NewSchools Summit is an essential gathering for changemakers seeking fresh perspectives and solutions for a dynamic time in education. Join us for networking, learning, and conversations with inspiring leaders and innovators working to reimagine K-12 education.
Schedule Overview
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm PT
Welcome Reception
Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 8:00am – 8:30pm PT
Mainstage Plenaries, Interactive Breakout Sessions, Open Networking
Full Schedule
Wednesday, May 15
6:00pm - 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom
Welcome from Frances Messano (CEO, NewSchools)
Performance by Chavalos de Aqui y All
Open Networking
Thursday, May 16
8:00am - 9:00am | Breakfast
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom
Open Networking
9:00am - 10:15am | Mainstage General Session
Location: Continental Ballroom 4 – 6
- Welcome hype session with Justis Lopez
- Opening remarks with Frances Messano (CEO, NewSchools)
- Session: “Education Fuels Progress: Reigniting Belief” with Frances Messano (CEO, NewSchools)
How can we forge ahead and deepen our impact in education during an uncertain and dynamic time? Our opening plenary features a group of visionary leaders who will share how they’ve grown and scaled their innovations despite challenges. Discover why there’s every reason to be optimistic and how, united by a vision to build a stronger, more inclusive system, we can continue to drive meaningful change.
10:15am - 10:30am | Break
Location: East Lounge
10:30am - 11:15am | Breakout Sessions
"The New American High School: Supporting Students to Meet the Future"
Location: Continental Ballroom 1 – 2
Speakers: Kayon Pryce, Moderator (Brooklyn STEAM), Michelle Rainey (Da Vinci Schools), Kimberly Neal-Brannum (BELIEVE Schools), Monica White (Elevate Academy Network)
Session: Imagine schools where every student gets to pursue what they love, from taking college-level classes to exploring careers and even earning while learning. We’ll show you high schools that are reimagining student engagement and supporting young people to realize their college and career dreams.
"Turning Research into Reading Success"
Location: Continental Ballroom 3
Speakers: Alejandro Gibes de Gac (Paloma Learning), Kareem Weaver (FULCRUM), Rebecca Kockler (Reading Reimagined, AERDF)
Location: Continental Ballroom 3
Session: Integrating the science of reading in classrooms across the country can supercharge student success. Come hear from innovators who have cracked the code by merging cutting-edge research with new tools that transform how students learn to read.
"From AI Hype to Hope: Student Visions for the Future of Learning"
Speakers: Coming soon
Location: Continental Ballroom 8 – 9
Generative AI is generating a lot of buzz for its potential to narrow educational gaps, promising to make learning accessible to anyone with a device and internet connection. Yet there is critical work to be done to ensure that all students actually benefit from AI. This session will explore how students are taking the lead to redefine and influence AI’s role in their schools, colleges, and future workplaces.
11:30am - 1:00pm | Lunch + Innovation Exchange
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom
Open Networking
Innovation Exchange: Get to know the leaders behind some of the most exciting education innovations and see firsthand how their proven models and solutions are reimagining learning for students. It’s an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge approaches, from unique school models to powerful uses of AI. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, interested in exploring partnerships, or simply curious about the future of learning, join us.
1:00pm - 2:00pm | Breakout Sessions
"Designing Schools for Success: New Insights from the NewSchools Portfolio"
Location: Continental Ballroom 1 – 2
Speakers: Moderator Mia Howard (NewSchools), Jason Atwood (NewSchools), Kristle Hodges Johnson (University High School), Amy Kiyota (Impact Public Schools)
Session: Innovative schools in our national portfolio are rebounding more quickly from pandemic disruptions than similar schools. Gain insights into the practices that drive positive student outcomes and hear about the key design choices that underpin successful models.
"Beyond Lip Service: Realizing True Inclusion in Schools"
Location: Continental Ballroom 3
Speakers: Lauren Morando Rhim (The Center for Learner Equity), Antoinette Banks (Expert IEP), Neema Desai (All Means All), Nora McGann (Collegiate Academies)
Session: We have made real strides to better serve students with learning differences. Now it’s time to go further in creating truly inclusive classrooms. Join us to hear from leaders, teachers, and parents who have learned what it takes to model and champion asset-based mindsets, create communities of belonging, and implement effective strategies that benefit all learners.
"The Disagreement with Alex Grodd: Math Wars"
Note: Live podcast recording
Location: Continental Ballroom 8-9
Speakers: Moderator Alex Grodd (The Disagreement)
Session: The current state of math education in the U.S., with its low international ranking and glaring inequities, demands urgent attention. The showdown between more traditional methods and innovative, inquiry-based approaches touches on crucial issues of engagement, understanding, and equity. Join us for a riveting live debate moderated by Alex Grodd, host of “The Disagreement” podcast, as two leading voices clash on the best path forward.
2:00pm - 2:15pm | Break
Location: East Lounge
2:15pm - 3:15pm | Breakout Sessions
"Countering the Equity Backlash: Stories of Hope and Resilience"
Location: Continental Ballroom 1 – 2
Speakers: Moderator Heather Harding (COSF), Beth Sondel (The Civics Center), and Jory Woods (COSF)
Session: Hear frontline stories from courageous individuals pushing back against political agendas that undermine educational progress. Our panelists will share resources and tools that have empowered them — and can empower you too — in championing fairness, inclusivity, and truth in schools.
"It Can Be Done: How Mesa Public Schools is Reimagining Teaching and Learning"
Location: Continental Ballroom 3
Speakers: Moderators Lisa Maresso Wyatt and Lennon Audrain (ASU Next Education Workforce), Greg Mendez, Shelby Maday, and Ashlyn Brooks (Mesa Public Schools)
Session: Can we redefine the role of educators for greater impact and implement new models at scale? Join us to learn how Mesa Public Schools, Arizona’s largest district, is successfully implementing a team-based staffing model that not only makes teaching more sustainable but also more effective.
"AI Playground: Build Your Own AI Solutions with PlayLab"
Location: Continental Ballroom 8-9
Speakers: Yusuf Ahmad (PlayLab), Jabali Sawicki (nXu), Keno Omu (Kibo School)
Session: Don’t miss this interactive session to learn how to make AI work for you using PlayLab. You’ll experiment with the possibilities, risks, and opportunities of generative AI as you build your own AI-powered tools and discover how they can turbocharge teaching, learning, and operations.
3:30pm - 5:00pm | Mainstage General Session
- Hype session
- Session: “Finding Common Ground in an Era of Polarization“ with David Simas (Emerson Collective)
David Simas will help us make sense of the growing polarization across our country, including in school boards and classrooms. He addresses the critical question: Rather than defining ourselves in opposition to others, how can we find common ground based on our shared values to offer a brighter future for our youth? Join us to consider how we might cultivate a more unified, engaged, and empathetic citizenry. - Closing remarks with Frances Messano (CEO, NewSchools)
5:00pm - 6:00pm | Open Networking + Innovation Exchange
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom
Open Networking
Innovation Exchange: Get to know the leaders behind some of the most exciting education innovations and see firsthand how their proven models and solutions are reimagining learning for students. It’s an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge approaches, from unique school models to powerful uses of AI. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, interested in exploring partnerships, or simply curious about the future of learning, join us.
5:00pm - 7:00pm | Closing Reception
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom
Speakers
PlayLab
NewSchools
Arizona State University & Mesa Public Schools
Expert IEP
Skyline High School, Mesa Public Schools
All Means All
Springboard Collaborative & Paloma
Campaign for Our Shared Future
University of Memphis / University High School
NewSchools
Impact Public Schools
Reading Reimagined (AERDF)
JustExperience
Mesa Public Schools
Skyline High School, Mesa Public Schools
NewSchools
Center for Learner Equity
BELIEVE Schools
Kibo School
NYC Public Schools - The Brooklyn STEAM Center
Da Vinci Schools
nXu
Emerson Collective
The Civics Center
FULCRUM
Elevate Academy Network of Schools
Campaign for Our Shared Future
Next Education Workforce, ASU
Logistics
Registration Support
Email: [email protected]
Local: 415-446-7736 | Toll-Free: 800-719-3416 | Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT
Hotel & Venue
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
333 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
We have secured a room block at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, where the event will take place. If you would like to book a room at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square at the discounted group rate, please indicate “Yes” via the Registration website.
Hotel confirmation will be included in an event logistics email sent to all registered attendees at the end of April.
Transportation
Ground Transportation: The Hilton San Francisco Union Square does not offer an airport shuttle service. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 13 miles from the Hilton and rideshare fare is approximately $40. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 18 miles from the Hilton and rideshare fare is approximately $50.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is available from both airports. The one-way fee is $10.55 from San Francisco International Airport and $12.00 from Oakland International Airport. The Hilton San Francisco Union Square is located closest to the Powell Street BART station.
Driving directions and additional transportation information can be found here.
Parking
- On-site parking: $74.10 daily
- Mason O’Farrell Garage: $45 daily – (open 24/7) at 325 Mason Street | 0.1 mile walk to hotel
- SFMTA Union Square Garage: $44 daily – (open 24/7) at 333 Post Street | 0.3 mile walk to hotel
- SFMTA Ellis O’Farrell Garage: $44 daily – (6am-10pm) at 123 O’Farrell Street | 0.3 mile walk to hotel
Attire & Weather
Business casual is appropriate for all Summit functions. Please remember to wear your badge for all Summit activities. In May, average temperatures in the area range from low 50’s to high 60’s.
Photography Policy
By registering for NewSchools Summit please be aware that NewSchools Venture Fund (NewSchools) intends to photograph, audio record, and/or visually record some of the event and other activities. NewSchools may make use of such photographs and recording for purposes including creating, distributing, and transmitting copies of them, and/or promotional or advertising uses, without restriction of media.
If you do not wish to be photographed, audio recorded, and/or audio visually recorded, please feel free to excuse yourself from any potential photographs and recordings during the event.
COVID-19 Policy
NewSchools takes COVID safety seriously. Attendees agree to self-administer a COVID Rapid test within 24 hours of the event, and to forgo attendance of the event if the attendee has tested positive or is feeling unwell.