Sessions & Speakers

Keynote Speakers

DR. MIGUEL A. CARDONA

Dr. Miguel A. Cardona served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden. With over 27 years in education, he has championed equity and access, from teaching fourth grade to leading America’s education system. Cardona’s key initiatives include academic recovery post-pandemic, mental health support, global competitiveness, and making college more affordable. Under his leadership, U.S. schools reopened successfully, $185 billion in student debt was forgiven, and student loan systems were reformed. His tenure saw record growth in student reading achievement, expanded apprenticeships for aspiring teachers, and increased school mental health resources. A first-generation college graduate, Cardona’s journey from bilingual educator to national leader exemplifies the power of public education. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. Secretary Cardona and his wife Marissa, also an educator, are proud parents of two college students.

DR. LESLIE TORRES-RODRIGUEZ

Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez is the Superintendent and CEO of Hartford Public Schools, where she leads a diverse district of 17,000 students across 42 schools. A proud alumna of Hartford Public High School and a native of Puerto Rico, she brings nearly three decades of experience as an educator, social worker, and systems-level change agent dedicated to advancing excellence, inclusion, and opportunity in public education.

Since becoming Superintendent, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez has driven record-breaking student achievement, including an 80% graduation rate and significant gains for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Her leadership has secured strategic funds, expanded college and career pathways, modernized facilities, and redefined student-centered support systems. 

Now in her eighth year as Superintendent, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez is the longest-serving female superintendent in Connecticut’s capital city. Her courageous leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic ensured continuity of learning, stability of operations, and unwavering support for students and families during a time of national crisis.

Dr. Torres-Rodríguez is a Broad Academy and Pahara Institute Fellow, an inaugural Google ASU/GSV Education Innovation Fellow, and a lecturer at Yale University. Her recognitions include the ALAS National Latino Administrators and Superintendent of the Year Award and Prospanica’s National Brillante Award for Educational Excellence. She serves on several boards, including Trinity College, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and the American Heart Association, and is the President-elect of both the Connecticut and National Associations of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. She lives in Hartford with her husband and two sons, deeply rooted in the community she serves.

Click on speakers’ names under the photos to read their bios

 Engaging Further: Early College and Work-Based Learning

Engage and inspire students by integrating early college programs and work-based learning opportunities into their education journey. This panel will explore how these innovative approaches can ignite students' interests and provide clear pathways to success. Learn from education leaders and research experts as they share their knowledge on helping students develop practical skills while exploring career possibilities. Discover best practices for building partnerships between schools, higher education institutions, and businesses to create seamless transitions for students from classroom to workplace.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or policymaker, join this discussion to explore how early college programs and work-based learning can equip students with the tools to pursue their passions while meeting the demands of a changing workforce.

 Navigating Cultural Pedagogy and Polarization in Schools

This panel explores the challenges and opportunities in addressing cultural pedagogy amidst increasing polarization in U.S. schools. Education leaders and experts will discuss strategies to foster inclusive curricula that reflect diverse identities while navigating contentious societal divides. Topics include balancing cultural representation with academic rigor, addressing parental and community concerns, and equipping educators with tools to manage ideological tensions. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this session aims to empower stakeholders to create learning environments that promote understanding, equity, and resilience in the face of polarization.

Chronic Absenteeism: Leveraging Behavioral Economics to Drive Attendance

How can insights from behavioral economics and psychology be used to drive student attendance and engagement? This panel will explore innovative strategies that apply behavioral nudges, incentives, and decision-making frameworks to encourage participation in educational settings. In addition to attendance-focused interventions, speakers will discuss classroom models that leverage these principles to differentiate learning without making students feel deficient. Featuring experts in education leadership, policy, and classroom instruction, this discussion will highlight research-backed approaches and real-world applications that foster inclusive, student-centered engagement.

Having Teachers' Back: Supporting and Retaining Talent

This panel explores practical solutions for reducing teacher burnout through administrative support, advocacy strategies, and technology integration. The session will consider frameworks for thinking about educator development and support, innovative tools to help decrease administrative tasks, strategies for administrators to protect teacher time, and why and how administrators should defend and stay by their teachers.

Expanding Choices, Building Equity: The Role of School Models in Engaging Families

This session will explore the evolving landscape of school choice, highlighting how expanded options—such as homeschooling, private school vouchers, and Education Savings Accounts—have diversified schooling choices for families. We’ll discuss the rise of emerging models like microschooling, examining how these models can drive family engagement and support equity in both academic and non-academic areas, including ELL support. How can we ensure that families are well-informed about their choices? What strategies foster transparent communication about quality schooling? Join us to discuss making school choice accessible, inclusive, and responsive to family needs.

Technology in Schools: Should Cell Phones Stay or Go?

States and school districts are rushing to ban student cell phones, but is it the right move? Advocates argue that phone bans minimize learning distractions, reduce bullying and violence, and enhance social interactions and development. Critics, however, raise concerns about enforcement, parental communication, and missed opportunities to teach digital responsibility.

This session dives into the debate over banning cell phones in schools. We’ll examine how phone-free policies affect academic performance, mental health, and social dynamics, while addressing the challenges of enforcement and potential unintended consequences. Join education experts and practitioners to explore whether these bans represent a bold step toward reimagining learning spaces—or if a softer touch is needed.

GREG BALDWIN - Principal of New Haven Academy

LAURAINE LANGREO - Staff Writer - Education Week