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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Illuminate, Collaborate, and Celebrate at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

Are you ready to take your professional growth to the next level and transform your students’ learning experiences? The 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas, promises to be a game-changer for educators everywhere! From PreK-16 teachers to district administrators, librarians, instructional coaches, CTOs, and more, this event is crafted to meet your needs, no matter where you are in your educational journey. Mark your calendars: registration and housing for the annual convention officially open on Sept. 12, 2024 at 9 a.m. Central! 

Why should you make the TCEA convention your must-attend professional learning event of the year? Because it’s more than just a top conference for educators — it’s your opportunity to connect with passionate educators from across the globe, discover proven solutions for everyday challenges, and leave with new skills that will immediately impact your classroom, school, or district. 

Experience the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition

Iluminate. Collaborate. Celebrate.

At the core of the TCEA Convention & Exposition, these three words capture the magic of what’s in store. This year’s event will be filled with opportunities to spark new ideas, engage with your peers, and uncover solutions that truly work, all while celebrating your passion for education and your amazing accomplishments from the past year.

At the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition, you’ll experience:

  • Sessions Tailored Just for You: Choose from 700+ educator-focused sessions, ranging from hands-on learning to peer panel discussions on the most critical topics in education today. Whether you’re focused on classroom tech integration, leadership strategies, or curriculum innovation, there’s a session for you.
  • Results-Focused Learning: Tired of sitting through generic professional development that doesn’t apply to your day-to-day? At TCEA, every session is designed to provide practical, actionable strategies you can implement the moment you return to your school or district.
  • Leadership Summit: Enhance your leadership skills by attending the new Leadership Summit, where you’ll learn alongside district and school leaders, exploring the most effective strategies for leading in a rapidly evolving education landscape.
  • Microlearning Certificates: Earn a professional certificate in one of five different areas while attending the convention at no extra cost to you. Certificates include:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Digital Creation
    • Instructional and Technology Coaching
    • Leadership
    • Library Media Services
  • 450+ Exhibitors: Explore the exhibit hall, featuring more than 450 exhibitors showcasing the latest technology and tools that solve your everyday challenges. Get hands-on with the newest products, ask questions, and find solutions tailored to your needs.
  • A Lifetime of Learning: As part of your convention experience, you’ll receive a lifetime membership in the TCEA community! Gain ongoing, free access to professional development and resources long after the event ends. No other conference offers you this chance to continue to grow!
  • Poster Fair: Visit the Poster Fair to meet trailblazing educators and learn from their real-world experiences. This interactive showcase will give you direct access to those who are making waves in their schools and districts.
  • Global Connections: One of the best parts of attending TCEA is the chance to connect with dedicated, innovative educators just like you from around the world. Share ideas, swap stories, and build a network of support that lasts long after the convention ends.

Don’t Wait — Register Today!

The 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition is more than just an ed tech event — it’s a powerful opportunity to invest in your continued growth as an educator and make a lasting difference for your students. Registration and housing officially open on Sept. 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Central, and spots will fill quickly. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!

Prepare to illuminate your thinking, collaborate with peers, and celebrate your accomplishments like never before. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Tasty TCEA Tidbits: A collection of favorite resource from TCEA 2024.
Educational TrendsProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Tasty TCEA 2024 Tidbits: A Roundup of Resources

by Lydia Croupe
written by Lydia Croupe

Asking me to narrow down my favorite parts of the TCEA Convention & Exposition is like asking a teacher to pick their favorite classroom supply— it’s an impossible decision. But, one of my favorite benefits of TCEA is the connections I make with others who come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences. As I’ve reflected on my TCEA 2024 experience, I reached out to fellow attendees for their tastiest TCEA tidbits, which helped me narrow down my own list. Let’s take a look!

1. AI in Education

This year, one of the Power Hours, TCEA’s version of keynotes, included an AI Panel with Nneka McGee, Alfonso Mendoza, Matt Miller, Rachelle Dené Poth, which was moderated by Jessie Camarillo. The discussion emphasized a need for educators to model responsible AI use for students.

Additionally, panelists brought up equity issues that can arise when using AI. In my growing understanding of how AI works, this surprised me and now makes me stop and think about what those discussions look like with the teachers I support. Thank you Erika Burkhardt and Aaron Hogan for sharing your thoughts via X!

Additionally, special thanks to Amanda Lanicek, Mesquite ISD, and Duncanville ISD for sharing resources from sessions on AI presented during the TCEA 2024.

Click to check out their presentations:

A dark image of the cockpit of a ship with the title "Engage the AI Warp Drive: Accelerate Productivity with AI"
by Duncanville ISD
Using AI to Align and Build Efficiency in the Classroom TCEA 2024
by Mesquite ISD
"AI in the Classroom: Maximizing Benefits, Safeguarding Privacy" TCEA 2024 Presentation
by Amanda Lanicek

2. Librarians

My own experience with sessions at TCEA 2024 covered classroom instruction, instructional support, professional learning, and leadership. However, I wanted to make sure I brought in some tidbits for librarians, who hold a very special place in my heart. Stephanie Russell put together a fantastic slide deck full of resources librarians may find helpful.

A bulletin board with graphic "sticky notes" linking to resources for librarians from TCEA 2024.
TCEA Tidbits for Librarians | Stephanie Galvan Russell, MLS

One of the tools Stephanie shares is Google Arts & Culture. This is a fun resource full of everything from virtual museum tours to art selfies to musical games! There is something for everyone in this app. Stephanie shares a few ideas in her slide deck, including connecting architecture with math and poetry month. Personally, I’ve had my share of fun using the mobile version of Art Selfie.

3. Growing Educators

As an instructional technology coordinator, sessions focused on professional learning always make my list because of the nature of my job. Plus, I have a passion for creating learning experiences for adults. Two sessions in particular at TCEA 2024 provided me with insight and great ideas. The first session came from the team in New Caney ISD. It highlighted five keys to making professional learning meaningful for educators:

  1. Significant and Ongoing
  2. Support
  3. Active Participation
  4. Modeling
  5. Specific
Transforming Professional Development TCEA 2024 Presentation
Transforming Professional Development: Using Tech to Enhance Training and Collaboration | New Caney ISD

I liked the emphasis on more bite-sized learning experiences because time is such a valuable commodity for educators. It helps to narrow the focus of professional learning, so ideas aren’t too overwhelming. Then, allow teachers to try the one thing they focused on immediately. The concept of making the learning meaningful was reinforced by a different session I went to led by Nicole Zumpano:

TCEA 2024 Presentation on Pedagogy, Andragogy, and Heutagogy.
Knowing your Gogies: Understanding Adult Learning While Coaching Across Generations | Nicole Zumpano

This session focused on andragogy and learning across generations. I already obsess over understanding how we learn from generation to generation, and I wanted to know even more; so, this session suited me perfectly. The top takeaway included six things I need to keep in mind when putting together professional learning:

  • The Need to Know
  • The Learner’s Self Concept
  • The Role of Learner Experiences
  • Readiness to Learn
  • Orientation to Learning
  • Motivation

Thank you to New Caney ISD and Nicole Zumpano for sharing!

4. Digital Tool Recommendation

Whenever I am asked for a digital tool recommendation, I like to share a “universal” tool that will fit any grade and any content. Genially is one of my favorite of these universal tools. I initially started using Genially because of its interactive image feature. Pop-out windows helped keep people on one screen as they worked through an activity or viewed resources.

As Genially evolved over the past few years, it became so much more than an interactive image tool. I used it to create asynchronous training for educators as well as game boards for summer professional learning. I became a Genially Ambassador because I believe in the power of this digital tool. I was excited to find sessions during TCEA 2024 that highlighted Genially and all it can do. Thank you to Dr. Ashly Spencer and the team from Birdville ISD for sharing their presentations.

Unlocking Learning Adventures - Genially Escape Rooms Presentation TCEA 2024
Welcome to Genially Unleashed | Dr. Ashly Spencer
Unlocking Learning Adventures: Harnessing Digital Escape Rooms for Engaging Education | Birdville ISD

5. YouTube Playlists

I never liked complete silence in my classroom. Learning comes with a soundtrack. However, playing music in a high school classroom can go very wrong very quickly. What genre? What about inappropriate lyrics? Will it be too distracting? The ladies from friED Technology showed a new way to add a soundtrack to the classroom. During their “Tech It to the 90s” session, they showed us how to pull up instrumental and lo-fi versions of current hits on YouTube. I love this! Additionally, they noted the group Vitamin String Quartet which is known for the Bridgerton soundtracks as well as string covers of pop hits. Thank you friED Technology for sharing!

Tech it to the 90s Slide by friED Technology (used with permission)

It is so hard to narrow down all the amazing things I learned at TCEA 2024 into a roundup of favorites! I asked a few other members to share their own tidbits with me, and you can check out what they shared on this Padlet. I also invite you to add any of your own TCEA tidbits to the Padlet or in the comments below! I hope you find this resource roundup valuable. Which one is your favorite?

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Why the TCEA Convention & Exposition Is a Must-Attend Event

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

As an educator, one of my favorite things is good professional development. I remember attending a conference and learning the Text Talker strategy, which I used the very next day with my second graders. I quickly saw major gains in my students’ ability to gather text-based evidence, thanks to presenter Jen Jones! In my various roles as a gifted education teacher, tech integrator, and school principal, I can recall at least one workshop or conference that left me energized. Who doesn’t love walking away from PD with hands full of resources and ready to grow in their work? And at the TCEA Convention & Exposition, that’s the kind of experience you get.

Why I Love the TCEA Convention & Exposition

When I first attended TCEA’s Convention & Exposition, I remember thinking, “If I attended TCEA every year for the rest of my career, I could get meaningful professional learning no matter how my role changed over time.” It’s pretty incredible. It was more than impressive how TCEA was able to offer impactful learning for every possible role in education— all in one place! That said, here are a few reasons I’d encourage every educator to attend the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition.

1. Targeted learning for your role, interests, learning style, and goals. 

I know. I already mentioned that TCEA has something for every role in education, and it’s true. But don’t take my word for it! Let TCEA’s 800+ sessions speak for themselves. To the right of the search bar on the schedule page, you can:

Filter sessions by role:

Filter TCEA's Convention & Exposition sessions by these target audiences to find sessions targeted for your role.

Filter sessions by topics of interest:

Filter TCEA 2024 sessions by these topics to find sessions targeted for your interests.

Filter to get a recommended schedule based on your role or a primary topic of interest:

Filter TCEA's Convention & Exposition sessions by these recommended session lists to find sessions targeted to your interests, goals, and role.

Filter by format type based on how you learn best:

Filter TCEA 2024 sessions by these format types to find sessions targeted to your learning style preferences.

Additionally, this year, TCEA is offering three intensive role-based sessions exclusively for educators in librarian, instructional coaching, CTO, or similar roles! These are special 3-hour sessions that offer learning from experienced educators. They also provide the opportunity to meet and collaborate with others who are in your role!

“I was extremely impressed with everything associated with TCEA’s Convention & Exposition. From the setup and the sessions and workshops to the presenters, it was probably the most incredible conference I’ve been to in my 15 years of teaching. Definitely a positive use of my time.” -Eric

2. Free microcredentials to show your expertise. 

TCEA 2024 Microrcedential Badges

Another new offering at the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition? Free microcredentials! This year, once you’ve expressed interest in a microcredential during the registration process and registered for TCEA 2024, you’ll receive an email to sign up for one of six options. Then, attend six hours of sessions off the suggested list for your microcredential at TCEA 2024. 

After TCEA 2024, submit a form self-reporting which sessions you attended, and get your microcredential badge by email! 

3. Relevant information for equipment planning and budget-saving purchasing decisions.

One of the most thrilling and impressive things about TCEA’s Convention and Exposition is the Exhibit Hall. I had honestly never seen anything like it. It’s brimming with technology tools and 450+ vendors buzzing about products and services. It’s a delightful experience perfect for testing new devices and tools and talking with vendors about your needs. If you’re required to plan for classroom, school, or district technology purchases, it gets you face-to-face with exhibitors. So, you gain valuable insights into services, costs, budget-friendly solutions, and more. Plus, the in-booth presentations and exhibitor showcases can be eye-opening, highlighting solutions you didn’t know existed!  

“I felt so confused about the process for implementing a 1:1 Chromebook rollout at my school. But because of the information I received and the people I met during TCEA’s Convention & Exposition, I am now so excited to get started moving towards this new goal!” -Celine

4. Power hours that are both inspiring and informative. 

TCEA 2024 will have Power Hours on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10-11:30 a.m. What I love about these is the balance between inspiration and information. Here’s what’s on this year’s lineup: 

  • Todd Nesloney will offer up practical strategies for building stronger relationships and school culture to transform campuses and increase student outcomes. 
  • Jorge Valenzuela will provide tools and strategies for guiding students to discover their passion and purpose by aligning their strengths, values, and interests with meaningful careers.
  • Leslie Fisher will showcase new, fun, and productive gadgets for home, school, and beyond! 

5. Continued learning with a free TCEA membership.

TCEA Memberships Laughing during a learning session

Registering for the TCEA Convention & Exposition provides more than just access to all the benefits of attending. You’ll also receive a forever-free, auto-renewing TCEA membership with your registration. This membership unlocks a wealth of helpful resources, including free weekly Lunch and Learn webinars, free ebooks on current topics in teaching and learning, access to the TCEA online Community for support and idea sharing, and the extensive TCEA Community PD Library archives. Your membership means you can continue your professional learning journey long after TCEA 2024 ends.

“I feel the overall focus of TCEA’s Convention & Expotions is on teaching and learning. It is not about the greatest tools. It’s about helping equip educators to be all that we need to be for our students. I heard it said the success and failure of student learning is about what we, as teachers, do or don’t do. TCEA is empowering teachers to be the necessary change agent.” -Cherie

Bonus: Drum Cafe!

This year, TCEA 2024 has something special planned as an opening event for Saturday, February 3! To get everyone’s convention kicked off right, TCEA will host Drum Cafe for a special session led by professional speaker and drummer Dale Monnin. He’ll be speaking and leading the group in a powerful experience featuring the rhythm of TCEA attendees drumming in tandem. This experience will highlight the common language of music in finding alignment, celebrating success, and tackling challenges as a community of educators. No musical experience is necessary!

Have you been to TCEA’s Convention & Exposition before? Share what you love about it in the comments. Will you be attending TCEA 2024? Leave us a note to tell us your reasons for attending! We’d love to hear from you. Not registered? Not a problem. Register before January 13 to get $50 off a full registration badge!

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Online Tools and AppsProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Resources Shared at the 2023 TCEA Convention & Exposition

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

Another amazing convention has come and gone. If you were lucky enough to attend, then you enjoyed networking with your peers, gained a ton of new educational resources, and had the chance to see some amazing technology for learning. If you weren’t able to attend, here’s a small sample of some of the great things we discovered at TCEA 2023.

Ms. M’s Free Online Resource Libraries

Elementary teachers, be prepared to have your mind blown by all of the free resources that Ms. M. has created! These include multiple virtual libraries on a wide variety of topics, digital stickers, Valentine clip art, drawing tutorials, math videos, and so much more. Check out her math library with clickable links, one of many libraries that she has available.

Centervention’s 90+ Free SEL Activities

TCEA’s own Diana Benner, our resident SEL expert, shared Centervention’s 90+ Free SEL Activities. “The free resources include lessons and activities in the following skill areas: Communication, Cooperation, Emotion Regulation, Empathy, Impulse Control, and Social Initiation.”

Antimatter: A Collaborative Meme Generator

I overheard two attendees discussing Antimatter, a new collaborative meme generator for students. Teachers create a “studio” for each of their classrooms and then create spaces inside the studio for each lesson. Students are then invited into the space to begin their projects. Having students create memes to demonstrate what they understand about a particular topic or equation can be very powerful.

Google Arts & Culture’s The Descent of the Serpent

Social studies teachers were excited to discover The Descent of the Serpent from Google Arts and Culture. Students can explore the symbols, culture, and legends of ancient Mesoamerica in this fun and free game. The site includes downloadable lesson plans and gameplay in both English and Spanish.

Which One Doesn’t Belong?

In one of the sessions for math teachers, Which One Doesn’t Belong? was shared. This free site shows a collection of four objects, and students must discuss and decide which one of the objects doesn’t belong with the others. What makes this resource really powerful is that there is no one right or wrong answer; instead, it’s about the thinking that must occur to come up with an answer and then share and convince others that your answer is the best. These are appropriate for all grade levels and include shapes, numbers, and graphs.

Artificial Intelligence

If you are interested in the world of artificial intelligence and its use today, you would have loved Dr. Bruce Ellis’ session. He shared the following resources on the topic:

  • The AI Exchange – An amazing newsletter to subscribe to that will keep you current with the latest AI news and features
  • Futurepedia – A growing, curated list of AI tools that is searchable by category and updated daily
  • Elicit – Your AI research assistant to help with literature review

Matt Miller: ChatCPT in the Classroom

ChatGPT was a big topic this year. The amazing Matt Miller created this cool infographic on ways to use the new AI tool in the classroom.

Coaching Resources

For those supporting educators in improving classroom teaching and learning, a great resource on formal coaching cycles by Dr. Ashley McBride was shared. The site includes a printable checklist, a coaching interest form, pre-meeting information to gather, an observation document, and more. This EdTech Coaching Primer site has other ready-to-use resources for instructional coaches as well and is a real time saver.

The Kanbie Chrome Extension

TCEA Professional Development Director Miguel Guhlin shared a new resource for students that can help them with task completion. “Simple, task-based checklists can empower and assist learners to follow steps. What’s more, they help them do tasks with many steps, as well as serve as memory aids. When used effectively, checklists help students become more aware of their thinking. One tool that may be useful for older students, as well as teachers, are kanban boards. You may know about Trello, OneNote, CryptPad’s Kanban board, and Google Docs/Keep. But do you know about browser-based Kanbie, a Chrome extension?”

Professional Learning

For our IT members, Alexis Reed and Bonnie Koliba shared this great infographic on designing effective professional development for campus technicians.

Jamboard Template Collection

I was excited to share a TCEA-curated collection of more than 1,750 free Google Jamboard templates with convention attendees. The templates are organized by subject area and available for all grade levels. New templates are added weekly.

Be sure to mark your calendar and include in your budget request to attend next year’s fantastic learning experience. We’ll be back in Austin February 3-7, 2024. (Note that the convention will run Saturday through Wednesday so that districts having trouble finding substitute teachers can allow their staff to attend on Saturday and/or Sunday without missing school.)

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AI/VRArtificial IntelligenceCoding/Computer ScienceCommunicationContent AreasEducational TrendsSTEM/STEAMTCEA Convention & Exposition

How AI Can Enhance Education

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Whether you are on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, you have most likely seen some buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) tools that have been coming out over the past few months. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and act like humans. These intelligent machines can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as recognizing patterns, learning from experience, and making decisions.

Even though many AI tools are not as robust as we may want them to be, there are many ways that AI, in general, can enhance education. They include:

  • Personalized learning: AI can be used to create personalized learning experiences for students based on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This can help students learn more effectively and at their own pace.
  • Automated grading: AI can be used to grade assignments, essays, and other written work, allowing teachers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time supporting student learning.
  • Adaptive tutoring: AI can be used to create adaptive tutoring systems that can help students learn and understand difficult concepts. These systems can provide instant feedback and support to students, helping them stay engaged and motivated.
  • Early detection of learning difficulties: AI can be used to monitor students’ progress and identify areas where they may be struggling. This can help teachers intervene early and provide targeted support to students who need it.
  • Improved accessibility: AI can be used to create educational tools and resources that are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This can help ensure that all students have equal access to high-quality education.
5 Ways AI Can Enhance Education

If AI interests you (or if it quite possibly scares you!), then plan on joining me at the TCEA 2023 Convention & Exposition as I share about AI. Be sure to bring your device charged and ready to go, as you’ll have a chance to try out several AI tools. Here’s a preview of some of the tools we’ll explore together:

You will leave with a list of AI tools, knowledge of where to find out about future AI tools being released, ways that you can use them to make your life easier as a teacher, and even integration ideas to support student learning!

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How to Use Canva’s Text to Image Feature

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Educational ResearchGood TeachingTCEA Convention & Exposition

Three Strategies to Align Teaching and Technology

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Strategies that work. We all want and need strategies that align with research. Often as educators, we lose sight of how important that alignment is, and we may adopt practices and technologies that appear to help but, instead, distract. This diminishes the return on investment in expensive technologies that are unaligned to research.

Why Do Strategies That Work Matter?

Think about your work in the classroom as a teacher, a coach, and/or a school administrator. Go back to a time when you reflected on what worked and what didn’t. Did you brush off the disappointment of a failed digital tool or chalk it up to “It’s new?”

When implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and technology, what steps do you take? What illuminated path with marked trails and guideposts do you follow? Let’s take a look at three strategies to align instruction and technology to promote positive outcomes.

Guidepost #1: Connect with Students

Research has shown us that buzz words and phrases are sometimes grounded in what works. One such case is social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL works because it allows teachers to build relationships with students. That connection is all important. We now know that student brains will filter out the irrelevant. The catch is they decide what’s irrelevant, not you as the adult.

“When students feel as if they do not belong in a school setting, the cognitive energy that should be used on social engagement and learning is being used to scan for group barriers, discrimination and stereotypes”

Source: Myra Laldin, a researcher at the Research Schools International at Harvard Graduate School of Education via Learning Scientists Blog

SEL activities, such as temperature checks, games, and stories, connect us to students. They deepen relationships with students. When choosing and implementing a digital tool or activity, is it facilitating connection?

Did You Know?

Miguel will be facilitating Coaching: Strategies That Work, a TCEA 2023 session that focuses on coaching approaches. New to coaching? An old-hand? You’ll find something to love in this interactive session and walk away with a free app.

Guidepost #2: Track Student Progress

Empowering students to track their own progress toward learning objectives is key. You can support students’ efforts through the use of simple, tech-based formative assessment tools. These tools can both enable you to gauge students’ movement toward goals. They can also enable students to build their own self-assessments. Combine those assessments with self-reported grade tracking sheets.

Did You Know?

Looking for a round up of Formative Assessment Tools and Strategies for the Digital Classroom? Then be sure to check out Miguel’s TCEA 2023 session. You will leave with some fresh ideas, strategies, and digital tools.

When students are learning via an evidence-based instructional strategy, how do you know that students really are? Combine formative assessment digital tools into strategies and activities. For example, you can choose to Jigsaw Your Problem-Based Learning activities, while gauging student progress. Often, this can be done through tracking paper activities, classroom discussion, and products. You can even have students self-track what they are trying to accomplish. That’s true whether it’s an academic topic, or a blend of the two, such as Jigsawing Your Way Through Micro:Bits or virtual world building.

And, with those two important guideposts checked off your list, a third and final one is this:

Guidepost #3: Match Strategies and Tools

You may encounter a bevy of digital tools at the TCEA 2023 Convention and Exposition. Before you adopt them for your own use, take some time to explore. How do these tools fit into what you’re trying to do in the classroom? How can you implement evidence-based strategies with this tool? Do these tools support your efforts at encouraging student note-taking or outlining? How does a tool like, say Microsoft OneNote or LumaNotes, work for students?

An Example: Cave Art for Educators

In my TCEA 2023 session, Cognitive Cave Art, I ask a simple question: How do I engage students in cognitive task analysis? One way might be to create infographics for knowledge representation. There are ample tools to get the job done, so it’s important to know. In this session, like others that I lead, I will show off digital tools and their connection to a proven strategy.

Want to have authentic conversations, make connections, and find new ed tech tools? I hope you’ll join me at TCEA 2023 for my Ride the Mastodon session, an introduction to a new-to-many social media space.

You see, you know what works already. You have access to a wealth of proven strategies through the work of researchers. Those researchers include people like John Hattie, Mike Bell, Dr. Nancy Frey, Dr. Douglas Fisher, and Zaretta Hammond. When you think of infographics, you know the following:

Greater than fifty percent of learners are non-linguistic. This involves students generating a representation of new information. But that representation need NOT rely on language. “The average effect [of using non-linguistic representation] can impact student achievement,” says Marzano. Robert Marzano goes on to say, “It includes a seventeen percentile point gain.” That’s quite a bit when considering student achievement.” This happens because students are creating a model of their thinking.

Potential creations include concept maps, idea webs, and other types of nonlinguistic representation.

When you consider Guidepost #3 in this regard, you are asking yourself a powerful question:

“What digital tool makes thinking model creation possible for students?”

The rest is simply fun. Learning new tools and aligning them to what we know works as education professionals.

Question Others to Teach Ourselves

I hope you will join me at TCEA 2023 Convention and Exposition to explore these guideposts. It’s a space to ask questions of yourself and of others to enable you to teach yourself. Who knows, you may create a new model of thinking that transforms your teaching. Wouldn’t that be something?

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Can You Really Connect with People at a PD Event?

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

How do two people go from sitting at the same table at a professional learning event to feeling like they’re each others’ safe place, confidant, and friend for life? We talk about making connections, expanding your network, building relationships at conferences and events…but does that really happen? Like, really?

Back in 2009, Tammy McLain and Brenda McDonald were working on their TCEA Technology Director Certification. “We were both attending a Technology Coordinator’s Academy at TCEA Headquarters in the old building,” recalls Tammy. This particular event was led by then TCEA Board President, Kari Rhame, and TCEA’s Executive Director, Lori Gracey. Tammy and Brenda just happened to be at the same table. 

“Neither of us had any idea what we were doing in our jobs,” Tammy shares. “We didn’t even understand the acronyms or lingo associated with being a technology coordinator, so we instantly hit it off.” This actually wasn’t the first time, but the second time Tammy was attending the training. ”I didn’t understand a single word the previous summer when I attended. Lori knew I was remedial!” she laughs. But, if she hadn’t come back for round two, she would never have met Brenda. 

“It was literally friendship from the beginning,” says Brenda of their relationship. “We went to lunch together the first day, exchanged phone numbers, and have been such dear friends ever since.” With Brenda living in College Station, TX and Tammy almost eight hours away in Amarillo, TX, these two rarely see each other outside of TCEA events. “TCEA has been the catalyst because we’ve been able to see each other at least once a year,” Tammy explains. “And if there were other occasions, we made plans.” They even bunk together at TCEA events to share the hotel costs and spend time together.

Over time, what started out as hugs and quick chats at TCEA’s Convention & Exposition developed into a genuine friendship outside of TCEA. Even though they live hundreds of miles apart, Brenda and Tammy make a point to stay in touch through phone calls and texts. “Sometimes we may go months without talking, but then we just pick right up where we left off,” says Brenda.

“Brenda is like an extension of my heart and a safe place for my secrets, sadness, celebrations, and joys.” When Tammy thinks of Brenda, she considers her a lifelong friend that just “gets” her. Brenda describes Tammy as a huge resource for her, both personally and professionally, over the past 13 years. “Tammy is one of the biggest-hearted people I know. She has been through so much over the years, and even at the lowest time in her personal life, she was still such a beautiful and kind person to everyone around her.” 

When Tammy tragically and unexpectedly lost her son, she cherished Brenda’s support, friendship, and comfort. “Brenda was one of the only people who knew I just needed to talk about my son after he died. Most people were very uncomfortable about it. She cried with me.” Brenda was so grateful she was able to be there for Tammy. “I’m glad I was able to be a friend to her through this time. I can only hope I was able to help a little by sharing my friendship with her and being a shoulder to lean on.” 

Now, Tammy and Brenda are both members of the TCEA Board of Directors and have gone from feeling lost at that table back in 2009 to being leaders in their districts. Brenda is now the Director of Technology for Anderson-Shiro CISD, and Tammy is the Director of Instructional Technology and the District GT Coordinator for Dimmitt ISD. “I attribute the overwhelming majority of my professional growth over the years to TCEA’s events and members. Developing relationships and friendships with others that grow you professionally as well as personally is the icing on the cake,” shares Brenda. 

Tammy feels the same. “It was a game-changer and a life-changing experience for me when I discovered TCEA. It was a big deal for me for YEARS when there was a ‘Lori sighting’ at a TCEA event, and now, we work together for this important organization. How great is that?” Tammy and Brenda are thrilled and honored to be giving back to the organization that they feel has given them so much over the years– and given them each other.

Do you have a story of friendship and connection that began at a TCEA event? Reach out to ehopkins@tcea.org and share your story!

TCEA’s 2023 Convention & Exposition is taking place January 30- February 2 in San Antonio, TX, and it’s for anyone and everyone working in education! Don’t miss out on an awesome location with Texas-style fun, inspirational educators sharing resources and content, and the chance to meet a BFF for life. Early Bird Pricing ends November 4. Register now for the best price on the best conference in education.

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Culturally ResponsiveEquity, Diversity, InclusionLeadershipProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

TCEA22 Extended Series: An Interview with Ken Shelton

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Just because TCEA 2022 has ended doesn’t mean that we can’t keep it alive for as long as possible! Allow me to introduce you to the “TCEA22 Extended Series,” where we can celebrate the spirit of TCEA 2022 and some of the relevant topics that were covered by amazing thought leaders.

In this monthly series, I’ll feature an interview with a different Thought Leader from TCEA 2022. To begin, let’s get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the wonderful Ken Shelton. I had the pleasure of interviewing him back in November 2021. What a great guy to get to know! We talked about everything from Ken’s start in education to surfing, his dad, culturally responsive teaching, technology, storytelling, the importance of self-care, and so much more. You can watch and listen to our interview below.

Find more information about Ken, including his resources, on his website. And be sure to follow him on Twitter.

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what i learned
Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

What I Learned at the TCEA 2022 Convention & Exposition

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

Another amazing learning experience from TCEA has ended after more than a year of planning. Kudos to the Convention Advisory Panel members, the board of directors, the presenters, the exhibitors, the partners, and the staff. But most of all, thank you to every educator who took the time to be away from your campus and students, to deal with COVID concerns, to travel to Dallas from your home, all to learn new ideas and resources for teaching and sharing. I hope your experience was as impactful as mine was. What did I learn while I was there?

It’s Important to Be Together

Most of us have not had many, if any, opportunities to be with other educators over the past two years. And, if we have had such an opportunity, it was probably in a rushed, frantic, worrisome environment that was not really conducive to our own personal learning. What I saw at convention were teachers and librarians and administrators laughing and smiling and screaming in excitement just to be with other like individuals again. The conversations were important, the ideas being shared were necessary, and the time together was a balm to all of our spirits. Whether you learned how to find something you saw another attendee wearing in the Amazon app so that you could purchase it for yourself (yes, you can do that with just a photo of the item!) or you were able to emphathize with someone who is so exhausted that they just don’t know what to do anymore, being together was critical to all of our health and wellness. Connections matter, as you can see in this short, joyful video Brooke Lowery shared via Twitter.

It’s Important to Talk about the Teaching and the Learning

While TCEA has its roots in the ed tech world, the convention also embraced a strong focus on improving teaching and learning. Whether that was through an emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning or closing the learning gap or the latest brain research in education, attendees were interested in becoming better at their craft. Hard discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion were held, administrators talked about how to be leaders who empowered their staff, and teachers shared what worked, as well as what didn’t work, in their classrooms. New ideas and collaborations were proposed and everyone felt buoyed up and recharged to keep fighting the good fight.

It’s Important to Pick the Right Tool

Of course, you can’t have a TCEA convention without adding some new ed tech tools to your arsenal. And there were lots of those available, shared by presenters, exhibitors, and attendees. Whether it was an innovative technology that most people are just starting to use (like this Wakelet of ideas for integrating drones into all subject areas) or how to use Google or Microsoft extensions to make accomodations for struggling students or using sketchnoting with Promethean devices to help visual learners, everyone walked away with a new resource. One of my favorite finds was a sketchnote that Ashely Guerrero made of the session “Tips and Tricks for All My Chromies.”

what i learned

Some Things to Remember

There are a few other things that I was reminded about at convention and that I want all of us to remember:

  • To help save you time, TCEA has created a curated list of more than 1,200 Jamboard templates that are absolutely free to you and cover all subject areas and grade levels. Make a copy of your list and check back often as we will continue to update it.
  • If you were able to attend convention last week with either a full convention registration or an online pass for either SEL or Bridging the Learning Gap, you have access to all of the on-demand content through March 11, 2022. So keep the learning going!
  • Other chances to BE TOGETHER are coming up. We have the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, TX June 12-14. And we’ll be in San Antonio for the 2023 TCEA Convention & Exposition January 30-February 3, 2023. Plan on joining us at these experiences and recharge with your peers!
  • Finally, as Winnie the Pooh once said, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” And I know that’s true of all educators out there making a difference every single moment of each and every day. Just believe in yourself and in what you will accomplish to make this world a better place for our students!

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Planning Your Time at TCEA 2022

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

If you are one of the fortunate ones who will be attending the TCEA 2022 Convention & Exposition in just 18 days, it’s time to start planning out your schedule. With more than 700 different sessions being offered and 400 fabulous exhibiting companies to visit, you’re going to be busy, VERY busy. So here are a few tips to help you maximize your learning time while at the event.

What’s Your Focus, Your Objective?

A first-timer at convention will be a little overwhelmed by all of the choices to be made and may scurry from session to session randomly. While this will get you a ton of ed tech tips and tricks, it may not lead to deeper learning or help solve a problem your students or campus face. A veteran attendee will know that there needs to be a focus and objective to get the most out of the learning.

So what will you focus on this year? Is there a particular subject area you want to discover more resources for? Is there a specific group of students, like ESL, G/T, or special needs, you want to amp up your lessons for and better assist? Are you looking for the latest brain research and best practices in teaching, coaching, or leadership to further develop your own skillset? Do you want to fine tune your use of a device like a Surface Tablet, Chromebook, or iPad? Do you hope to meet up with some of the people you follow on Twitter and ask them your questions? Are there new educational technology products you want to see and learn more about?

Determine your focus and write it down. Yes, I know that writing it down seems silly. But it will be very easy to get off track with all of the amazing resources available to you at convention. Write it down and stick to it. And, by the way, you can have two objectives, but probably not more than that.

(FYI: If you have the full convention registration, you’ll also have access to the online sessions packages on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Bridging the Learning Gap. Since these are all recorded sessions, you can watch them at your leisure over the next month. No need to include them in your planning now.)

The Tools You’ll Need

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you’ll need to gather some resources. The first tool you’ll need is the TCEA app, available for Android and iOS. There’s also a desktop version, which I recommend using initially for planning purposes. Open it up and use the email address you registered for convention with to log in. (Note: If you cannot log in, it may be because your registration has not yet been paid. You can contact registration@tcea.org to check.)

The next tool you will need is the full session list. While you can see and read about all of the sessions in the app, it is not the fastest tool for searching out specific types of sessions that match your focus/objective. It’s really designed to use once you are onsite at convention.

TCEA 2022

Viewing Sessions by Role

You’ll see several useful resources on the left-hand side of the session list website. Take a look first at the Sessions by Role link, which will bring up a list of job titles. These contain recommended sessions by your peers for each educational position from librarian to superintendent to CTE teacher and more. If you are looking to further your skillset or grow into a new position, this is your best place to start.

Viewing Sessions by Topic

The Sessions by Topic list will bring up a list of all of the sessions (meetups, workshops, posters, etc.) on a particular topic, like blended learning, math, or STEAM. If you’re looking to address a particular educational need, help a subpopulation of students, or find more resources for a content area, this is where you should start.

(Now you can see why you need to start with your objective in attending the convention; there is just so much!)

Search and Filter the Session List

Finally, you may want to learn more about a specific tool. Besides meeting with the vendor of that tool in the huge Exhibit Hall, you can also filter the list of sessions by using the Search/Filter link.

The search tool is really powerful here, which is why I recommend you use it online for initial planning and not in the app. You can search in a ton of ways, whether you’re looking for a specific speaker you want to learn from or a tool like Wakelet or Flipgrid or a particular grade span.

Simply type in your search term and wait; it takes a few seconds to go through all of the sessions. Then the results will show up below the filter. If you want to do another search, click the Clear button and enter your next search term. Once you find a session you want to attend, temporarily copy and paste its title into a Word or Google document.

Adding Sessions to Your Schedule

To add the golden sessions that you’ve found to your schedule, you must be in either the desktop or mobile version of the app. I suggest opening a tab on your desktop or laptop so that you can toggle between your Word or Google document and the app.

  1. Log in to the app.
  2. Click on Plan Your Event on the left.
  3. Then, click on Schedule.
  4. Copy and paste the title of one of your selected sessions into the search bar and click Filter.
  5. When it shows up, click the title bar and then Select Session to add it to your personal schedule.

Continue this process until all of your desired sessions are added to your schedule. And note that you can Add an Appointment to your schedule as well. This is great for meeting up with friends, setting aside time to walk the Exhibit Hall, or just relaxing and recharging.

And Don’t Forget…

Part of the power of TCEA lies in its members. And convention is the perfect time to catch up with some of the awesome educators who are changing students’ lives every day. Schedule some time to chat with an old friend, and make sure you include time to meet some new ones. They’ll make the learning all the better!

There’s still time to register for a TCEA 2022 Full Convention Badge, One-Day Badge, or Exhibit Hall Only Badge. You can also purchase one, or both, of the online sessions packages if you can’t attend in person!

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