2026 INCTO Clinic

Amplifying EdTech leadership isn't a solo act; it's a full band effort. The work of the Indiana CTO Council is powered by volunteers who design professional learning, explore emerging technologies, build community, advocate for our profession, and create spaces where every leader belongs.

This interactive panel session introduces attendees to the six Indiana CTO Council committees: Professional Learning, Emerging Technologies, Tech Together, Membership, Social Events, and Advocacy. Committee representatives will share why their committee exists, what they've been working on, and where they're headed next. Two committees, Social Events and Advocacy, are new this year, expanding opportunities for connection, voice, and impact.

Following brief panel introductions, attendees will be invited to share ideas, ask questions, and explore how committee work can support the Council's core values and goals. Whether you're looking to contribute your expertise, try something new, or collaborate with peers and partners, this session is your backstage pass to getting involved.

Bring your ideas. Find your place. Help us turn up the volume, together.

Once the walls go up, technology mistakes tend to become permanent or expensive. In this session, I share practical lessons learned from managing technology through multiple construction and renovation projects. From working with architects and contractors to catching issues before they turn into expensive surprises, I'll focus on what CTOs should be thinking about early and what often gets overlooked. You'll walk away with real-world strategies, better questions to ask, and a few learn from my mistakes moments to help ensure technology is ready on day one.

You worked hard to get here. You studied and worked. You made decisions that allowed you to enjoy success. And you made some choices that did not turn out as planned, but you met those challenges and learned what would be better for next time. But the work we do is bigger than any one person, even you! Mentoring allows you to share this knowledge with others and support their growth on their own path to success. Learn to guide those around you and amplify the impact of our work beyond what one person can achieve alone.

From our Keynote Speaker Carl Hooker -
Your teams are already using AI tools, but which ones actually deliver value? And more importantly, where does human thinking still outperform the machine?

In this high-energy, interactive session, district leaders will put today’s most popular AI tools to the test in a live “Promptetition.” Chatbots, image generators, and more will compete across real-world challenges tied to teaching, learning, and leadership.  You’ll uncover where AI accelerates impact, where it falls short, and how to make smarter decisions about tool selection, implementation, and instructional alignment.

Because in the end, it’s not about humans vs. AI -- it's about how we can lead and learn alongside it. 

Join this panel of Vivacity, ASUS, and technology leaders to discover actionable strategies for sustainable Chromebook management. Learn how districts implement device lifecycles, repair programs, and student tech teams to extend device longevity. Gain first-hand insights into reducing total cost of ownership while maintaining a high-performing, reliable fleet for every student.

AI conversations are happening everywhere, but responding at the district level isn't as simple as writing a memo or choosing a tool. When AI rapidly entered K?12 spaces, our district faced competing priorities: empowering innovation while protecting data privacy, addressing teacher concerns while preparing students for a future-ready world, and honoring academic integrity without defaulting to fear-based decisions. There wasn't a clear roadmap, and we're still learning.

In this session, I'll share our ongoing journey to build AI guidance that informs, equips, and empowers. We'll explore how we built cross-functional collaboration, gathered stakeholder input, clarified shared values, and developed practical tools to support responsible decision-making. Participants will leave with real-world insights, adaptable frameworks, and an understanding of what we've learned so far-and where we're headed next after having developed district AI guidance with the support of stakeholder groups.

In the modern educational landscape, technology is no longer a peripheral utility; it is the backbone of instruction, operations, and district security. Yet, many districts still relegate their top technology leader to a supporting role rather than a strategic one.

Join us for a dynamic panel featuring three Superintendent-CTO pairs who have successfully integrated technology leadership into the executive cabinet. This session moves beyond "tech talk" to explore how a direct reporting relationship fosters a culture of innovation, streamlines decision-making, and protects the district from emerging digital risks.

Is it innovation or an infraction? In the rapidly shifting landscape of modern education, the line between academic integrity and digital literacy isn't just thin, it's moving.

This highly interactive session puts you in the driver's seat. Through a series of real-world scenarios, we will debate whether specific AI uses by students and teachers should be classified as a Violation, Allowed with Permission, or Encouraged. Come prepared to defend your stance and dive deep into the nuance of the "Gray Area."

We will conclude with a strategic discussion on how AI access affects student growth and how we can help educators refocus on the core skills that matter most.

Are you ready to go from the opening act to the headliner of your own career? This high-energy session is your all-access pass to becoming a Director of Technology, no matter where you are on your current tour. We'll smash the myth that you need a specific background to take center stage in edtech leadership.

We'll map out your world tour to success, showing you how anyone with the right passion and drive can lead the show.

Our Setlist Includes:

The Local Legends: Learn how the Indiana CTO Council acts as your home-state road crew, providing the connections, mentorship, and support to get your career rocking.
The National Headliners: Discover how CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) gets you on the national stage, connecting you with a massive network of edtech superstars.
Going Platinum: Find out how becoming a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) is the platinum album of your career—a nationally recognized credential that proves you’ve got the chops to top the charts.

Whether you’re a backstage tech, a classroom innovator, or already playing lead guitar with your school’s technology integration, this session will show you that becoming a Director of Technology is a goal within your reach. Come ready to turn up the volume on your career, get inspired, and start writing your own hit track toward leadership.

Because the future of EdTech needs new headliners—why not you?