Webinars

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

With ever-changing policies and funding, K12 districts face tough decisions on keeping up with the evolution of EdTech. As devices purchased with pandemic-era relief funding near the end of their lifecycles, successfully auditing, assessing, and upgrading your existing tech infrastructure matters more than ever. 

Join EdTech expert and itopia Account Executive Reggie Thomas in breaking down key strategies for ensuring your district’s investments drive real impact for students while working for you. 

Learn how to: 

1. Manage refresh cycles of school-issued devices. Is it time to refresh, recycle, or find the right partner tool to upgrade your existing tech? 

2. Find a system for inventory management. Prioritize device care by tracking your assets and repairs.

3. Make the most of your existing devices and resources. Avoid unnecessary expenses and early refresh cycles by equipping your existing devices with the extra tools they need.

Plus, see how itopia CloudApps uses browser-based, virtual app streaming to provide industry-grade applications and tools on existing devices. Tune in for the latest insights on maximizing your district’s tech investments!

Sponsored by itopia

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

In today’s K-12 digital landscape, digital access alone isn’t enough. Districts need tailored virtual learning platforms that meet the unique needs of students, teachers, IT teams, and the existing infrastructure of school districts today.

Join EdTech expert and itopia Account Executive Reggie Thomas for an inside look at how tailored virtual learning can drive better classroom engagement, improve student learning outcomes, and ease the strain on IT teams and teachers alike. We’ll cover:

✔️ Simplifying connections with your preexisting infrastructure, from enhancing your existing devices to integrating applications within your LMS for ease of access

✔️ Designing digital classrooms around instructional priorities, not platform limitations 

✔️ Why flexible, cloud-based tools are essential for sustainable access

✔️ The importance of real-time app usage analytics to personalize instruction

If you’re leading digital transformation at the district level or reimagining your school’s tech infrastructure, this session will offer insights to help you align your technology strategy with your learning goals. Also, learn how our solution itopia CloudApps brings flexibility, personalization, and scalability to virtual learning.

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

From Automation to Innovation: AI Tools for Educators and Administrators with Dr. Kyle Jones 

View the recorded webinar here:  

Discover Gemini, the revolutionary AI tool designed to amplify your productivity and unlock new levels of efficiency. This session will showcase how Gemini can act as your personal knowledge worker, assisting with research, information synthesis, and content refinement. Learn how to leverage Gemini's powerful capabilities to streamline your workflow, accelerate your projects, and gain valuable insights. Explore real-world applications and discover how Gemini can transform the way you work and learn.

Sponsored by Google for Education

Presenter Clay Smith, Solution Engineer for Google

Clay is a self-taught developer and AI enthusiast. He previously worked for the New York City Department of Education as the Deputy Director of Instruction Technology Development, where he supported the development and adoption of Google Workspace. Prior to that role, he supported schools in becoming more digitally accessible; A11y. Clay comes from a background of teaching Computer Science at a school in Queens and coordinating the Drama and Technical Theater departments at LaGuardia High School, the school that inspired the movie "Fame," after a successful career as a Talent Agent. Clay's passion is to solve efficiency problems at scale in education through programmatic solutions.

No recording is available.

Independent School Districts (ISDs) today face a growing set of challenges—budget constraints, educator turnover, and declining enrollments, among others. In this talk, we’ll explore how ISD technology leaders can harness Information and Technology to tackle these issues effectively.

Key topics include IT strategy, value-based planning, optimizing IT spend, and vendor management, with a special focus on the transformative role of data. Data is at the heart of solving many of today’s challenges, and getting it right is critical. This session will dive into how data can make an impact and how modern data architecture enables faster, more cost-effective, and impactful analytics solutions—empowering ISDs to make smarter decisions and drive stronger outcomes.

View the presentation: The Role of Data in ISD Success

View the previously recorded webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Tl_CA-jQsEjw2mNNjAAvXAtrmd86uTXy-xYbXW8LdlYDq_jigIGlSm46zeKvzC1q.b2QBFPrLIoqS7xiS?startTime=1743008444000

Passcode: dWeu.V=0

Sponsored by GJ Cloud Solutions

Tired of staring at a blank page? Ignite your creative spark and equip yourself with the tools and techniques to generate fresh, innovative content. We'll explore brainstorming strategies, content ideation methods, and practical exercises to help you overcome creative blocks and produce compelling content across various formats. Whether you're a writer, marketer, educator, or simply someone looking to express themselves, this workshop will empower you to create content that captivates and resonates.

Sponsored by Google for Education

Presenter Clay Smith, Solution Engineer for Google

Clay is a self-taught developer and AI enthusiast. He previously worked for the New York City Department of Education as the Deputy Director of Instruction Technology Development, where he supported the development and adoption of Google Workspace. Prior to that role, he supported schools in becoming more digitally accessible; A11y. Clay comes from a background of teaching Computer Science at a school in Queens and coordinating the Drama and Technical Theater departments at LaGuardia High School, the school that inspired the movie "Fame," after a successful career as a Talent Agent. Clay's passion is to solve efficiency problems at scale in education through programmatic solutions. No recording is available.

Today’s student digital threat landscape is crowded with issues such as cyberbullying, mental health/well-being, offensive/harmful content, scams/fraud, social media, cyberthreats, BYOD/remote learning, potential sexual exploitation, exploding generative AI use, and many more. This webinar will dig into the trends and activities that can help schools address these risks and protect their students while also meeting regulatory requirements and maximizing E-Rate investments. No recording is available.

This insightful webinar covers lessons learned and a deep dive into best practices for managing DPAs, including essential dos and don’ts. This webinar also provides a practical walk through on how to effectively navigate the website—including how to search for agreements to sign onto and the correct process for uploading agreements. We also include a brief overview of the upcoming Version 2 (V2) updates. This session is ideal for those looking to streamline their experience, avoid common pitfalls, and stay informed on the latest enhancements.

Watch the recorded webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/3IVChS2bhu-OO-BRMarOkeSwVIMtQfJyYbWZC4yeZjYRPJ1rX0qJwYhim6Doc24l.3z2nC69kR0UuQ2w0?startTime=1733335223000
Passcode: 996tB&Ga

On this month’s TETL member call we conducted two important interactive discussions. One on managing data privacy agreements, and one on enrolling with DIR to participate in the state-wide cybersecurity initiative.

• DIR Enrollment Process/K12Cybersecurity Initiative (Terese Shade-DIR)--more info at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/technology-planning/k-12-cybersecurity-initiative-faqs
• Managing Data Privacy Agreements Q&A (with Tricia Merritt-Lorena ISD)     

Watch the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/5YPii5H882ykBX_VQbBcYoV-eItbaoDIFTOyWC0bSL-CPgS3onUfzjDvkKhZTF8R.GpBVg1Sya4C0nl7i

Presenter: Dr. Kyle Jones

In an increasingly digital educational environment, managing data privacy agreements is critical for protecting student information and ensuring compliance with regulations. This session will provide an in-depth exploration of best practices for creating, negotiating, and managing data privacy agreements between school districts and vendors. The session is designed for vendors and districts.

Watch the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/HEWSP2G_ANuOysMBM-wV2pyjDNgHNEDWEsj-7rUZ8rZejU88oAn-r_KRxsQ1Rw_q.LHKRZdXAh1V5Jx2b 
Passcode: 8%8vN^hk

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: V6!&!*ns

View the slide deck here.

Join this webinar to elevate your proficiency in Agreement and Alliance Management. Learn how to manage agreements -- adding, editing, and deleting; understand agreement types; develop and understand progress workflows; request new resources; familiarize yourself with key terms and best practices; tailor the about alliance page (roles and associations); process new account requests; implement automated custom responses for new account requests; utilize the Data Breach Notification Tool; conduct national and alliance-based searches; and more! 

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: !v#*Kj4k

The TETL Leadership & Development Committee hosts an interactive forum to discuss strategies for managing budget cuts. Districts of all sizes will want to join and collaborate.

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: Yl$i2H#=

What is the K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative?

To counter the rising surge of ransomware and malicious activity affecting local educational agencies (LEAs) around the state, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) submitted an exceptional item request for funding to the Texas Legislature to provide cybersecurity resources to LEAs. We are pleased to announce that our request has been approved, and we will be able to distribute in-kind services with these funds between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2025.

The purpose of this initiative is to provide immediate solutions to protect LEAs from major cyber incidents, such as ransomware. Priority will be given to rural LEAs, and cybersecurity practitioners will be available at your regional education service center to assist with implementation of cybersecurity controls that fall within scope of this initiative. Presenters: Melinda Dade and Lea Castillo

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: 2Z.408Qr

The TETL Leadership & Development Committee is hosting an interactive forum to discuss strategies for managing budget cuts. Districts of all sizes will want to join and collaborate.

Panelists: Ashley May- Spring Branch ISD; Cara Carter- Northwest ISD; Robin Stout- Carrollton Farmer's Branch ISD; Jacque Fewin-Lubbock - Cooper ISD.

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: $#X93VT!

Join our interactive support forum to learn how districts are managing data privacy agreements. On this call, Jennifer Miller, Cy-Fair ISD, shares her district's challenges, strategies, and successes.

View the recorded webinar here.

Hear how districts of all sizes are implementing AI in this interactive panel discussion!

Moderator: Dr. Karla Burkholder

Panelists: Leann Kidd, Northside ISD; Donna Eurek, Prosper ISD; Dr. Lacey Gosch, Judson ISD; Dr. Jonas Green, Lewisville ISD; Charles Cooper, Independent Education Consultant

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: sW!?!33z

Panel Discussion

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: 83nD+tBX

Hear how Texas school districts of all sizes are implementing AI in their schools and classrooms.

Moderator: Dr. Karla Burkholder

Panelists: Leann Kidd, Northside ISDl; Donna Eurek, Prosper ISD; Lacey Gosch, Judson ISD; Dr. Jonas Green, Lewisville ISD; Charles Cooper, Independent Education Consultant

Sponsored by Sentinel

View the recorded webinar here. Passcode: H#iHzS7@

Ted Joffs has been a valued member of the Sentinel Technologies team for over a decade. His stellar track record speaks to his proficiency in offering expert advice and support to thousands of clients. Ted and his team have effectively handled over 350 cybersecurity incidents and numerous consulting requests, ranging from small to large-scale. Ted is the Senior Manager spearheading our Digital Forensics & Incident Response and Security Engineering services in the Fortis by Sentinel product portfolio. Ted is a highly skilled cybersecurity specialist with extensive international experience in technology operations across multiple domains. He frequently speaks at institutions and conferences, sharing his insights on cybersecurity. His latest talk focuses on "Surviving a Cyber Breach."