May 15 – 16     |     San Francisco     |     Hilton Union Square

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

Location: Golden Gate Ballroom

Welcome from Frances Messano (CEO, NewSchools)
Performance by Chavalos de Aqui y All
Open Networking

Thursday, May 16

Location: Golden Gate Ballroom

Open Networking

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.

Location: East Lounge

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Location: East Lounge

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. 

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. 

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.

  • 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)

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. 

Location: Golden Gate Ballroom

Speakers

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 


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.