Summer is almost here — and as soon as the school year starts winding down, my brain immediately shifts into “conference season” mode.
And for me, there’s one big sign that summer has officially arrived: it’s almost time for the ISTE+ASCD conference.
I’m genuinely excited for this year’s conference because it’s a chance to step out of the day-to-day, reconnect with educators from around the world, and come home with ideas that actually make Monday better — not just “interesting,” but usable.
This will be my 14th ISTE Conference, and I’m proud (and honestly still a little in disbelief) to share that this year I’m a Featured Voice Speaker.
👉 Here’s my presenter page with my sessions and details
The conference at a glance
- Event: ISTE+ASCD 2026 (ISTELive 26 + ASCD Annual 26)
- Dates: June 28 – July 1, 2026
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Ways to attend: In-person and virtual options
- Official conference site: ISTE+ASCD Conference Info
Come hang out with me at ISTE: two sessions, two very practical conversations
If you’re going to be in Orlando (or joining online), I’d love for you to add one (or both) of my sessions to your schedule. The first one is a Playground session at 11:30, so come ready to jump into the conversation and grab ideas you can use right away. The second session is offered both in person and virtually, so even if you’re attending from home, you can still join us live.
Session #1: Magic Happens with Coaching Connections: From Inspiration to Implementation
If you’re an instructional coach (or you support coaches), you already know the truth: coaching is rarely one big “aha.” It’s usually a thousand small moves that build trust, momentum, and classroom change.
This session is a playground-style experience — which means you can jump into conversations, grab ideas, and connect with people who are solving the same problems you’re solving.
Here’s what I love about this format:
- It’s interactive (not just sit-and-get)
- You’ll hear from multiple presenters in one block
- You can walk away with ideas you can use immediately
Session page: Magic Happens with Coaching Connections
Session #2: Measuring What Matters: Defining Success in Your Instructional Coaching Programs
One of the biggest challenges in instructional coaching isn’t the coaching itself — it’s the question administrators always ask:
“How do we know it’s working?”
In this session, I’m going to walk through how to:
- Define clear, realistic success metrics for coaching programs
- Build simple data-collection tools (that don’t become extra busywork)
- Tell the story of coaching impact in a way leadership can understand
- Create a repeatable framework you can bring back to your district
This isn’t about “proving your worth.” It’s about making your impact visible — so coaching programs can grow, get funded, and stay protected.
Highlights I’m most excited about this year
If you’re planning your schedule right now, here are a few conference highlights worth circling — especially if you want hands-on experiences (not just rows of chairs).
1) Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate — Interactive Experience
This one is built to be experienced, not just explained. It’s a walk-through style, hands-on space with six themed stations and short talks that show what AI-enabled, human-centered learning looks like in real classrooms and districts. If you’re trying to figure out “what does AI readiness actually look like for students?” — this is a great place to start.
2) Playgrounds (because play is the point)
Playgrounds are one of the best parts of ISTE+ASCD. They’re large-scale, multi-presenter, hands-on spaces across topics like AI, well-being, makerspaces, digital storytelling, VR/XR, and more — and you can walk in, try something, talk to a real human, and move to the next station without feeling stuck.
3) Creativity Crossroads
This is the “I didn’t know I needed this, but I’m glad I walked in” space — a creative learning environment that highlights student and educator projects, plus hands-on making and art experiences. Great if you want to come home with ideas that go beyond tools and into learning design.
4) Esports Experience
Even if you don’t consider yourself an “esports person,” this is worth a look. The session is designed to show how esports can engage students and build real-world skills — and it’s set up to be welcoming whether you’re brand new or already running a program.
5) Model Lesson Experiences + Trips & Tours
If you learn best by seeing it done well, these are great options. Model Lessons put you in the student seat. Trips & Tours get you out into Orlando for off-site learning experiences (and yes — pack your walking shoes).
- More highlights: https://conference.iste.org/2026/program/highlights.php
Attending virtually? You can still get a TON of value.
Virtual attendance isn’t a “lesser version” of the conference — it’s a different way to participate.
If you’re attending online, here’s how to make it worth it:
- Pick 1–2 problems you’re trying to solve (not 10 random sessions)
- Block time on your calendar like you’re truly attending
- Take notes in a single place (so ideas don’t vanish)
- Commit to one Monday move: one action you’ll implement within 7 days
Come say hello
If you’re going to ISTE+ASCD 2026 (in-person or virtual), I’d love to connect.
- Follow along at TeacherCast.net
- Connect with me on LinkedIn: Jeff Bradbury
- Past ISTE+ASCD coverage + archives: TeacherCast ISTE+ASCD Hub
If you see me in the hallway, in the Solutions Hub, or hanging out near a Playground, please come say hi. I’m always up for a quick conversation about what you’re building this year — and if you’re trying to make coaching work more visible, more sustainable, and more impactful, I’d love to swap notes.
And if you want weekly ideas you can actually use (plus updates on new resources and where I’m presenting next), make sure you’re subscribed to The Impact Note here: https://teachercast.net/newsletter
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