TCEA 2025: Igniting Innovation in Education!

Written by: Kyleigh Kumm

Austin, Texas – a city known for its vibrant music scene, world-class barbecue, and cutting-edge tech innovation, was the perfect backdrop for TCEA 2025! The energy at the conference was nothing short of electrifying as educators, tech enthusiasts, and forward-thinkers gathered to explore the latest in educational technology, best practices, and groundbreaking innovations. The TCEA conference is relocating to San Antonio for the next few years as the conference center is rebuilt to hold the teacher volumes attending this annual conference in the Texas State Capitol. Mark January 31 – February 4, 2026 on your calendar to attend this action-packed conference with a schedule fit to meet all your education needs. From AI-powered learning tools to game-changing instructional strategies, this year’s conference left us inspired and ready to take on the future of education. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting highlights and sessions from TCEA 25!

AI: The Future is Now!

AI was the talk of the town, with sessions like “AI in Action: Why, What, and How”, which explored practical ways for educators to integrate AI into their classrooms, and “From Zero to Chatbot Hero”, a step-by-step guide for teachers looking to implement chatbots to enhance student engagement and automate administrative tasks. Teachers also discussed the importance of AI literacy in “Bigger Fish to Fry: AI’s Role in Education”, where experts highlighted how AI can personalize learning experiences while ensuring ethical and responsible usage in the classroom. Some of the most popular sessions highlighted the following AI tools: Brisk, Canva, Curipod, Driffit, Elicit, and Magic School AI.

Notebook LM was one of the most popular tools highlighted throughout the conference. I created a podcast to show the power of the podcast feature this AI tool has. Notebook LM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant designed to help users organize, analyze, and generate insights from their notes and documents. To use Notebook LM, users can upload their documents, such as research papers, PDFs, or personal notes, and the AI will summarize key points, answer questions, and generate structured content based on the information provided. This tool is particularly beneficial for students, researchers, and professionals as it streamlines the process of gathering and synthesizing information, saving time and improving productivity. Additionally, Notebook LM enhances comprehension by identifying key themes and patterns within large amounts of text, making it easier to extract relevant information and generate well-structured reports, summaries, or creative content.

Tech-Powered Accessibility for All

Equity and accessibility took center stage with incredible presentations on making learning inclusive for every student. “The Inclusive Classroom: Creating Accessibility for ALL Students” introduced adaptive technologies and tools that make learning materials accessible for students with disabilities, including speech-to-text applications and screen readers. “Pushing Past Boundaries: AI and the Accessible Future” showcased how AI-driven solutions can support neurodiverse learners, helping them navigate complex educational tasks with greater independence. Sessions also demonstrated how platforms like Book Creator and immersive game-based learning can make a significant impact on student engagement and comprehension. We have multiple rooms dedicated to AI in education over our two-day conference. Do you have specific needs for AI in your school or classroom? Find a session that will assist in growth for your district at NETA 2025.

Game On! The Rise of eSports in Schools

The buzz around eSports was undeniable! Sessions like “Establish and Sustain a Thriving eSports Program” provided a roadmap for educators to set up competitive gaming teams in schools, covering essential topics such as funding, equipment needs, and student engagement. In “Leveraging Game-Based Learning to Support Special Needs”, educators explored how video games can be used as an interactive learning tool to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students with special needs. The rise of eSports in education is not just about competition—it’s about fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and career pathways in digital fields. Did you know that we host an eSports competition at NETA? Add this to your session agenda on Sched.

Creativity Unleashed: Canva, Adobe, & More!

Design and creativity played a major role at this year’s TCEA, with hands-on workshops like “Keepin’ It Reel with Canva”, where teachers learned how to use Canva’s new video editing features to create engaging classroom content. “AI Art in the Classroom” explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity, showing educators how AI-powered tools can be used to enhance student projects in art and design courses. Adobe and Microsoft sessions focused on empowering educators with digital storytelling tools that allow students to express their ideas in innovative ways.

Cybersecurity & Digital Leadership

As schools continue their digital transformation, cybersecurity remains a top priority. “Cyber Resilience for Schools: Simulating and Stopping Ransomware” provided educators with strategies to protect their school networks from cyber threats, including real-world case studies on mitigating ransomware attacks. “AI to Assist in Cybersecurity” delved into how artificial intelligence is being used to identify vulnerabilities in school systems and prevent data breaches. Meanwhile, “Empowering Campus Leaders with ChatGPT” focused on how AI-driven chatbots can support school administrators in streamlining communication, managing workflows, and providing instant access to critical information.

The Takeaway: Innovation with Purpose

TCEA 2025 wasn’t just about the latest gadgets and tech trends—it was about innovation with purpose. Educators left with not just new tools, but new mindsets on how to create engaging, equitable, and future-ready learning environments. Whether it’s integrating AI, launching an eSports league, or leveraging Canva for student creativity, one thing is clear: the future of education is bold, dynamic, and full of possibilities! Leslie Fisher’s sessions were highly attended and this year we are bringing her to NETA 2025 to help explore the vendor hall! Look for these innovative experiences and many more on our socials over the next couple of months! 

Many of these great tools are included in NETA 2025’s lineup for its sessions throughout the conference agenda. We hope to share some great content from educators in Nebraska that aligns with some of these valuable topics!