About this Event
Educators and Technology Summit
Summit Overview
The Educators and Technology Summit is a one-day professional learning convening designed for K–12 educators, college-level students, college instructors and professors, instructional leaders, administrators, industry experts, and community partners. The Summit brings together education, technology, media, and culture to equip participants with practical tools, strategies, and inspiration to better prepare learners for a rapidly evolving digital and workforce landscape.
Why This Summit Matters
Educators are being asked to do more than ever—integrate new technologies, respond to workforce shifts, address equity gaps, and engage students in meaningful, real-world learning—often with limited time and support. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and the Summit responds directly to these realities, equipping participants with tools to navigate this new frontier. This Educators and Technology Summit is intentionally designed to move beyond theory. Participants will leave with classroom-ready strategies, exposure to emerging tools, and practical approaches to project-based learning, career pathways, and culturally responsive instruction. By centering educators, honoring local culture, and connecting learning to opportunity, the Summit helps ensure technology serves as a tool for access, creativity, and student success.
Relative to target populations, we are collaborating with organizational leaders from KCPS, Frontier, MCC, Imagine KC, MU MASN, and many others on the Kansas & Missouri side. These partnerships allow us to understand what stakeholders needs are, and provide solutions at the Summit.
Program Highlights
- Opening fireside chat featuring media and thought leaders on storytelling, technology, and influence
- Nationally recognized keynote speaker for lunch
- Two breakout session blocks with six total sessions focused on instructional technology, equity, and career readiness
- Opportunities for collaboration between educators, higher education, nonprofits, and industry partners
Participant Take-Aways Include:
- (1) Cybersecurity Guide from Safety & Security Source
- (2) Practical Strategies for Implementing AI without Lowering Rigor from BLOC KC
- (3) Tactics for AI Prompting from Cyber Creationz Tech
- (4) Tech Toolkit for Test Prep & Post-Secondary Applications from KCPS Office of College Access & Success
- (5) Digital Resource Library from University of Missouri-Columbia MASN
- (6) Tips for designing and implementing workforce partnerships for digital media from KCPS
- (7) A DigiStory 20 Lesson Online Curriculum on Stop Motion Animation from Imagine KC
Professional Development Focus
All breakout sessions include clearly defined learning objectives aligned with instructional practice, technology integration, equity, and career readiness. Attendance is verified, and participants complete a post-event reflection documenting application of learning.
About iSTEAMKC
iSTEAMKC is a Kansas City–based education initiative focused on expanding access to technology, arts, media, and innovation for students and educators—particularly in historically under-resourced communities. Through hands-on learning, project-based instruction, and partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, and industry, iSTEAMKC integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into real-world, culturally relevant learning experiences. The organization emphasizes workforce readiness, digital literacy, and creative problem-solving, helping educators and students connect classroom learning to opportunity.
About Pat Jordan, Founder of iSTEAMKC
Pat Jordan is a Kansas City–based civic leader, strategist, and nonprofit founder with decades of experience advancing community-centered development, arts, education, and equitable access to opportunity. As the Founder of iSTEAMKC, Pat has worked at the intersection of education, technology, culture, and workforce development, building partnerships across schools, higher education, philanthropy, and industry. Her work is grounded in the belief that education, storytelling, and innovation are essential tools for strengthening communities and preparing the next generation for meaningful careers and civic leadership.
About WeCode KC
WeCode KC is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equitable access to technology education and careers, with a focus on women, people of color, and individuals from underrepresented communities. Based in Kansas City, WeCode KC provides coding education, professional development, and workforce pathways that connect learners to high-growth technology fields.
Through partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, WeCode KC helps close opportunity gaps while building a diverse, future-ready tech workforce.
About Tammy Buckner, Founder of WeCode KC
Tammy Buckner is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and national advocate for equity in tech education and workforce development. As the Founder and CEO of WeCode KC, she has led efforts to create inclusive pathways into technology careers for women and people of color, earning recognition as a leader in workforce innovation and digital equity. Tammy brings deep experience in technology, leadership development, and community partnership building, and is widely respected for her ability to bridge education, industry, and opportunity at both the local and national levels.
Educators and Technology Summit Conference Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast
•Attendee check-in•Coffee & light breakfast•Networking
9:00 – 9:10 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Pat Jordan •Proclamation of Partnership Between iSTEAMKC and WeCode KC•Summit Purpose
9:10 – 9:15 AM | Summit Overview & Agenda Preview
Pat Jordan•Overview •Housekeeping
9:15 – 10:00 AM | Opening Fireside Chat | Town Square
Pat Jordan Featured Guest: Jeff Chadiha from NFL NetworkTheme: Adapting for New Opportunities and Preparing the Next Generation
10:00 – 10:10 AM | Transition & Reflection
Dr. Auburn Ellis: Tackling Technology: Why is an Educators’ Summit Necessary?
10:10 – 10:20 AM | Break
Refreshments & Networking
10:25 – 11:15 AM | Educator-Centered Panel (Main Room)
Dr. Auburn Ellis & Panel Theme: From Classroom to Career: Preparing Students for the Digital Media World
Social Media Break
11:30 – 12:15 PM | Morning Breakout Workshops
(1) AI & Emerging Technology in the Classroom
(2) Project-Based Learning Using Technology & Media
(3) Equity, Access & Readiness: Bridging the Digital Divide
12:15 – 1:15 PM | Networking Lunch & Luncheon Keynote
Featured Guest: Rafranz Davis, former LinkedIn Workforce Skills & Learning Strategy Leader
Theme: Reclaiming Innovation: Centering Equity, Voice & Authentic Leadership in the Digital Age
1:30 – 2:15 PM | Afternoon Breakout Workshops
(4) Career Pathways & Workforce Connections
(5) Banning the Academic Wheel: AI & the New Generation of Education
(6) Community, Culture & Technology as Curriculum
2:15 – 2:25 PM | Break
2:30 – 2:40 PM | Closing Remarks & Call to Action
Dr. Auburn Ellis: Executive Producer of Educators and Technology Summit
2:40 – 3:15 PM | Optional Networking & Team Collaboration
___________________________________________
Contact Information
Pat JordanFounder, Educators and Technology SummitKansas City, MissouriEmail: [email protected]: 816.645.1052
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Continental Breakfast
Info: •Attendee check-in
•Coffee & light breakfast
•Networking
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Info: Pat Jordan & Tammy Buckner
•Proclamation of Partnership Between iSTEAMKC and WeCode KC
•Summit Purpose
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
9:15 – 10:00 AM | Opening Fireside Chat | (Main Room)
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Transition & Reflection
Info: Tammy Buckner: Tackling Technology: Why is an Educators’ Summit Necessary?
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:20 AM
10:10 – 10:20 AM | Break
🕑: 10:25 AM
Educator-Centered Panel (Main Room)
Info: Tammy Buckner & Panel
Theme: From Classroom to Career: Preparing Students for the Digital Media World
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Morning Breakout Workshops
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Networking Lunch & Luncheon Keynote
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Afternoon Breakout Workshops
🕑: 02:15 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Educator Pathways & Partnerships Session
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:45 PM
Closing Remarks & Call to Action
🕑: 03:45 PM
Final Thanks & Adjourn
Event venue & nearby stays
Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, United States
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