School of the Future Presentations strive to provide superintendents with a futuristic approach to education and encourages new ways of thinking.
School of the Future Prerecorded Presentations
iLead
Growing Leaders
Wayfinder
The Value of Wayfinder
School of the Future Presentations at NCE 2026
At NCE 2026, there will be two School of the Future stages. The School of the Future Presentations at NCE will showcase products that allow students to reach their full potential in each of the designated areas: Curriculum, Curriculum/Methodology, Materials, Materials/Furniture, Out of School Time Programs, Safety/Security and Technology.
See the location and the full schedule for all School of the Future Sessions below.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
All School of the Future #1 Sessions will take place in Exhibit Hall AB, Booth #1209.
8:20-8:40AM | PowerSchool
Driving to a Gold Medal for Instructional Excellence: Leveraging AI and Technology for Evaluation, Coaching and Professional Growth
Technology
Discover how forward-thinking districts are using AI and technology to streamline evaluation, personalize professional learning and strengthen instructional coaching. Learn practical strategies that save time while accelerating teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
Jeff Pelzel, Lisa Andrejko
11:20-11:40AM | Toddle
The Next Generation Curriculum Platform: Reimagining Curriculum
Curriculum and Technology
Learn how districts use AI-driven, flexible curriculum tools to improve alignment, empower teachers and simplify planning—addressing gaps in today’s rigid, compliance-focused platforms.
Jeff Sotelo, Director, School Success, Toddle
11:45AM-12:05PM | AmTab
Designing Districtwide Learning Environments That Support Student Experience
Materials/Furniture
A data-driven framework evaluating furniture, signage, graphics, decor and social media to help districts set standards, prioritize investments and modernize learning environments districtwide.
Dan Foot, Regional Manager, AmTab
12:10-12:30PM | Safer Schools Together
Radicalized Communities: Decoding Digital Leakage to Prevent Real-World Tragedy
Technology
A critical discussion on disrupting the cycle of online radicalization before it progresses further along the pathway to violence.
Steven MacDonald, Executive Director, Safer Schools Together
Theresa Campbell, Founder and CEO, Safer Schools Together
12:40-1PM | Just Right Reader
Accelerating Reading Achievement Through Strong Family Engagement
Curriculum/Methodology
This session explores evidence-based strategies for building home-school partnerships, shares practical ways to support family reading routines and highlights approaches that accelerate student reading achievement.
Terri King Hunt, Director of Impact and Learning
1:05-1:25PM | Horace Mann
Discover YOUR Creative Style with Crayola and Horace Mann
Curriculum/Methodology
Horace Mann and Crayola have partnered to offer Understanding Creativity — a free professional development experience that helps educators and school leaders explore their own creative styles and learn how diverse ways of thinking strengthen teamwork, inclusion and classroom culture.
James Wells
Liv Coffman
2-2:20PM | SmartLab
Igniting Student Engagement Through Hands-On Learning
Curriculum/Methodology, Technology
Discover how SmartLab empowers students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences that spark creativity, build critical skills, and transform classrooms into hubs of innovation and collaboration.
Raymond Mitchell, Vice President of Sales, SmartLab
2:25-2:45PM | MagicSchool
Accelerating Visionary Change: AI as a Leadership Accelerator for Future-Ready Schools
Technology
Unstructured AI use risks equity, outcomes and control. Learn how visionary leaders use MagicSchool to implement AI responsibly, without sacrificing curriculum or clarity.
Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
All School of the Future #1 Sessions will take place in Exhibit Hall AB, Booth #1209.
12:20-12:40PM | Pearl
Fireside Chat: How District Leaders can use Data to Improve Tutoring
Technology
Learn about the latest findings from Pearl’s 2025 State of Tutoring report spotlighting the importance of data-informed and outcomes based tutoring programs.
John Failla, Scott Muri
12:40-1PM | NGS
How to Delay Active Shooters from Entering Through Glass
Materials/Furniture
Discover proven methods—including security film and advanced glazing—to delay intruder entry through glass, gain vital response time and enhance school safety without costly window replacement.
Jami Hamilton
2-2:20PM | Anti-Racism Institute
From Political to Humanitarian: Reimagining Equity Leadership for a New Era
Curriculum/Methodology
In a politically charged moment, we must move beyond siloed, marginalized equity roles toward collective, generative, human-centered leadership that heals divisions and builds equitable educational futures.
Dr. Tracey A. Benson, CEO and Founder, Anti-Racism Institute
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
All School of the Future #2 Sessions will take place in Exhibit Hall AB, Booth #523.
7:55 – 8:15AM | Lightspeed Systems
From Signals to Safety: How School Districts Prevent Incidents Before They Happen
Technology
Explore how School Safety Directors combine student voice and digital signals to shift from reactive response to proactive prevention across today’s K–12 environments.
Kevin Askew, Lightspeed Systems, VP Sales
Mike Johnson, Director of School Safety, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
8:20 – 8:40AM | Target River
Winning The Hearts and Minds of Stakeholders To Accomplish Amazing Outcomes
Curriculum/Methodology
Learn proven strategies to engage your community, build trust and inspire lasting support for your school system's mission and goals.
Brian Epperson, CEO, Target River
11:20 – 11:40AM | KinderCare
Mission-Driven Out-of-School Time Partnership: Finding the Right Fit for Children, Families and Communities
Out of School Time Programs, Curriculum/Methodology
Explore practical strategies to identify mission-aligned partners who prioritize and consistently meet your needs, ensuring high-quality experiences for children, families and the communities you serve.
Deborah Ceplo, Director of Early Childhood, Pemberton Early Childhood Education Center
11:45AM – 12:05PM | Kiddom
Leading Forward with AI: Practical Strategies for District Leaders to Strengthen Student Success With Kiddom
Curriculum/Methodology
Forward with AI: practical strategies for district leaders to strengthen student success with Kiddom.
Stacy Blair
12:10 – 12:30PM | Microsoft
Future-Ready Schools: Intentional Innovation for Systemwide Impact
Technology
Explore modern, integrated technology models that move beyond trends and empower education leaders to optimize resources and drive systemwide transformation for future ready schools.
Dr. Geri Gillespy
12:40 – 1PM | Lexia
Science of Reading, Implemented: Deimplement to Make Room for What Works
Curriculum/Methodology
Science of Reading success requires strong implementation—bridging KNOW and DO through Implementation Science and deimplementing ineffective practices to make room for evidence-based instruction.
Kerri Larkin
1:05 – 1:25PM | Time4Learning
What Happens When Learning Follows the Student, Not the Bell
Curriculum/Methodology
Discover how hybrid homeschooling can blend at-home learning with school-based activities to offer a flexible, high quality, modern education program for students.
Micaela Shaw, SVP Revenue and Growth Marketing
Joy Baker, Director of Business Development
Cheryl Dodge, President
2-2:20PM | Safe Haven Defense
Protecting People and Property By Making Your Windows Bullet and Impact Resistant
Materials, Safety/Security
Safe Haven Defense specializes in the manufacturing of security laminates that excel in providing enhanced protection against glass breakage caused by various threats such as burglaries, hurricanes, bombs and even bullets.
Morris Rothfeldt, Threat Assessor
2:25-2:45PM | Play Piper
Building Real: Why Physical Making Matters
Technology
Hands-on construction with wood, screws, circuits and breadboards creates deeper learning than screens. Physical building strengthens spatial reasoning, problem-solving and lasting STEM comprehension.
Kris Rockwell
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
All School of the Future #2 Sessions will take place in Exhibit Hall AB, Booth #523.
1:05-1:25PM | Counslr
No One Left Behind: Transforming School Mental Health Access and Impact for Your Silent Sufferers
Technology
A powerful live presentation exploring innovative mental health solutions that expand access, support unreachable students and faculty, and empower entire school communities to thrive with meaningful, scalable care.
Josh Liss, Co-founder and CEO, Counslr
Ana C. Riley, Superintendent of Schools, Bristol Warren Regional School District
Denyse Miller, Senior Vice President Academic Sales, Counslr
2:00-2:20PM | RethinkED
Social Emotional Lounges : A Best Practice for Trauma Informed Care in Urban African American Schools
Curriculum/Methodology
This session examines culturally responsive, trauma-informed SEL Lounges that promote healing, regulation, belonging and equity while strengthening relationships, student wellness and positive school climate in urban schools.
Dr. Michael Triplett, Superintendent, Normandy Schools Collaborative
Passion Bragg Haythorne, Normandy Schools Collaborative
Dr. Vivian Johnson, Normandy Schools Collaborative
Kareeme Hawkins, National Director of Customer Success, RethinkEd
Page Last Updated: January 23, 2026.