This past summer, I had the incredible privilege of attending the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference thanks to a professional learning grant I received. Alongside two of my colleagues, Carrie Watterson, a fourth-grade teacher, and Paul Bell, our systems and database administrator, I embarked on a journey that has truly transformed the way I view my role as technology integration coordinator. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity, but what I came away with was far more than just professional development—it was an experience that reignited my passion for education and left me eager to implement the countless new ideas I gathered.
A World of Possibilities
The ISTE Conference was nothing short of extraordinary. Picture thousands of educators and tech experts coming together to share, collaborate, and innovate. The energy was contagious, and from the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable experience. The sessions offered were packed with forward-thinking ideas and groundbreaking tools that will shape the future of education.
Some of the incredible sessions I attended focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in the classroom. We explored how to teach students (and teachers!) to use AI effectively, and we delved into predictions on how AI will continue to evolve, reshaping the way students learn. The implications for the future of education are massive, and I’m excited to bring some of those concepts back to Darlington.
In addition to AI, I attended eye-opening sessions on eSports, which highlighted how gaming is creating new educational and social opportunities for students. It was exciting to see how eSports can be integrated into the school environment to foster teamwork and strategic thinking.
I also discovered innovative new educational apps that will help engage students in exciting new ways. From interactive tools to gamified learning experiences, the options for enhancing student engagement are truly endless. One of the most valuable sessions was focused on digital citizenship—an increasingly important topic for our students as they navigate the digital world. The resources I gathered on how to teach responsible online behavior will be crucial as we continue to educate students about safety and ethics in the digital age.
Recharging, Reconnecting & Brainstorming
While the sessions were undeniably amazing, one of my absolute favorite parts of the conference was the conversations I had with Carrie after almost every session. We’d sit down together and share what we each had learned, bouncing ideas off one another and brainstorming how we could implement them at Darlington. These discussions were inspiring, and by the end of each day, we had long-term plans forming in our minds. Great ideas take time to implement, but while we were in Denver, Carrie and I spent every waking moment making plans based on what we had seen, heard, and learned that day.
The opportunity to interact with like-minded educators—both during the sessions and in our daily conversations—gave me a fresh perspective on my own work and excited me about what’s to come. The passion and energy that came from collaborating with Carrie and other educators was contagious, and by the end of the conference, I couldn’t wait to return and start planning for the upcoming school year.
Bringing it All Back to Darlington
Returning from ISTE, I found myself brimming with ideas and eager to begin implementing them. The challenge, however, is that I’ve come back with far more than I can put into practice all at once. The sheer volume of valuable information and resources means that these innovations will need to be paced out over the next few school years to ensure they are implemented effectively.
That’s the exciting part. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learned with my colleagues and integrating these new tools and strategies into our classrooms. It’s not just about introducing new technologies; it’s about transforming how we approach education in a way that prepares our students for a rapidly changing world.
Looking Ahead
Attending the ISTE Conference was a game-changer for me, and I’m deeply grateful for the professional learning grant that made it possible. This experience reminded me of why I became an educator in the first place: to inspire and be inspired, to learn and to teach, and to constantly strive for ways to make learning more engaging, relevant, and impactful for my students. The ideas and connections I brought back from ISTE will undoubtedly shape my teaching for years to come, and I can’t wait to see the positive changes unfold at Darlington.
Professional growth and development are high priorities for Darlington. Each year, faculty and staff members participate in a professional growth cycle that includes professional learning communities, professional development days, and the ability to apply for professional development grants which fund conferences, travel, workshops, instructional supplies, outside speakers, and more. For the next few weeks, our blog series will highlight some of the opportunities that faculty and staff have participated in since they were awarded 2024-2025 Thatcher Grants last spring.
