I’m Finally Going to ISTE Live — And I’ve Been Waiting a Long Time for This

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I’m passionate about technology in education. As a former classroom teacher and tech educator, I’ve spent years watching the ISTE conference from afar, following the hashtag, living vicariously through colleagues’ recaps. This year? I’m finally going. ISTE Orlando 2026 — consider this bucket list item officially checked. I can’t wait to experience the next 4 days of edtech learning, strategy, and inspiration!

And here’s a little fun fact that makes attending the ISTE conference extra meaningful for me: ISTE and I actually go back further than you might think. Back in 2012, my students and I entered ISTE’s Passion-Based Learning Contest. Our lesson and video weren’t selected as the contest winner — but they were chosen as a favorite and featured in ISTE’s official Passion-Based Learning Contest Videos and Lesson Plans publication — read more on the educator behind the blog. For a tech teacher who had just built her school’s first technology program from the ground up, that recognition meant everything. It told me we were doing something right. It told me that when you give kids real problems to solve and real tools to work with, something remarkable happens. That moment has stayed with me ever since — and walking into ISTE this year feels like a full-circle moment.

Also, we’re in Orlando, and Tuesday is Character Day at the conference. If you know me, you know how much I love all things Disney! I’ll be decked out in my favorite Disney gear, ready to show my Disney side alongside everyone else. If you spot someone repping the mouse ears with a little extra educator energy, that’s probably me. Say hi!

What I’m Looking For at ISTE 2026

When I walk those expo floors and slip into session rooms, here’s what’s going to be on my radar:

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New ways to spark curiosity and creativity in students. This is the heart of everything I do — whether it’s in a classroom, a STEAM camp, or at a kitchen table with my own kids. I’m looking for fresh frameworks, unexpected tools, and session takeaways that remind me why hands-on, student-centered learning is a non-negotiable.

AI in education — done ethically and intentionally

I’m not here for the hype or the fear. I’m interested in seeing what responsible, thoughtful AI integration actually looks like in practice. On Tuesday, I’m starting my morning early with “45 Minutes Inside a CodeAI Classroom” — an interactive session that puts AI-powered learning front and center. If you want to know what AI looks like inside a real classroom, I have a feeling this one is going to set the tone. From what I can already see on the schedule, CodeAI, Canva, and Apple Education are all hosting sessions and activities — and I cannot wait to dig in.

I’m on the hunt for tools that turn students into creators—not just consumers. The ones that light kids up. The ones that make learning feel like an adventure. I’m searching for fresh new digital tools that make learning exciting. I’m especially excited to explore the future of learning at the ISTE Expo this year!

The Tuesday Mainstage at ISTE 2026

I’ll be in my seat early for this one. Mychal Threets — Resident Librarian for PBS and PBS Kids and host of Reading Rainbow — is taking the stage to talk about fostering student agency, amplifying student voice, and creating inclusive environments where every learner sees themselves in the story. As someone who has always believed that representation and student voice are the foundation of real learning, this one is going to hit differently. The theme is “Develop Expertise,” and I have a feeling I’ll be taking notes the entire time.

Connecting with other educators who get it. On Monday, I’m also catching “From Lab to Living Room: Partnering with Families to Spark STEAM Learning” — a Turbo Talk that feels written just for me. Partnering with families is the backbone of everything I do at Homeschool STEAM, so I’ll be all ears.

What I’ll Be Sharing With You From ISTE 2026

I’ll be documenting my experience here on NYCTechMommy.com and over on Instagram. Expect real-time session takeaways, product finds from the expo floor, honest reviews of the tools worth your time, Character Day outfit photos, and my genuine take on what the future of learning is starting to look like.

If you’re going to be at ISTE this year, I hope we get to connect!

This one’s been a long time coming. Let’s go!