Voices Shaping the
Future of Learning
Explore three Mainstage experiences designed to spark curiosity, develop expertise, and elevate reflection.
Bestselling author, leadership expert, and LinkedIn Global Voice for Education Heather McGowan unpacks how educators and leaders can thrive in an era of relentless change. Through storytelling, she reveals why learning, unlearning, and relearning have become the essential rhythm of work itself. McGowan explains how to build cultures where people recognize when they've outgrown their roles, embrace the discomfort of not knowing, and move forward together with intrinsic motivation and support. Learn how to transform uncertainty from a threat into a strategic advantage by activating your students’ and staffs’ distinctly human capabilities of adaptability, empathy, and curiosity.
ISTE+ASCD CEO Richard Culatta takes the stage to unite attendees around a shared vision for the future of education, exploring what it truly means to transform teaching and learning. He'll also unpack the shifting role of technology in schools, cutting through the noise to focus on what matters most for educators and students in a changing landscape.
Two educators take the Mainstage for powerful 5-minute storytelling performances that spark emotion and connection. Their stories illuminate what's possible when curiosity is ignited, and how the right conditions can open entirely new pathways for students to engage and express themselves.
Join us for the preshow starting at 2:30 p.m.
Orlando ranks among Florida's top three cities for its Indian population, making it a natural home for Bollywood dance. Maryann Michael Studios channels that vibrant energy as an international dance studio bringing Bollywood and diverse dance forms to the heart of the community. Arrive 30 minutes before the session begins to catch them!
Resident Librarian for PBS and PBS Kids, and “Reading Rainbow” Host Mychal Threets shares how educators can foster student agency and engagement by amplifying student voice. Drawing from his advocacy for libraries and literacy, Threets inspires educators to cultivate inclusive environments where learners find representation, their voices are amplified, and they’re empowered to build the futures of their dreams. Whether you’re a teacher or leader, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways you can implement immediately.
Get a front-row seat as student innovators take the Mainstage to share how they're using AI as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and positive change. The AI Innovator Studio empowers students to design with purpose, while equipping educators with the resources and community to guide innovation confidently.
Woven into the Mainstage, two educator spotlight talks bring real characters, tension, and a moment of magic to life. Their experiences capture what it looks like when evidence-based practice meets intentional teaching, and students build skills and knowledge that last.
Join us for the preshow starting at 7:45 a.m.
The city of Orlando boasts one of the most vibrant salsa scenes in the country, and at Moova Dance, they celebrate salsa as far more than a dance form. It's a living expression of culture, identity, and community. Plan to be in your seat 30 minutes early so you don't miss them!
Pixar Art Director, Character Designer, and Animator Deanna Marsigliese shares how educators can unlock creative potential and fuel innovation in their students. Through reflections on her career at Pixar, including work on "Inside Out," "Soul," "Luca," and "Inside Out 2," Marsigliese reveals the creative habits and practices that fuel her work, demonstrating how educators can create environments where students embrace intuition, seek unexpected connections, and find inspiration in familiar surroundings. She shares stories from key moments in her journey to illustrate how they shaped her creative process, inspiring educators to provide students with opportunities to learn from feedback, reflect on their growth, and develop authentic creative expression.
Two educators step into the spotlight to share personal stories of transformation from their classrooms and schools. Their talks explore the quiet power of feedback, reflection, and growth, and the profound difference it makes when students are truly seen and supported in their learning journey.
At the Closing Mainstage, discover how the extraordinary impact of your everyday work as an educator deserves to be seen, celebrated, and carried forward. Through personal storytelling and guided reflection, this session invites you to pause, shift the limiting belief of "I'm just a teacher," and leave with a renewed sense of purpose, pride, and possibility rooted in the lasting difference you make in students' lives.
Join us for the preshow starting at 12:45 p.m.
Orlando holds one of the most extraordinary African American histories in the country, and Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance is honored to be part of that legacy, sharing the traditions of African drum and dance through free classes, cultural events, and one of Florida's most celebrated festivals. Get there 30 minutes early to experience the magic!