Get Inspired by the 2024 Advisory Board: Explore K-12 Focused Schedules
With so much great programming to choose from, SXSW EDU Advisory Board members are here to help and inspire you! Get to know what roles they are in and learn from these seasoned SXSW EDU’ers what they will be checking out at the March event. See which sessions they have favorited to shed light on new ideas and provide insight into building your own personal schedule.
On the hunt for new perspectives in K-12 education, these Advisory Board members, some of whom are teachers themselves, share the sessions they are most interested in attending, the thematic tracks they are ranking high, what draws them to a particular session, and their overall goals for the event.
You can find inspiration from those in similar fields and with those who share your interests. Explore this collection as you start to plan what your days at SXSW EDU 2024 will look like.
Amber Oliver
Managing Director, Robin Hood Learning + Technology Fund
What tracks are you interested in?
Future of Tech | Policy & Civic Engagement | Startups & Investment | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
I am looking for sessions that will push my thinking and introduce me to new perspectives and voices. I am also drawn to sessions with practical applications and tied to research that can inform our work in NYC.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
My goal is to learn, broaden, and challenge my thinking. One or two aha moments would be a major success. I am also hoping to meet new people and reconnect with colleagues around the country.
Christian Martinez
Founder, Camino Program
What tracks are you interested in?
Arts & Storytelling | Community Initiatives | Equity & Justice | Future of Tech | Teaching & Learning | Work Reimagined
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
When I pick sessions to attend on topics like K-12 education, AI, equity, and the rest, I’m really looking for a few key things. I want innovative ideas, especially in fast-changing areas like AI and entrepreneurship. It's crucial for me to see how these cool concepts are actually used in real life, especially in education and the workforce.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
At SXSW EDU 2024, my goals are multifaceted and deeply rooted in a passion for education and innovation. Primarily, I'm eager to gain new perspectives on the latest trends, especially in how technology like AI is integrating into K-12 education. This event is a melting pot of cutting-edge ideas, and I'm excited to soak up as many unconventional and forward thinking concepts as possible.
Julie Willcott
Education Products Manager, zSpace
What tracks are you interested in?
Accessibility & Inclusion | Future of Tech | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
I am looking for sessions that provide a perspective that is not often heard in traditional conversations about education. While at SXSW EDU, I like to attend different types of sessions - a mix of panels, roundtables, meet ups, and solo sessions. I also look at speakers' bios to get a range of presenters with different perspectives.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
I am interested in how education can meet the needs of all learners. This includes the neurodivergent, the marginalized, and those pursuing nontraditional pathways.
Mallory Tuominen
Chief Program Officer, World Savvy
What tracks are you interested in?
Arts & Storytelling | Equity & Justice | Leadership for Tomorrow | Policy & Civic Engagement | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
When I think about the types of sessions I choose to attend at SXSW EDU, I'm looking for ones that focus on new approaches, generate new ideas and questions, and present perspectives I may have not considered yet. I look for sessions that include classroom educators, providing an opportunity for them to share their expertise and experience.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
My goals for SXSW EDU 2024 are simple: get curious, make connections, and take action. I want to walk away with new learnings, new relationships, and new tools and strategies to improve my work and the work I do on behalf of schools across the country.
Mark Rogers
Teacher, Austin Achieve Public Schools
What tracks are you interested in?
Leadership for Tomorrow | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
I look for sessions with unique strategies to meet kids where they are in preK-12 and help them grow academically and socially.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
My goal is to learn from speakers who are finding ways to humanize our preK-12 public education system. How can we focus on the whole child while preparing them for their future careers?
Mike Kleba
Teacher, Leaders Don’t Lead
What tracks are you interested in?
Arts & Storytelling | Equity & Justice | Leadership for Tomorrow | Policy & Civic Engagement | Startups & Investment | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
I'm always looking for the movers and shakers. I'm looking for leaders who have something to say about education that we need to hear. Who here is challenging the status quo, smartly and for the good? Who is passionate and magnetic? I'm in search of people in education with style, vision, and real experience. Those who have heart... but also swagger.
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
I'll be chasing good breakfast tacos, of course. But mostly, I'm at SXSW EDU for the inspo and energy — there's just nothing like this conference. I'm always on the hunt for future collaborators and friends. I'm also planning to get my leadership book, Otherful, into as many supes' and principals' hands as possible. And you know I'll be going to The White Horse for two step. You should meet me there.
Sheri Lawson
EL Teacher, Hazelwood West High School
What tracks are you interested in?
Accessibility & Inclusion | Leadership for Tomorrow | Teaching & Learning
What are you looking for in sessions and why?
I prefer shorter sessions. I want to attend sessions where I know I will take back something I can use right away in my classroom and my school. I'm looking for sessions with interaction between the facilitator and the audience. Just like the students we teach, we don't want to just "sit and get."
Describe your goal(s) while attending SXSW EDU 2024.
My goals are quite diverse. First, I always want to improve my teaching so I can reach more students and help them be successful. I am also looking towards administration, so I want to attend sessions where I gain more knowledge from those who are already in such a role. And finally, networking with others in the education field. You can learn so much from everyone you meet.
Don’t Miss Out On SXSW EDU 2024
Register and book your hotel today to break new ground in education through compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, mentorship, film screenings, trailblazing competitions, a dynamic expo, networking opportunities, and so much more at SXSW EDU from March 4-7, 2024.
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Photo by Miguel Esparza
By Auva Saghafi
01/19/2024
