MAEDS 2024: Full Schedule

1:40pm EDT

New To EDU: Getting Started in K12 Tech Support

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm EDT

In this session we will be focused on content that can help those folks who are just starting their careers or who have switched their careers over to K12 educational technology support. Come discover all the things you didn't know you needed to know ... We'll talk about various services and platforms that you will want to become comfortable with. We will go over resources that you should keep handy as you settle into your role supporting K12 educators and learners. We'll share real-world examples of the 'fun ones' we've had over the years so that those situations don't catch you off guard.

Speakers

Chris Thomas

Desktop Engineer, Ingham Intermediate School District

Chris Thomas has supported technology in K-12 public schools for the last 23 years and now serves as the Desktop Engineer supporting Ingham Intermediate School District, Eaton RESA, and 5 local education associations. He is also an active member of the Configuration Manager community... Read More →

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm EDT
Tower A 152 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

2:50pm EDT

Navigating Continuity of Operations Challenges Successfully

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm EDT

Tower B

Speakers

Brandi Reynolds

Director of Technology, Northwest Education Services

I have been an educator for 24 years, beginning as a middle school teacher, then as an instructional tech coach, and as Technology Director for both a local district and now for Northwest Education Services. I am grateful to work with so many schools within our region to address... Read More →

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm EDT
Tower B 153 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

4:10pm EDT

The Seams in your Seamless Integrations

Wednesday October 23, 2024 4:10pm - 5:10pm EDT

Tower B

In this roundtable, we’ll explore the promises and challenges of seamless integration with PowerSchool. How do you successfully get your data to your vendors? What works well, and what doesn’t? We’ll share the integrations we’ve implemented and walk through the setup process. Bring your questions about your own integrations, and together, let’s find the best way to get your data from Point A to Point B—and maybe even back again.

Speakers

Lukas Enciso

Student Information System Director, Van Buren ISD

Wednesday October 23, 2024 4:10pm - 5:10pm EDT
Tower B 153 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

8:30am EDT

Shared Services: It's how we get IT done!

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Tower B

Join our panel in a lively discussion about the art of IT support! There are many shared services models in our State and all of them are successfully supporting their LEAs in various ways. These models work because we share expertise and resources to meet the individual goals of districts, schools, and educators. Come talk to us about your ideas for collaborative IT support!

Speakers

Josh Hayes

Assistant Superintendent of Technology, Educational Technology Association

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Tower B 153 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

9:40am EDT

So You’re The Tech Director; Now What? Lessons Learned On the Job!

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

Tower A

In this session, the presenter will share insights from his role serving as the Director of Technology. He will discuss the importance of building a successful technology team, fostering relationships with stakeholders, collaborating effectively with contractors and vendors, and securing a place at the decision-making table. Throughout the session, we will brainstorm together, crowdsource best practices from participants, and share our collective findings with conference attendees.

Speakers

Nate Moore

Executive Director of Technology, Kearsley Community Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:40am - 10:40am EDT
Tower A 152 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

10:50am EDT

Lightning Talks

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

Peninsula

They’re baaaaaaack! Lightning Talks! If a regular MAEDS session is like a big sit down dinner, Lightning Talks is more like a trip through the buffet line. You’ll get 5 minute servings of various tech dishes – just enough to help you know what you might really like! A spoonful of PowerShell. A little scoop of InTune. Maybe a garnish of audio tips and tricks? Come see your colleagues give quick introductions to the cool things they’re using to get their jobs done, and take a doggy bag of new ideas back to your district.

Speakers

Ben Eggenberger

Technology Director, BEAL CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:50am - 11:50am EDT
Peninsula 150 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

2:00pm EDT

Job security/satisfaction for the K12 IT professional

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Tower A

Thriving in the K-12 IT Jungle: Beyond the Tech Skills

IT professionals in K-12 are more than just tech wizards. To truly excel, you need a unique blend of technical expertise, soft skills, and strategic savvy. This session will equip you with practical strategies to build strong relationships, navigate complex political landscapes, and foster a thriving IT career. Discover how to enhance your influence, increase job satisfaction, and transform from surviving to thriving in the dynamic world of K-12 IT.

Speakers

Grant Wright

Tech Director, Glen Lake Community Schools

All I can say is I have lived a full life.I've had the priviledge of working in many vocations, living and traveling in many countries including living in five states in the USA, now have four degrees under my belt and find myself working in educational technology.Family, faith, and... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Tower A 152 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

9:00am EDT

Disaster Recovery - How to plan for the sudden loss of people

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Tower C

In February of 2024, Portage Public Schools dealt with the very sudden loss of their technology director. Learn from our first-hand experience in the hours, days, and weeks, as we dealt with this abrupt leadership loss with no transition, and the challenges we suddenly faced.

Speakers

Steve Van Dyke

Data Center Systems Specialist, Portage Public Schools

I'm in my 18th year of serving the needs of Portage Public Schools - Not only as a key member of the technology department handing day-to-day operations of our systems, but also as a leader in the Southwest Michigan area of audio/visual/lighting design & engineering, and controls... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Tower C 154 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

9:00am EDT

Turning 'No' into 'Thank You'

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Tower A

In today's tech-driven world, mastering the art of saying "no" with finesse is a game-changer. It's not enough to simply decline a request; the true magic lies in turning that "no" into a "thank you." Join me as we delve into the evolving landscape of school IT, where exceptional customer service is paramount. We'll explore how to break the "angry tech guy" stereotype and transform every interaction into a positive experience, even when you can't give them what they want.

Speakers

Wini Bell

Assistant Director of Technology, Traverse City Area Public Schools

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Tower A 152 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership

10:20am EDT

You Are More Than IT; Creating a Seat at the Leadership Table

Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:20am EDT

Tower B

IT Leadership is a unique position within K-12 school districts. You oversee the service provided to both business and instructional staff. You may interact with department heads and principals all the way down to individual teachers across the district. You must simultaneously set the direction for IT management in your district while balancing the needs of instructional staff and cybersecurity realities. Join us for a session focused on practices, conversations, and opportunities you can take as an IT leader to create a seat at the leadership table for K-12 schools.

Speakers

Ben Rimes

Technology Director, Coloma Community Schools

Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:20am EDT
Tower B 153 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Leadership