Overview

June 1

It’s a real challenge for schools and districts to integrate multiple legacy software systems, and the market is full of clunky software that’s difficult for teachers and administrators to learn, use, and update. When systems don’t work together, administrators must spend time manually pulling reports and manipulating data.

What if there was a better way?

Join the Center for Digital Education on June 1 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern to learn how Amazon Web Services (AWS) is helping innovative EdTech startups through the AWS EdStart Program, who offer a new generation of secure and scalable cloud-based solutions that deliver better learning outcomes and community engagement. You’ll hear from innovators who are strengthening community connections and improving whole-student learning for K-12 districts nationwide. You’ll learn more about AWS Marketplace, a curated digital catalog that helps K-12 institutions discover, procure, and manage innovative cloud solutions.

Register now to find out more about:

Identifying new tech that improves insights into student progress
Implementing best practices for digital transformation from other education leaders
Streamlining community engagement
Assessing current software systems and evaluating opportunities for improvement
Simplifying procurement of cloud solutions

Speakers

Annmarie Lehner

K12 Education Strategy Leader, AWS

Prior to joining AWS, Annmarie has worked in technology and leadership roles in K12 Public Education for more than 30 years, serving for more than 10 years as the Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) and Chief of Staff to the Superintendent of Schools at the Rochester City School District (RCSD) in upstate NY. During her career, Annmarie received national and regional awards including the 2018 School Administrators Association of NYS (SAANYS) ‘Leader in Digital Education’ Award, the 2018 ‘Supervision’ Award for the Genesee Valley Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), as well as the 2019 Council of Great City Schools CIO of the year. Through the national Council of Great City Schools, Annmarie has served on teams which performed technology reviews for some of the largest urban school districts in the country.

Stephen Shapiro

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, SchoolBlocks

Stephen Shapiro is the president and founder of SchoolBlocks. He graduated with a masters of science from the University of Colorado. After graduation, Stephen founded SchoolFusion, a groundbreaking and disruptive solution in the k12 communications arena. After 10 years, SchoolFusion was acquired by Providence Equity Partners in 2009. Today, Stephen works to improve upon his previous efforts by building next generation web experiences for schools nationwide. An avid mountain biker and skier, Stephen currently resides in Carbondale, Colorado, with his wife and 2 young daughters.

Robert Velton

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Classify Learning

With over a decade of EdTech experience, Robert founded Classify Learning in 2018. He previously worked at other EdTech companies such as Evisions and Illuminate Education. His passion lies in empowering teachers with tools to help make their jobs easier and more efficient. When Robert is not working, he enjoys watching sports, hiking and snowboarding. Robert currently resides in Anaheim, a city in Southern California.

Tom Ryan, Ph.D. — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Tom Ryan has recently retired from Santa Fe Public Schools, in New Mexico, as Chief Information and Strategy Officer. He has co-founded, K12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, to assist district leaders deliver educational success with technology, which is led by experienced school technology leaders. He has expertise in strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews. Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He has served as CIO in large and very large public-school districts and has 40+ years of experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He is past chair in CoSN and works with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) performing large school district reviews and helps coordinate annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several international and national conferences throughout the year.

Webinar

Raising the Game: Better tools for K-12 teachers and administrators