Orlando, Fla., hosted this year’s Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), where a vibrant mix of educators, technology specialists, and K–12 leaders came together to explore the forefront of educational innovation. The event showcased cutting-edge tools, enlightening sessions, and inspiring speakers, leaving attendees with actionable ideas to elevate their classrooms.
Artificial intelligence emerged as the conference star, but FETC 2025 offered far more than AI insights. Many attendees flocked to sessions focused on artificial intelligence, eager to understand its potential in reshaping education. Ryan Hontz, an academic software developer for GOAL Digital Academy in Ohio, shared his mission: “I came specifically for the AI. I wanted to dive into the latest innovations and better understand what’s coming next.”
Jackie Chambers, CEO of Best School Tools, highlighted networking and discovery as her primary goals. “It’s refreshing to see so many innovations in AI that can truly empower schools,” she said. Educators like Lauren Farrow, founder of Teacher to Techie, used the platform to champion responsible AI integration. “I’m advocating for ethical AI use in schools, balancing technology with traditional teaching methods,” she explained.
FETC’s interactive sessions also emphasized audience participation. Mike Kentz, CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, hosted a session on durable skills in the AI era. “We let the audience take the lead, asking them for their insights,” he said. “The engagement was incredible.”
For some, FETC 2025 was an opportunity to explore uncharted territory. Lorianne Leblanc, an educator from École Whitehorse Elementary in Canada, attended with curiosity. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” she said, adding that she left with valuable insights to bring back to the Yukon. New York educators Rebecca Glassberg and Kayla Weil from SAR Academy found inspiration in the event’s AI-centric sessions. “I wanted tools to empower teachers to embrace edtech advancements,” Glassberg said. Weil added, “AI was woven into nearly every topic we explored.”
While AI was the dominant theme, attendees also sought out tools and strategies tailored to their specific needs. Teena Hine, director of learning design at Out Teach, found value in coaching-focused sessions. “For me, it’s about supporting teachers and making their work more impactful,” she noted. First-time attendee Khonn Hazell-Fleming, a technology integration coach from Anguilla, echoed this sentiment. “My goal was finding resources to enhance professional development sessions for my teachers,” she said, already planning to return next year.
Networking improvements caught the attention of tech leaders like Hunter Victorious of New York’s Newark Central School District. “We’re upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 across the district,” he shared after exploring networking solutions in the expo hall. For Megan Jackson, a digital learning teacher leader from Florida, coding resources were the highlight. Having launched a FIRST LEGO League at her school, she gained invaluable insights at the LEGO booth. “I learned how to transition students from icon-based coding to word-based programming,” she said.
Attendees praised the lineup of speakers, particularly technology integration specialist Eric Curts, who garnered a loyal following throughout the conference. “We found ourselves attending his sessions without realizing he was the speaker—his insights were that good,” said Hontz. Ed-tech leaders like Leslie Fisher, Matt Miller, and keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki also left lasting impressions. Kawasaki’s focus on creative design resonated with attendees like Farrow, who said, “It’s inspiring to see our industry receiving the recognition and respect educators deserve.”
First-time attendee Meghan Budzitowski, a middle school librarian, summed up the experience: “I’ve gathered tools and ideas that I can bring back to my students. My toolbox is overflowing.”
As FETC 2025 closed, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh strategies to enhance their classrooms. Whether they explored AI, coding, coaching, or infrastructure, the conference delivered an unforgettable experience and set the stage for the future of education technology.
