Live @ ISTE 2025 Archives

Welcome to the eSchool News LIVE@ISTE 2025 page! We're glad you're here with us to experience the biggest edtech trade show in the US. We're covering the sessions and the floor filled with the latest and greatest technologies that are being released. Bookmark this page to catch all the action and highlights from ISTELive 25!

Live at ISTE 2025—eSchool News Exclusive Coverage

• PowerSchool Showcases Its Latest Solutions at ISTE 2025

• Promethean Unveils Expanded AV Technology Portfolio Featuring New Digital Signage and Interactive Panel Solutions

• Bluum focuses on technology and adoption for student success

• Linewize prioritizes digital safety and well-being

• Beanstack motivates all students to read

• Second Step Demonstrates How Human Skills Drive Academic Success

• Pitsco Brings Hands-On STEM Innovation to San Antonio

• ISTE Takeaways:What’s the Deal with Data—EdTech Research and Challenges

• North Carolina District Wins ISTE 2025 Distinguished Award for AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation

• 10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom

• ISTE Takeaways—What It Takes To Win the Impact Award

• Look Who’s Talking—Bringing STEM Up To Speed

• 5 strategies to get your students talking

• Showfloor News: DreamBox Reading by Discovery Education enhanced to support PreK-5 literacy for back-to-school 2025

• Showfloor News: PBLWorks creates PBLWorks TEACH to help scale project based learning

• Showfloor News: Introducing Kibeam, the screen-free AI-powered device bringing regular books to life

• Building an educator’s AI toolbox

• Showfloor News: BenQ showcases next-gen Google-integrated education solutions

• Showfloor News: Ativion, NASEF join forces to expand safe, accessible esports

• Showfloor News: AERDF highlights the latest PreK-12 discoveries and inventions

• Showfloor News: Avantis Education showcases immersive VR experiences and new ClassVR headsets

• Showfloor News: Samsung empowers educators with technology, solutions, and professional development

• Showfloor News: MIND Education announces InsightMath, a math curriculum built on brain research

• Showfloor News: VEX Robotics launches AI-powered classroom robotics system

• Showfloor News: Gale and ConnectEDD Publishing focus on PD

• Showfloor News: Epson showcases the power of laser displays and collaborative classroom tools

• Showfloor News: LG highlights new tools to help educators create, manage, and share

• 5 engaging ISTELive 25 sessions

• Showfloor News: West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional SD focuses on student data, achievement

• Showfloor News: SMART Technologies debuts premium interactive display

• Showfloor News: Cleverlike focuses on the real power in using games for education

• Showfloor News: Edlio’s new analytics dashboard boosts engagement

• ISTE launches four new initiatives to improve edtech experiences

• ISTELive 25: Let’s Get on With the Show!

• Look Who’s Talking: Dr. Mahnaz Charania, Chief Transformation Officer, The New Teacher Project

• Showfloor News: Dr. Salome Thomas-EL Launches Meet Their Needs

• ISTE+ASCD Reveals 2025 Honorees for Innovation and Excellence in Education

• Showfloor News: Breaking Down Language Barriers

• Showfloor News: Seesaw Showdown

• ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation

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ISTE Takeaways:What’s the Deal with Data—EdTech Research and Challenges

While districts understand the value of data, they often lack confidence in knowing what specific data to demand from EdTech providers. Michelle Barrett, Vice President of Research, Policy, and Impact at Edmentum talks about this issue as well as how her company can help. Edmentum follows a three-pronged research strategy focused on relevance, transparency, and rigor. They’ve innovated by transforming what were once bespoke district studies into the “ExactPath Impact Report”—an analytics tool built directly into their platform that helps all districts understand the relationship between student activities and outcomes. Have a listen:

North Carolina District Wins ISTE 2025 Distinguished Award for AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation

Kimberley Thompson-Hairston, Director of Instructional Technology and Media for Stokes County Schools and Chad Stevens, Head of K-12 Engagement for ClassDojo, sat down with eSchool to discuss strategies for success when it comes to district-family communication. Have a listen:

Starting in November 2023, the district created actionable guidance documents for families and teachers, moving beyond basic policy to practical application. Their partnership with ClassDojo achieved 94% parent-teacher communication response rates within 24 hours through strategic data analysis and professional development. The district emphasizes balancing AI tools with essential human skills like empathy and collaboration. Meanwhile, ClassDojo is expanding district-level features in 2026, including middle/high school messaging and automated attendance alerts to enhance school-family engagement.

Sponsored

PowerSchool Showcases Its Latest Solutions at ISTE 2025

eSchool News caught up with Kellie Ady, who walked us through PowerSchool’s specialized stations across their exhibit booth. Key highlights include: Student engagement tools integrating their student information system with Schoology LMS, AI-powered family communication features, hiring and retention solutions for addressing teacher shortages, and an attendance intervention suite to combat declining school attendance rates. Kellie emphasizes how AI is integrated across their platforms, offering tools for coaching new teachers and helping parents stay informed about student progress. PowerSchool’s booth also features a theater with 20-minute educational sessions led by both educators and company staff, demonstrating their commitment to supporting all aspects of the education ecosystem.

PowerSchool is a leading provider of software for K-12 education. Its mission is to empower educators, administrators, and families to ensure personalized education for every student journey. PowerSchool offers innovative solutions that connect the central office to the classroom to the home with award-winning products including Schoology Learning, Naviance CCLR, and PowerBuddy. See them at Booth #1908 or learn more at www.powerschool.com

10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom

Teachers of all subjects and grade levels can leverage these ideas and resources for using Google tools

Key points:

Teachers have Google’s expansive suite of tools and accessories at their fingertips
With classroom tech, meet students where they are
4 edtech tools that can transform student teamwork
For more on Google tools for the classroom, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

Teachers of all subjects and grade levels can leverage these ideas and resources for using Google tools in the classroom.

Google enthusiasts, unite.

During an ISTELive 25 session, Dr. Wanda Terral, chief of technology for Tennessee’s Lakeland School System, took attendees through a growing list of Google tools, along with some non-Google resources, to boost classroom creativity, productivity, and collaboration.

Here are just 10 of the resources Terral covered–explore the full list for more ideas and resources to increase your Google knowledge.

ISTE Takeaways—What It Takes To Win the Impact Award

Jean-Claude, one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Impact award, highlighted three key ISTE takeaways: co-design in educational technology, learner variability supporting neurodiversity, and AI integration. He emphasizes that AI discussions are evolving beyond teacher efficiency to focus on revolutionizing curriculum, instruction, and pedagogy across subjects like math, science, and reading. Click through for the details:

Sponsored

Promethean Unveils Expanded AV Technology Portfolio Featuring New Digital Signage and Interactive Panel Solutions

Leslie and Tim showcase Promethean’s largest product launch year ever, highlighting three key solutions designed for modern educational and workplace environments. The new D Series digital signage panels offer simple, scalable communication for high-traffic areas. The ActivPanel LE features onboard computing with customizable applications that follow users across devices. The flagship ActivPanel 10 Premium delivers QLED technology with full array local dimming for optimal viewing from any classroom angle, plus flexible operating system compatibility. All solutions emphasize customer-requested features like security, sustainability, and platform choice while maintaining Promethean’s signature interactive capabilities and built-in educational applications.

Promethean’s award-winning AV tech solutions transform ideas and inspire users across the globe. See them at Booth #2206 or go to https://www.prometheanworld.com/

Look Who’s Talking—Bringing STEM Up To Speed

Tim presented at no less than seven sessions at ISTE this year, focusing on cross-disciplinary STEAM education and meaningful AI integration in classrooms. He emphasizes that educators need to move beyond simply replacing traditional teaching methods with AI tools and instead focus on integrating AI with project-based learning approaches. He highlights the importance of finding the best AI tools for specific districts and audiences, noting that the educational AI landscape changes so rapidly that staying current requires constant attention. Click through to head more.

5 strategies to get your students talking

Technology tools play a crucial role in fostering better discussions in physical and digital classrooms

Key points:

Students should engage in meaningful discussions to engage in learning
4 edtech tools that can transform student teamwork
How multimedia and interactive tech transform engagement
For more news on digital engagement, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

Technology tools play a crucial role in fostering better discussions among students--in physical and digital classrooms.

Communication is one of today’s most in-demand skills, and building strong communication skills in person and online is critical. Those skills start in the classroom.

During an ISTELive 25 session, Janeen Pizzo, a teacher educator at SUNY Brockport, and Dr. Natalie Svrcek, an associate professor at SUNY Brockport, offered strategies to help students collaborate and engage in discussions.

Digital tools are instrumental in supporting instructional practice and promoting discussions, Pizzo and Svrcek noted:

Sponsored

Bluum focuses on technology and adoption for student success

Rob Gag, Bluum’s Chief Revenue Officer, shares what it means to be outcome-driven in the edtech space, how districts can work with edtech partners to ensure edtech resources are adopted and used, and what it looks like when student outcomes improve. It’s critical for schools to feel comfortable with their technology partners, Gag adds, noting that technology partners should prioritize a district’s vision and goals as they identify solutions to help districts support student success.

Bluum helps schools build safe, connected, engaging spaces with innovative and accessible edtech. See them at Booth #2859 or go to https://www.bluum.com/

Showfloor News: DreamBox Reading by Discovery Education enhanced to support PreK-5 literacy for back-to-school 2025

Discovery Education, the creators of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced significant enhancements to the online, adaptive literacy program DreamBox Reading. These improvements broaden DreamBox Reading’s coverage to support all PreK-5 learners and expand educators’ abilities to develop students’ foundational skills and confidence in reading through personalized instruction.

DreamBox Reading by Discovery Education starts young readers off right with a highly engaging, systematic approach to literacy aligned to the Science of Reading. Built on the company’s patented Intelligent Adaptive Learning platform, DreamBox Reading captures data from student answers, strategies, and behaviors to personalize learning in real time.

This adaptivity ensures that students are met where they are with just-right instruction and fun activities. Using DreamBox Reading, students develop proficiency over foundational skills through learning experiences built around their own progress, performance, productive struggle, and age-appropriate play.

Showfloor News: PBLWorks creates PBLWorks TEACH to help scale project based learning

The Buck Institute for Education (dba PBLWorks), a national provider of professional development for high-quality Project Based Learning (PBL), is launching PBLWorks TEACH, a web-based application with ready-to-use, standards-aligned, Gold-Standard PBL projects for middle school math, science, English Language Arts, and social studies. TEACH’s middle school curriculum units are currently available while curriculum units for elementary and high school will be available early in 2026.

TEACH leverages PBLWorks’ deep expertise and decades of experience to make Gold Standard PBL projects accessible to all teachers, regardless of their prior experience with Project Based Learning. It also makes it easier for schools and districts to scale PBL initiatives.

“We know first-hand how effective Project Based Learning is in supporting student success and we have nearly 30 years of experience training educators and administrators on how to design and implement Gold Standard PBL projects in their schools,” said PBLWorks CEO Bob Lenz. “We also realize that teachers have ever-increasing demands and significant time constraints, which can make designing their own projects a challenge. PBLWorks TEACH addresses this by providing teachers with everything they need to start using expert-designed, standards-aligned projects with their students.”

Sponsored

Linewize prioritizes digital safety and well-being

Adam Lee, VP of Sales at Linewize, examines the necessity of ensuring student safety and well-being in a digital world. Linewize equips technology leaders and IT administrators with top-tier filtering solutions, while also empowering their colleagues and broader school communities with the tools, education, and technologies they need to actively contribute to student safety. This includes district leaders, student support staff, and teachers in schools, as well as parents, guardians, and students—wherever they may be. As digital risks to children continue to grow, schools must move beyond basic filtering toward more comprehensive protection. Linewize recognizes this evolving need.

Linewize is an education technology company providing K-12 districts with filtering, student safety, and edtech management solutions. See them at Booth #2924 or go to https://www.linewize.com/

Showfloor News: Introducing Kibeam, the screen-free AI-powered device bringing regular books to life

Kibeam is redefining early childhood literacy education with the launch of Kibeam Wand: a first-of-its-kind, screen-free, AI-powered handheld device that reinforces foundational reading skills through immersive storytelling and play-based learning.

Designed to build PreK–3 learners’ literacy skills and grounded in the Science of Reading, the Kibeam Wand Reading System creates a multisensory, kinetic experience that nurtures vocabulary development, phonological awareness and sustained engagement. As students point the Wand’s HappyBeam at a page, sentences, words, letters and pictures, the story comes alive with real-talent character voices, music and sound effects. In addition, each book in the Kibeam library is packed with hours of interactive, kinetic, reading activities and learning games to help students playfully grow into confident readers.

The Kibeam Wand was designed by a team of former LeapFrog creators, writers, engineers and education experts united by a vision to transform how children learn to read.

Building an educator’s AI toolbox

Enhance engagement, personalize instruction, and streamline tasks with AI tools that support smarter, more efficient classroom learning

Key points:

AI tools can help educators engage students in deeper learning
New partnership trains Michigan teachers for AI innovation
You’re using ChatGPT? A true story about why AI literacy starts with us
For more news on AI tools and learning, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

Enhance engagement, personalize instruction, and streamline tasks with AI tools that support smarter, more efficient classroom learning.

It seems like everywhere you look, AI is there–and classrooms are no exception. During an ISTELive 25 session, Eric Curts, a technology integration specialist with the Stark Portage Area Computer Consortium, offered an overview of can’t-miss AI resources.

All the top educational AI tools can’t fit into a 45-minute session, but Curts treated attendees to a handful of his favorites, all of which have robust free versions.

And, as Curts promised, we ran out of time before we ran out of tools. (Find his comprehensive list of AI tools here.)

Sponsored

Beanstack motivates all students to read

Don Giacomini, Senior Account Executive at Beanstack, details the company’s unique approach to ensuring students are engaged in reading. Kids are drawn to instant rewards, and whether it’s a “like” on social media or leveling up in a video game, each small win delivers a dopamine boost. Beanstack brings that same excitement to reading. With Beanstack, kids earn digital badges, track reading streaks, and unlock achievements simply by logging their reading. Watching their progress build keeps them motivated and engaged. From hitting a five-day streak to reaching a 100-book milestone, every accomplishment counts. Plus, classmates and siblings can create friendly challenges to see who can maintain the longest streak or read the most pages.

Instead of a quiz-based approach, Beanstack uses modern gamification principles to motivate students to read. See them at Booth #2824 or go to beanstack.com

Showfloor News: BenQ showcases next-gen Google-integrated education solutions

BenQ, a global leader in interactive display and education technology, is displaying its newest generation of classroom solutions at ISTELive, reinforcing its commitment to transforming the digital learning experience through innovation in accessibility, technology, solutions, and partnerships.

Located at Booth #2034, BenQ will demonstrate how its powerful lineup of Google-integrated interactive displays, accessories, and software tools are helping educators create engaging, flexible, and secure learning environments. In collaboration with Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), BenQ will deliver hands-on showcases of its product ecosystem engineered for 21st-century classrooms.

Showfloor News: Ativion, NASEF join forces to expand safe, accessible esports

Ativion has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF), aimed at expanding access to safe and meaningful scholastic esports programs in K–12 schools across the United States.

Why This Partnership Matters

Esports has rapidly emerged as one of the most engaging tools for student connection, learning, and career exploration. But like all digital learning initiatives, it must be implemented with student safety, teacher support, and IT simplicity in mind.

By combining Ativion’s StudentKeeper, powered by ContentKeeper, with NASEF’s industry-leading esports programs, we’re enabling schools to create esports environments that are:

Safe: Built-in digital safeguards to protect student wellbeing online

Equitable: Ensuring access for all students, regardless of background or school resources

Educational: Esports with a purpose—fostering leadership, teamwork, and career-ready skills

Showfloor News: AERDF highlights the latest PreK-12 discoveries and inventions

The Advanced Education Research & Development Fund (AERDF), a national nonprofit, and its awardees debuted the latest advancements and innovations in math, literacy, assessment, and AI from its portfolio of R&D awardees from across its R&D Programs – EF+Math, Assessment for Good, Reading Reimagined, and AugmentED. At its Awardee Showcase, AERDF is presenting learning science-based, cutting-edge prototypes and technical innovations that are redefining what’s possible in teaching and learning.

“The education sector faces reduced funding, competing state priorities, and compliance-focused cultures that can stifle innovation, making it challenging to build solutions that shift status quo approaches to teaching and learning,” said AERDF CEO Auditi Chakravarty.

Showfloor News: Avantis Education showcases immersive VR experiences and new ClassVR headsets

Avantis Education, a global leader in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technology for K–12 schools, unveiled the engaging Future Forests Experience and its most advanced ClassVR headsets to date – Xplorer and Xcelerate.

“At ISTELive 25, we’re giving educators the chance to explore new ways of engaging students through immersive VR,” said Gillian Rhodes, Chief Marketing Officer, Avantis Education. “Our Future Forests Experience highlights environmental responsibility through interactive storytelling, while our Xplorer and Xcelerate headsets deliver unmatched performance for classrooms looking to expand what’s possible with VR.”

An Immersive Journey Through the Rainforest

The Future Forests Experience, created in collaboration with the Rainforest Foundation and powered by the Eduverse+ content suite, takes users on an interactive VR journey through a rainforest. Along the way, conferencegoers will face choices that demonstrate the impact of human activity, highlighting the consequences of deforestation versus sustainable practices.

Sponsored

Pitsco Brings Hands-On STEM Innovation to San Antonio

Former middle school teacher and Pitsco CEO, Matt Frankenbery, shares how Pitsco is revolutionizing STEM education at ISTE 2025 in San Antonio. With 54 years of educator-founded innovation, Pitsco connects classroom learning to real career pathways, addressing America’s 2.5 million unfilled STEM jobs. Interactive demonstrations, passport program prizes, and face-to-face conversations with former teachers are just part of the solutions Pitsco will have on display.

Inspiring hands-on STEM learning through innovative kits, curriculum, and classroom solutions. See Pitsco Education at Booth #610 or go to https://www.pitsco.com/

Showfloor News: Samsung empowers educators with technology, solutions, and professional development

Samsung Electronics is exhibiting its latest education displays and solutions at ISTELive 25.

“As educators seek innovative ways to boost engagement and collaboration, technology serves as a tool to support diverse learning needs, helping every student thrive,” said Sara Grofcsik, Head of Sales, Samsung Electronics America. “Our latest displays and solutions are designed not just to connect students and teachers, but to empower educators with flexible, innovative tools that meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.”

Showfloor News: MIND Education announces InsightMath, a math curriculum built on brain research

MIND Education announced the launch of InsightMath, the only K-6 core math curriculum redefining math instruction with an approach explicitly designed around how the brain learns. Rooted in neuroscience research and powered by visual-first instruction, InsightMath equips students with the time, tools, and experiences they need to become confident mathematical thinkers.

Developed in collaboration with neuroscientists, educators, and students, InsightMath uses game-based puzzles and classroom discourse to spark curiosity and support productive struggle. The program fosters a growth mindset, empowering students to solve the world’s most complex problems.

InsightMath creates an intentional learning experience with an integrated digital platform, engaging printed materials, classroom manipulatives, supportive teaching guides, and more.

Showfloor News: VEX Robotics launches AI-powered classroom robotics system

VEX Robotics launched VEX AIR, an AI-powered robotics system for classrooms, and VEX AIM, an upcoming platform designed to make machine learning approachable and fun for students of all ages.

Notably, VEX Aim was recently showcased at the White House’s first AI Edu Task Force meeting, demonstrating meaningful, hands-on experiences with AI that go beyond theory and into real-world applications.

By the time they reach high school, most students have already decided whether or not they think science and math are ‘cool’. That’s where VEX comes in.

Showfloor News: Gale and ConnectEDD Publishing focus on PD

Gale, part of Cengage Group and ConnectEDD Publishing have partnered to bring the professional development (PD) resources of best-selling author, leadership coach, and K-12 professional learning expert Jimmy Casas to school districts nationwide via the Gale eBooks platform.

This collaboration offers a unique collection of acclaimed professional learning resources that provides districts and educators with unlimited and simultaneous access to the digital content they need when they need it for PD growth and student success.

This partnership makes Gale the only aggregator of professional learning eBooks to offer ConnectEDD’s PD resources, which were previously only available through individual purchases on Amazon.

Showfloor News: Epson showcases the power of laser displays and collaborative classroom tools

With classrooms evolving and student engagement more important than ever, educators are looking for innovative solutions to enhance learning, boost efficiency and inspire creativity in dynamic learning environments. Epson is showcasing its latest display and print technology solutions in booth #1719. Featuring Epson’s extensive lineup of lamp-free laser displays, including its first extreme short throw projector with 4K Enhancement,¹ along with advanced printing solutions, the booth will showcase the power of innovative projection and high-quality printers designed to foster creativity and support today’s diverse learning environments including classrooms, lecture halls, maker spaces, and innovation labs.

Showfloor News: LG highlights new tools to help educators create, manage, and share

LG Electronics USA, the edtech innovator behind the Google EDLA-certified LG CreateBoard interactive display, is once again raising the bar for modern classrooms. At ISTELive 2025 (Booth #3524), LG is debuting “LG CreateBoard Prep” – a new, free software platform that expands the flexibility and functionality of the LG CreateBoard by extending its capabilities to PCs and tablets.

“License-free LG CreateBoard Prep is the game-changing software educators have been waiting for,” said Victoria Sanville, education director at LG Electronics USA. “For the first time, teachers and students can create, prepare, and organize lessons from anywhere on their personal laptops or tablets and instantly project them onto the LG CreateBoard when class begins. It’s about giving educators more freedom and time to focus on what matters most: teaching.”

With LG CreateBoard Prep, lesson creation is no longer confined to the classroom. Educators can prepare and customize interactive lessons from home, the teacher’s lounge, or on the go, then bring them to life instantly on the LG CreateBoard in the classroom. Likewise, students can engage from their own devices, supporting a more flexible, blended, and participatory learning environment.

5 engaging ISTELive 25 sessions

In-depth conference sessions help educators strengthen their practice and find new resources to improve teaching and learning

Key points:

At ISTELive 25, choose from sessions spanning infinite subject areas
ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation
Disrupting U.S. schools wasn’t possible before–that may be changing
For more news on ISTELive 25, visit eSN’s Live @ ISTE 2025 hub

Person tapping virtual checklist on transparent screen, symbolizing tasks, productivity, and digital organization on a solid background.

Now that you’ve had time to dig into all that ISTELive 25 and ASCD have to offer, you can narrow down which sessions will give you the most out of your conference experience.

Conference sessions cover it all–from AI and math learning to esports and navigating mental health technologies for schools.

Here are a few Tuesday and Wednesday sessions to put on your schedule:

Showfloor News: West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional SD focuses on student data, achievement

In a first of its kind agreement, New Jersey’s West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (WWP) announced a new partnership with Otus, the leading K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution, and Discovery Education, the creators of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world. Through this collaboration, Otus and Discovery Education are providing new resources that help WWP organize student data into actionable insights and enhance district educators’ ability to interpret that data and make informed, strategic decisions that improve achievement.

Showfloor News: SMART Technologies debuts premium interactive display

SMART Technologies is raising the bar on what affordable classroom technology can deliver—the all-new SMART Board GX Plus redefines entry-level interactivity with advanced education tools for delivering high-impact learning experiences. Packed with premium features to help schools deliver modern learning experiences without the premium price, the GX Plus stands as a purpose-built innovation for both teachers and school leaders.

Showfloor News: Cleverlike focuses on the real power in using games for education

Cleverlike School empowers educators to transform student passion for video games into powerful learning experiences.

It is a comprehensive platform with curriculum-aligned content, industry-standard tools, and expert support, bridging the gap between gaming and academic success.

The learning platform is built by game developers and educators to maximize the benefit of video games in education. Organized esports brings a rich and diverse set of experiences to the students involved in all aspects of the program.

Showfloor News: Edlio’s new analytics dashboard boosts engagement

Edlio, a provider of K–12 school communication solutions, announced significant enhancements to its Mass Communication system and mobile app. The update includes a new Community Analytics dashboard, which gives school and district leaders visibility into message delivery, audience reach, and overall communication effectiveness.

Designed to foster stronger engagement with families and communities, the system update and new deliverability tools enable education leaders to monitor communication success, identify contact gaps, and take action to ensure that vital information reaches every member of their school community.

ISTE launches four new initiatives to improve edtech experiences

All students should have transformational learning experiences that spark their imagination and prepare them to thrive in life

Key points:

ISTE+ASCD is focusing on robust, engaging learning for all students
ISTELive 25: Let’s Get on With the Show!
A critical shift in digital instruction in 2025
For more news on ISTELive 25, visit eSN’s Live @ ISTE hub

All students should have transformational edtech learning experiences that spark their imagination and prepare them to thrive in life.

The nation’s largest professional edtech organization kicked off its annual conference on June 29 by announcing major initiatives to train 200,000 teachers in using AI within the next two years, support instructional leaders more effectively, help schools manage their students’ social media use, and save educators time in evaluating new edtech tools.

ISTELive 25: Let’s Get on With the Show!

Who better than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, to give you the lowdown of what to expect this week at ISTE 2025? In this exclusive interview with eSchool, Richard reveals significant changes coming to the conference that signal a major shift in how educational technology events operate, as well as the multitude of other intangibles at play in the world of edtech. Click below to listen and click forward for a breakdown of the conversation:

Look Who’s Talking: Dr. Mahnaz Charania, Chief Transformation Officer, The New Teacher Project

When—Tuesday, July 1, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
HBGCC – Mainstage

Think Big Series: The Invisible Currency: Social Capital and the Future of Career-Connected Learning

What if the most valuable outcome of career-connected learning isn’t just a credential, but a network? Drawing on TNTP’s finding that social capital is a critical driver of mobility, this session will unpack how schools can intentionally cultivate the relationships, mentorship, and connections that open doors for students-especially those historically left out. She’ll cover the importance of developmentally appropriate experiences and how social capital can be woven into every aspect of CCL. Participants will gain practical tools for mapping and measuring social capital, ensuring no student is left to navigate their future alone.

Showfloor News: Dr. Salome Thomas-EL Launches Meet Their Needs

Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, a nationally recognized educator and award-winning author, will unveil his latest book, Meet Their Needs: And They’ll Succeed, at the ASCD and ISTE Joint Conference on Sparking Joyful Learning and Leading Without Limits in San Antonio, Texas, from June 29 – July 2, 2025. The book builds on Dr. Thomas-EL’s well-established “4Cs of School Success” framework, providing educators with practical tools to support students’ diverse needs, both academically and emotionally.

During his spotlight address at the conference, Dr. Thomas-EL will emphasize the importance of fostering positive adult-child relationships and cultivating a school culture that promotes joy, resilience, and learning. Every child and teacher deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. His new book aims to empower educators to meet the varied needs of their students, providing specific strategies to create more inclusive, supportive, and resilient learning environments.

ISTE+ASCD Reveals 2025 Honorees for Innovation and Excellence in Education

ISTE+ASCD announced the recipients of the 2025 ISTE+ASCD Impact Award, Distinguished District Award, Distinguished Educator Preparation Program Award, and 20 to Watch Award. “ISTE+ASCD is proud to spotlight the innovative leaders, educators, and school systems who are redefining what’s possible in education,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “This year’s awardees represent a global movement to accelerate meaningful learning and we’re honored to celebrate their vision and impact.”

ISTE Impact Award

This award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to transforming learning and improving education systems on a broad scale. The 2025 recipients are:

Showfloor News: Breaking Down Language Barriers

Encore Data Products is set to showcase its latest educational technology at the ISTE 2025 conference. One of the most exciting announcements this year is Encore Data Products’ expansion into the Translation and Interpretation category with the introduction of IRIS Pen scanners, a powerful tool that helps break language barriers in the classroom and supports diverse learning needs. These smart pens instantly scan and translate printed text into multiple languages, making them ideal for multilingual students, ESL learners, and educators alike.

The company is well-known for its wide range of products that serve schools, libraries, and businesses. They offer high-quality headphones, AV technology, and clean & healthy supplies, emphasizing their mission to provide dependable and innovative educational tools. At the conference, visitors will be able to check out their interactive learning tools, such as headphones with microphones and document cameras. They will also introduce some new portable and protective gear.

Showfloor News: Seesaw Showdown

Seesaw is bringing the excitement to ISTE 2025 with a live, interactive Seesaw Showdown at their booth. This high-energy competition will spotlight educators’ creativity and expertise using Seesaw’s dynamic platform.

Sixteen educators will compete in eight interactive rounds, demonstrating their skills in engaging students through Seesaw’s platform. Audience participation will determine the winners, culminating in an exciting final round on July 1 at 4:00 PM. The top two competitors will battle for the grand prize: a mobile cart with 10 iPads for their school

ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation

ISTELive 25 aims to spark joyful learning and immerse attendees in the latest edtech-centric teaching and learning strategies

Key points:

At ISTELive 25, choose from bold speakers and eye-opening sessions
Empowering neurodiverse learners with AI-driven solutions
Disrupting U.S. schools wasn’t possible before–that may be changing
For more news on ISTELive 25, visit eSN’s Live @ ISTE 2025 hub

ISTELive 25 aims to spark joyful learning and immerse attendees in the latest edtech-centric teaching and learning strategies.

ISTELive 25 and the ASCD Annual Conference 25 will be held together in San Antonio this year, giving attendees twice the opportunity to connect with likeminded educators, explore how edtech can change teaching and learning, and invigorate their own teaching practices.

Featured speakers and highlighted voices include school district superintendents, professors, podcasters, executive directors, researchers, authors, and more.

Be sure to reserve time for the Creators Fiesta, a destination for creative discovery and hands-on making. Explore and experiment in the hands-on Fiesta Studio–part creator space, part art lab. Keep an eye out for daily activities with local artists who will lead drop-in workshops to get the creative juices flowing.

And don’t forget about the Innovation Arcade, where attendees can experience immersive learning in real time. This AI, VR, and AR exploration zone is where innovation meets education in a dynamic virtual learning environment.

Here’s a sampling of the dynamic live and virtual ISTE and ASCD sessions educators can attend: