenging unconscious biases, microaggressions that happen in our workplace.
- Building a supportive network: Creating and leveraging professional networks of women in Ed Tech to provide mentorship, support, and a sense of community.
- Developing a personal leadership brand: Strategies for showcasing your expertise, building confidence, and building a strong professional presence.

Speakers

Lytania Mackey

Director of Technology, Libraries, and Innovation, Swampscott Public Schools

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

The Global Education Security Standard Update

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Attendees will leave the presentation with an understanding of the current status of the Global Education Security Standard (GESS). Over the past year GESS has been updated to Version 2.0, a free self assessment made available to vendors and partnerships have formed with third party auditing/certifying organizations. Audience members will be presented with the current version of GESS and leave with an understanding of the role of GESS in the education ecosystem to normalize security controls across the EdTech vendor marketplace.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

The Road Ahead

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This engaging Q&A session will focus on the exciting updates and changes coming soon for both TEC and SDPC. This will be a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insights and clarity. Additionally, TEC will provide informative demonstrations to answer questions about utilizing SDPC's Registry effectively.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

The State of Standards, Interoperability & Privacy

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

The road to a truly interoperable and secure educational ecosystem is a long one that many of us have been traveling for years. This session will provide an overview of the standards, interoperability and privacy landscape across PK20W. As a picture is painted of the ecosystem we will gradually narrow the focus to the Massachusetts environment. Current resources available to all MA districts as well as some future visioning will be discussed. This is intended to be an interactive presentation and discussion about current issues, needs and resources.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Unplugged: Planning and Implementing a Successful Cell Phone Ban in Schools

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

In an era dominated by digital devices, many schools are turning to cell phone bans to improve school culture, reduce distractions, and support student emotional health. This session will guide school leaders through the process of planning and implementing a successful cell phone ban, covering key aspects such as setting clear goals and timelines, involving parents, students, and staff to build community support, and practical solutions for enforcement, including storage and retrieval systems. Participants will also explore research linking reduced cell phone use to improved academic focus and emotional well-being, along with real-world examples of schools that have effectively implemented these changes. Whether your district is considering a ban or refining an existing policy, this session will provide actionable strategies and insights to ensure success.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Using Bloodhound to Assess your AD Environment

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

You may recognize Bloodhound as a tool primarily used by red teamers or threat actors to find the quickest path to your domain controller, but blue teamers can use it to. In this session, participants will get to play around with Bloodhound in a simulated environment to understand how it can be used to help identify the most likely AD attack paths and how you can interpret this data to prioritize projects and detections.

Speakers

Meghan Martinez

Director, Cyber Range Programs, CyberTrust Massachusetts

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

When MFA Fails: Incident Response and Recovery

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Identifying MFA Compromises: Attendees will gain the skills to detect signs of MFA failures in Google Workspace, ensuring timely and effective responses to potential breaches.

Interactive Incident Response Training: The session will engage participants with real-world case studies and practical exercises, enhancing their ability to implement a comprehensive incident response plan tailored for educational settings.
Strategic Recovery and Prevention: Learn and develop strategies for effective recovery from MFA failures and preventive measures to fortify the school’s digital security infrastructure, ensuring long-term resilience.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

Your Next Chapter: Planning Your Career with Confidence and Purpose

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Take the leap into your next technology career opportunity with clarity and confidence. This session will provide actionable strategies to help you reflect on your motivations, embrace new experiences, and align your decisions with your goals and values. Guided by three core principles—Know Yourself, Honor Yourself, and Trust Yourself—you’ll learn to use your personal priorities as a compass, prioritize self-care and grace during challenges, and build confidence with the support of meaningful relationships and accountability partners. Along the way, you’ll explore practical tools and guiding questions to focus your energy and decision-making, such as assessing whether your actions bring you closer to your goals or serve the greater good. Leave this session inspired, balanced, and equipped with a clear plan to confidently navigate your next career move.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

TBA

A Panel Discussion on Cybersecurity from Data Specialist Perspective

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

A Panel discussion on best practices around data and cybersecurity for data specialists, by data specialists - starting with the SIS, for example data retention, SIS account management, data integration and so on. This is a solution sharing and best practice session.

Speakers

Jack Polnar

Senior Data Management Specialist, Newton Public Schools

Supporting various Information Systems, state reporting and various data integration solutions for Newton Public Schools for over 25 years, in other words - creating some data magic!

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Blue, Data Management

TBA

Making Sense of Summary Reports: A Practical Guide

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

This session highlights the critical importance of reviewing summary reports within the state reporting process. Participants will learn how to extract meaningful insights and understand the implications for their district. We'll also cover effective communication strategies for sharing key findings with stakeholders to support data-informed decision-making.

Speakers

Natalie Croteau

Technology Systems Coordinator, Littleton Public Schools

Natalie Croteau is a seasoned Technology Systems Coordinator with over ten years of experience in State Reporting. As a dedicated professional, Natalie has a proven track record of providing training and resources for other State Reporting Professionals throughout the state in coordination... Read More →

Melissa Marino

Data Collection Supervisor, DESE

Melissa Marino is the Supervisor of Data Collection at Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Melissa has been with DESE for 10 years, supporting school districts in state reporting, and overseeing the transformation of the data collection processes through... Read More →

Ben Silberglitt

Level Data

Benjamin Silberglitt, Ph.D. is a co-founder of Cedar Labs, which is now a part of Level Data. Ben has worked in education for more than 25 years, focusing on using data and technology to support decision-making. Cedar Labs has been a partner with DESE in supporting the state data... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Blue

TBA

State Reporting: Beyond the Numbers

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

In this presentation, we'll dive deep into the world of state reporting, uncovering hidden insights and trends that can revolutionize the way we understand and improve our data environment. By combining the lessons learned from last year's DESE collaboration and the innovative capabilities of Cedar Labs, we'll explore best practices and cutting-edge techniques to maximize the value of state reporting data. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the 2024/2025 reporting requirements and learn how to effectively utilize this data to inform strategic decision-making and drive positive change. Come learn from DESE, Cedar Labs, and your data reporting peers the challenges and updates available to make your job easier with State Reporting.

Speakers

Natalie Croteau

Technology Systems Coordinator, Littleton Public Schools

Melissa Marino

Data Collection Supervisor, DESE

Ben Silberglitt

Level Data

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Blue, Data Management

TBA

Sustaining Universal School Meals by Maximizing Federal Dollars: How Direct Certification and Community Eligibility work to ensure the security of funding for universal free school meals.

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Since the funding for universal free school meals in Massachusetts was made permanent in 2023, participation in these programs has skyrocketed. This mean the cost to the Commonwealth has gone up too. Learn how school districts can maximize the federal dollar allocation for this critical program through direct certification and participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch Program. Important changes to this program over the last year have greatly impacted how many schools participate in CEP. Come and learn:

• CEP: what is it and what’s new
• Every student eats free regardless of eligibility: what‘s the funding formula?
• Connecting the dots: Using direct certification and CEP to maximize Federal dollars
• Community impact: Using DC matching to gain eligibility for other Child Nutrition Programs
• CEP Reporting and Application Data: How it differs from SIMS data and why it matters

Speakers

Julianna Valcour

School Nutrition Programs Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Elementary Education

Julianna Valcour is part of DESE's Office for Food and Nutrition Programs. Her team is responsible for the administration of the school lunch and breakfast programs for the Commonwealth. She is a Registered Dietitian with a master's in nutrition education and has over 15 years... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Blue, Data Management

TBA

Thinking beyond auto-rosters to integrate apps - provisioning non-teacher users

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Discuss and share what we have learned and automated on how to provision non-teacher users (i.e. Special Ed, ELL, etc who are not attached to rosters) in various systems via Clever and beyond. Best practices, including Clever rules, automating Aspen to match HR systems such as Munis, etc

Speakers

Jack Polnar

Senior Data Management Specialist, Newton Public Schools

Supporting various Information Systems, state reporting and various data integration solutions for Newton Public Schools for over 25 years, in other words - creating some data magic!

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Blue, Data Management

TBA

A.I. for ALL: Paired Practices for Increased Equity and Inclusion

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Had enough AI speed-dating or tasing rotations? Look toward practical pairings to gain student-centered strategies to integrate AI with intention. Designed for educators, administrators, and digital learning leaders, this session is structured to explore the role of AI as a powerful component in integrating UDL principles and Deeper Learning practices through intentional and impactful design.

Participants will leave with a process to select the right partner tool to personalize student-centered learning experiences, adapt to learner diversity, and unlock transformative instruction for all learners. Explore the current state and potential for emerging AI to act as a thought partner and co-intelligence to support instruction, enhance assessment, provide targeted feedback, and develop resources to reach and teach all learners.

Speakers

Jed Stefanowicz

Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, Nashoba Regional School District

Through conferences, workshops, district leadership, and instructional coaching, Jed Stefanowicz leads strategic transformation of teaching and learning through the use of digital tools and innovative practices. As Director of Digital Learning and Innovation for the Nashoba Regional... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Green, Emerging Technologies/AI

TBA

Moving to the Cloud for Telephony

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

In this session, Directors of Technology from both Norton Public Schools and Narragansett Regional School District will discuss their process of moving away from on-prem PBX's and to the cloud for telephony. They will focus on safety improvements, integration of existing infrastructure, Ray Baum's Act compliance, and the substantial simplification of in telephony management. Additionally, there will be a focus on the improved school safety that was gained as well as accountability and privacy for all school communication.

Speakers

Karen Winsper

Director of Instructional Technology, Norton Public Schools

Karen has been involved in education for the last 29 years. She has a Bachelors Degree from Bridgewater State University, Masters in Education from Framingham State University, and Graduate Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England and has deep experience... Read More →

Jared Perrine

Director of Technology, Narragansett Regional School District

Thursday March 13, 2025 TBA

Green, Emerging Technologies/AI

METAA CTO Clinic 2025