Get ready to spice up your ISTE experience! I’m serving up a buffet with a sold-out food tour, sessions, podcasting, and a hyperfocus on student voice. Let’s turn up the heat!
If you thought the summer heat was intense, just wait until you see the absolute feast of ideas I’m cooking up at ISTE this year! I’m touching down in person, and my schedule is officially packed tighter than a perfectly mashed bowl of mofongo. From traditional sessions and a lively panel supershares to in-booth deep dives, book signings, and live podcasting, I am serving up a whole buffet of EdTech goodness. This year, my main ingredient is student voice. Why? Because if we aren’t shifting the spotlight from the teaching to the actual learning experience, we’re completely missing the flavor. It’s going to be a beautifully chaotic, high-energy week (including a fully sold-out EdTech Bites Food Adventure Bus Tour w/ Robolink and TWT Audio!), so get ready to turn up the heat, bring your appetite for innovation, and let’s jerk chicken-scratch our way to some unforgettable learning. Buen provecho!
If your’e not sure where to eat while at ISTE, check out my blog post highlighting some of my personal favorites whenever I’m in Orlando.
Sunday June 28th
Digital Storytelling Playground | 12:oopm-2:00pm
Come play and explore multiple formats/genres of digital storytelling and tools that make magic happen. Interact with cross-curricular activities that inspire creativity, complex thinking, and guide students to discover that stories can be found everywhere. Foster the power of story and lead students though meaningful, purposeful storytelling projects!
Monday June 29th
AI And EdTech Power Hour: Turbocharged Tools For Every Subject and Grade | 9:00am-10:00am W311CD
This is an awesome session I’m presenting with Vicki Davis, Eric Curts, Jaime Donally, Rachelle Dené Poth, and Victoria Thompson.
Discover transformative AI and Edtech tools across subjects and grade levels in this fast-paced, interactive panel. Led by educators known for sharing, we’ll spotlight practical applications and innovative pedagogies to engage all learners. Leave with a toolkit of resources to energize your classroom and enhance student outcomes.
Come get an autographed copy of my book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom” at the Meet The Author Experience booth in the Expo Hall. I’ll be there with some other authors from the X-Factor EDU team spreading the word about our writing experience and how our books can help meet your needs.
Get Your Students Podcasting Easily With WeVideo | 11:30am -12:00pm WeVideo Booth #2738
Come get an autographed copy of my book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom” at the Meet The Author Experience booth in the Expo Hall. I’ll be there with some other authors from the X-Factor EDU team spreading the word about our writing experience and how our books can help meet your needs.
I’ve partnered with TWT Audio to podcast and highlight educator voices at ISTE on Monday, June 29th. I’ll be recording conversations with leaders, presenters, attendees, and change-makers at the booth. These episodes will be released monthly throughout the remainder of the year so make sure you’re subscribed.
Tuesday June 30th
X-Factor Author Book Signing | 10:30am-11:30am Follett Booth #2848
I’ll be with my X-Factor EDU crew giving out autographed copies of our books. There are books for coaches, leadership, teachers… basically anyone in education. Make sure you stop by, get an autographed copy of a book of your choice, take some pics, and smile along with us at the Follett booth.
Snorkl Your Way To Smarter Student Insights | 11:00am-11:30am Snorkl Booth #2925
Discover how Snorkl transforms student feedback into actionable insights. This session will explore how AI-powered feedback enhances engagement, supports personalized learning, and streamlines teacher workflows. Walk away with practical strategies to implement Snorkl in your classroom for deeper student understanding and improved outcomes.
Less Teacher Talk, More Student Learning: Micropodcasting| 1:00pm-2:00pm W109B
In this hands-on session, participants will create and experience three classroom-ready micropodcasting projects that promote creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Attendees will record, edit, and publish short audio pieces using simple tools and discover how micropodcasting enhances engagement, collaboration, and authentic student voice in any learning environment.
Podcasting At WeVideo Booth | 3:00pm -4:30pm WeVideo Booth #2738
I’ve partnered with WeVideo to podcast and highlight educator voices at ISTE on Tuesday, June 30th. I’ll be recording conversations with leaders, presenters, attendees, and change-makers at the booth. These episodes will be released monthly throughout the remainder of the year so make sure you’re subscribed.
While you’re attending ISTE in Orlando, don’t forget to feed your stomach as much as you’re feeding your brain. Check out my favorite spots in Orlando. Buen provecho!
The Orange County Conference Center is not in a foodie district so an Uber or Rental Car is a must! Go halfsies with a friend and wear your stretchie pants!
Orlando is a foodie city with a variety of cultures and flavors. If you’re headed to ISTE 2026, You’re going to want to check out this list of restaurants to visit when you’re not in a session. I’ve created a list and Google Map with some of my favorite places to eat in Orlando, Florida. This way, you know where to eat while attending ISTE from a certified foodie. You might not be able to check them all out during this trip but do yourself a favor and try your hardest to check as many of these off of your list as possible. And whatever you do, stay away from the chain restaurants while in the beautiful city of Orlando.
This place has the BEST pastries in town. My favorite is the quesito con guayaba which is a pastry filled with cream cheese and guava paste. Pair that with a good Columbian coffee and you’re set for a few hours! You also have to try their homemade Columbian hot chocolate. It might be out of the way, but it’s worth it!
I’ve had Philly steaks in Philadelphia and these are THE CLOSEST to those. They have a variety to choose from but my favorites are the classic and the buffalo chicken. Pair that with the tater tots and it’s a WRAP! Good food that sticks to the ribs.
This is good, clean food here. Their chicken skewers and spicy hummus are off the chain! Fresh ingredients are the key to their dishes. I usually order the Greek salad with a variety of hummus, pita bread, chicken, and top it off with the Baklava ice cream. Yes, I said it… Baklava ICE CREAM! Must try!
Classic Puerto Rican Food. My go-to dish is the shrimp Mofongo and Arroz con Gandules. It’s mashed up plantains topped with garlic shrimp, a side of Puerto Rican rice and pigeon peas. Trust me… if you visit Pal Campo, this dish is a must.
REALLY good Middle Eastern food with a very chill vibe. I order the Kofta Kabab. It’s a handmade kabab made with lamb, spices, vegetables, and flavor. I pair that with a side of vegetables and good naan after a day at FETC. I also cannot resist their homemade Baklava. It’s just too good to pass up.
This is just good, thin crust New York style pizza in Orlando, Florida. I went there a few years ago because I was hungry and this place isn’t too far from the convention center. I fell in love with it. They had a two cheese slice special that I just couldn’t pass up. Not only was it affordable, it was REALLY good. A must try when at FETC.
Authentic Haitian and Jamaican food in Orlando, Florida. Mardee’s is the newest restaurant on this list but their vibe is unbelievable. It’s a bit out of the way but worth the travel. Their oxtails are tender and their Haitian meat patties are super flaky.
This place is unreal. It is a Brazilian dessert spot and a perfect way to end EVERY ISTE evening. They sell their cakes by the pound and serve up some delicious coffee to wash them down. They even have sugar free options! Check this place out and leave your self-esteem at the door!
If you check any of these places out, please let me know which ones and what you ate. Don’t forget to share this post with a fellow ISTE attendee and remember, the best conversations happen when we break bread with great people. Buen provecho and see you in Orlando!
Chad Stevens unveils how ClassDojo is scaling district-wide—bringing free tools, better communication, and continuity from elementary to middle school for teachers, leaders, and families.
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.
What if your favorite classroom behavior tool scaled across an entire district—for free? In this episode, Chad Stevens, Head of Product at ClassDojo, reveals how the platform is evolving beyond K–5. Discover new features that boost district-wide communication, integrate seamlessly with student information systems, and help bridge the middle school gap. This conversation is packed with practical insights and future-ready strategies to engage students and families at scale.
Chad A. Stevens, Ph.D. has established a distinguished career in education technology, most recently serving as Head of K12 Engagement at ClassDojo. In 2024 he was inducted into the CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) Volunteer Hall of Fame. In 2023 Dr. Stevens was recognized as EdTech Chronicle’s Best C-Level Officer in Education/EdTech, and he was named a Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His strategies have left a significant mark on educational technology and students.
Tacos, tech, and unforgettable takeaways—see how ISTE & ASCD 2025 fueled my steps, sparked connections, and served up some seriously spicy edtech moments you won’t want to miss.
Before I dive into this recap of ISTE & ASCD 2025, I want to pause and acknowledge the devastating flooding that has impacted San Antonio and so many surrounding communities in Central Texas. As a local, it’s heartbreaking to see familiar places overwhelmed by rising waters and even more devastating to hear about the lives lost, including many children at summer camps along the Guadalupe River. My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and communities grieving unimaginable loss. While many traveled here for learning, celebration, and connection, I know others are currently navigating tragedy, cleanup, and recovery. If you’re reading this and unaware of what’s happening, I encourage you to take a moment to learn more, support where you can, and hold these communities in your thoughts. Texas is strong, but we could all use a little more compassion and care right now.
🙏🏼
Leadership Exchange: Kicking Off with Purpose
There’s something powerful about starting a conference not behind a booth, but at the front of a conversation. I had the honor of moderating a panel at the ISTE Leadership Exchange, and let me tell you—it wasn’t your typical sit-and-soak discussion. With panelists like Dr. Regina A. Etter, Dr. Adam Phyall, Collin Mattingly, and Samantha Shinsky, we dove into a topic that’s been weighing heavy on school leaders: how we address absenteeism through purpose-driven learning, CTE, and student engagement.
As someone who works with schools and educators across the country, I see the disconnect students often feel when their learning doesn’t feel relevant. This panel reminded me that CTE isn’t just about careers—it’s about connection. We talked less about seat time and more about meaningful time, and the energy in the room made it clear: leaders are ready to shift the narrative.
The Amazing Dr. Regina Etter, Collin Mattingly, Adam Phyall, Samantha Shinsky, and Room Host Sandy Arteaga
Reflection: Kicking things off with this session set the tone for me. We weren’t just here for tech. We were here for transformation.
EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour: Where Tacos Meet Tech Talk
That evening, it was time to take off the badge lanyards and put on our stretchy pants. The EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour, sponsored by Class Companion, was not just a social event—it was an experience. I took 30 attendees to my favorite local food spots, starting with a group photo at the Alamo (because if you didn’t take a photo at the Alamo, did you even ISTE?).
We hit:
Mi Corazón Street Tacos – where the tacos are authentic and the salsas are spicy, just the way I like them. This wasn’t your typical, overpriced Tex-Mex food!
Bombay Bicycle Club – a spot that surprises people with its Scotch eggs, old-school burgers, classic comfort food, and the CLEANEST restrooms will find in San Antonio.
Paletería San Antonio – because no night in San Antonio is complete without paletas and chamoy.
I created this tour because I know conferences can be overwhelming and, frankly, impersonal. I wanted to offer something local, something with heart. We had incredible conversations between bites—tech directors connecting with classroom teachers, coaches brainstorming new ideas—all while walking under the San Antonio skyline.
Reflection: I realized that when you pair tacos with tech talk, people let their guard down and real relationships form. That’s the kind of PD you don’t forget.
The Sprint Between Podcast and Panel: Keeping It Real
The next day was a whirlwind. I recorded a live episode of the Smile Factor Podcast with Matthew X. Joseph and Jaime Donally (Laurie Guyon was presenting elsewhere), and minutes later, Jaime and I had to sprint to make it to our next event: the EdTech & AI Power Hour panel moderated by Vicki Davis.
This panel was STACKED with legends: Rachelle Dene Poth, Eric Curts, Victoria Thompson, Mike Tholfsen, Alice Keeler, and my sprinting partner Jaime Donally. Despite the rush, the conversation was rich. We talked about meaningful ways to integrate AI into everyday instruction—not as a replacement for teachers, but as a partner in planning, feedback, and engagement. Check out our EdTech and AI Powerhour Slidedeck and what we cooked up for this amazing panel presentation.
Reflection: There was a moment during this panel when I looked out at the audience and saw the nods, the note-taking, the “aha” expressions. That’s when I knew: this wasn’t hype. Educators are ready for the next level of AI integration. They just need the right community and guidance.
THEE Panelist and Moderator Vicki “Cool Cat Teacher” Davis
Podcast Marathon at the ClassDojo Booth
Shoutout to ClassDojo for Districts for turning their booth into my temporary recording studio. I set up shop and recorded seven podcast episodes back-to-back. It was intense, but so worth it. Each guest brought something different to the table:
Chad Stevens – walked us through how ClassDojo for Districts is scaling up for districts.
Kristen Brooks – shared incredible ways AI is transforming student learning experiences.
Becky Keene – talked about her new book AI Optimism and why mindset matters.
Miranda Kechum – gave a real-world view into districtwide Dojo implementation.
Jennifer Casa-Todd – spoke passionately about amplifying student voice.
Steve Sherman – brought a global lens from South Africa on edtech and equity.
Brett Salakas – gave insight on AI adoption in Australia, its implications, and how Frankenstein and AI are related.
Reflection: Recording live at ISTE reminded me how valuable these face-to-face conversations are. There’s something special about capturing educator stories in real time, with conference energy buzzing all around. This is why I DO NOT do remote interviews. Nothing beats the in-person energy!
Signed Books & Selfies: The ClassLink Author Experience 📚✨
One of the most memorable moments of ISTE 2025 for me—as both an educator and an author—was being part of the ClassLink-sponsored book giveaway featuring authors from the X-Factor EDU publishing family. ClassLink went above and beyond by putting our books directly into the hands of educators who were eager to grow, reflect, and implement new ideas.
My book, Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom, was gifted alongside several other incredible titles, and we—yes, the authors ourselves—were there in person to sign copies, chat with readers, and take pics with the folks who received them. It wasn’t just a “grab and go” book drop. It was an experience.
Seeing educators light up when they realized they were getting a signed copy from the author was something special. We weren’t just handing out books—we were building bridges between ideas and implementation, and creating moments that truly stuck.
It was also a great chance to connect with fellow X-Factor EDU authors who are pushing boundaries in their own corners of education. The conversations, the laughs, the shared mission—it reminded me that we’re all writing different chapters of the same story: one where learning is memorable, meaningful, and maybe even a little delicious.
Reflection: Giving someone a book is great. But giving them your story—face-to-face, signed with a message, and backed by a community—that’s something they carry home long after the conference ends.
L to R: Carl Hooker, Matt Joseph, Aimee Bloom, Myself, Laurie Guyon, Jeff Bradbury, Destiny Wagner, and Kristofer Thurston…AKA The X-Factor EDU Author Team (There’s More, They Just Didn’t Attend ISTE This Year)
Let’s Talk Tea: HTeaO + Mojo
ClassDojo and I weren’t done yet. We teamed up again for two big social events, starting with a hydration celebration at the HTeaO Iced Tea Giveaway. They rolled up with their mobile truck and served over 800 attendees. Mojo (ClassDojo’s lovable green mascot) even made an appearance.
Reflection: It might seem like a simple refreshment booth, but the line became a networking hub. Everyone’s more open when they’ve got a cold tea in hand and the sun’s beating down on the River Walk.
The ClassDojo Team, The Lemonade Mediaworks Team, and Myself At The HTeaO TruckMojo and Chad Stevens Cooling Down With Some Tea From HTeaO
EdTech Bites Lotería Night: A Cultural Remix
The second event was truly one of my proudest conference moments: EdTech Bites Lotería Night sponsored by… you guessed it… ClassDojo for Districts! I designed a custom educational version of Lotería and hosted the event at Texas Sugar Daddies, located on the Blessed Sacrament Academy campus. The venue felt authentic—a school campus filled with educators, food, and laughter.
We served:
Authentic tacos, rice, and beans
Texas Sugar Daddies’ famous desserts
Prizes like Amazon and Dunkin’ gift cards, ClassDojo swag, and a QBall Pro courtesy of PEEQ
Plus, we had a selfie booth to commemorate the night. Everyone walked away with something—if not a prize, then a memory.
Reflection: This was more than a game night. It was a culturally-rooted way to bring educators together, laugh, connect, and unwind. It reminded me that when we bring our full selves—our culture, humor, and creativity—into these spaces, we create real magic.
Just A Taste Of The Photos From The Photo Booth At Lotería Night
Booth Demos That Sparked Real Conversation
In between everything else, I made time to do live demos at two booths:
ScreenPal – where I showed how easy it is to get students podcasting in minutes.
Snorkl – where we explored how AI-powered feedback can drive deeper classroom conversations.
Reflection: Demos aren’t about selling tools—they’re about solving pain points. When you show teachers how to save time and boost engagement, they lean in.
Me and My New Friend Banghyn From South Korea
Final Thoughts: What These Four Days Taught Me
I walked over 78,090 steps, but more importantly, I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. Conferences like ISTE and ASCD aren’t just about tech—they’re about community, creativity, and finding new ways to re-engage ourselves and our students.
If you’re an educator, you should absolutely mark your calendar for next year. If you’re an edtech company, let’s talk about how we can bring more authentic, joyful, and meaningful experiences to educators around the country.
Reflection: The tools are cool. The tacos are better. But the people—that’s what keeps me coming back.
Want more stories like this? Subscribe to my bi-weekly EdTech Bites Newsletter for practical ideas, podcast episodes, upcoming social events, and just the right amount of salsa.
And if you’re ready to sponsor a future food tour, podcast series, or interactive event… my inbox is open. Let’s cook up something unforgettable.Buen Provecho!
Join me at ISTE 2025 for tacos, tech, tea, and talk! Check out my full schedule of sessions, socials, and where you can catch me live in San Antonio.
Get your walking shoes, tea tumblers, and bingo cards ready—because ISTE 2025 in San Antonio is about to be muy caliente, and I’ve got a full plate (of events… and probably tacos). Whether you’re an edtech enthusiast, AI newbie, or just here for the snacks, there’s something for everyone on my ISTE schedule this year. Let’s break it down:
🗓️ June 29: Sunday Funday With a Side of Leadership and Salsa
📍ISTE Leadership Exchange| Purposeful Learning: Tackling Absenteeism Through CTE: 9:50am-10:40am and again from 10:50-11:40am Kicking things off with the big brains of education. If you’re into strategic plans, leadership impact, and the occasional inspirational quote, come find me here. I’ll be moderating a panel session with some awesome thought leaders and problem solvers.
⚡ AI and EdTech Power Hour| 10:00am-11:00am No fluff. Just straight-up tips and tools for how to integrate AI without losing your human touch. Think of it like espresso shots for your edtech brain w/ Myself, Jaime Donally, Alice Keeler, Rachelle Dené Poth, Mike Tholfsen, Victoria Thompson, myself, and moderated by Vicki “Cool Cat” Davis.
📚 Meet The Author Book Giveaway w/ Classlink| 11:00am-12:00pm Want a signed copy of Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom? Come say hi, grab a book, meet the X-Factor EDU author team, and let’s chat about making learning tasty.
📺 Presentation at ScreenPal Booth #3231| 12:30pm-1:00pm Catch me live sharing how ScreenPal can transform student and teacher podcasting workflow. Swing by for ideas, inspo, and probably some awkward teacher jokes.
🎙️ Podcasting at ClassDojo for Districts Booth #2526| 1:30pm-3:30pm Pull up a mic! I’ll be recording episodes live—come listen in, share your story, or just enjoy the vibes and techy energy.
🗓️ July 1: Tea Time, Tacos, and Lotería
🧊 HTeaO Iced Tea Giveaway w/ ClassDojo for Districts | 10:00am-2:00pm It’s hot! Cool down with FREE iced tea from the HTeaO tea truck. Register using the link above or stop by and register at the ClassDojo booth (#2526).
🎙️ More Podcasting at ClassDojo For Districts Booth #2526 New day, same mic! Let’s record, chat, and sip some tea—figuratively and literally.
🎉 EdTech Bites Lotería Night Social w/ ClassDojo for Districts(Invite Only)| 6:00pm-9:00pm The ULTIMATE ISTE social event. Think Mexican bingo meets edtech game night. Prizes, dinner, drinks, laughs, and a chance to decompress after a long day at ISTE. Spots will fill faster than a PD session with donuts.
🗓️ July 2: Finish Strong With Snorkl
🤿 Presentation at Snorkl Booth #1137| 10:00am-10:30am We’re closing out ISTE by diving deep into student feedback with Snorkl. It’s time to level up how we listen to and support our students with feedback. Stop by and let’s Snorkl up some student insights!
🎉 Let’s Connect IRL
Whether you’re there for professional growth, free swag, or just really good tacos, I’d love to meet you in San Antonio. Follow me on Instagram, X/Twitter, BlueSky, Facebook, or LinkedIn for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and the occasional food pic.
Let’s make this ISTE and ASCD conference unforgettable—with tech, tacos, tea, and lots of talk.
Only 30 spots! Join us for tacos, burgers, paletas, and great conversation during The EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour of downtown San Antonio at ISTE 2025—sponsored by Class Companion!
Ready to spice up your ISTE 2025 experience—literally? 🌶️
I’m thrilled to announce the Official EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour Of Downtown San Antonio, sponsored by my friends at Class Companion! I can’t think of a better way to kick off ISTE 2025. We’re talking tacos that’ll make you tear up (happy tears), juicy burgers that’ll ruin all other burgers for you forever, and authentic Mexican paletas that could cool off even the hottest AI debate.
Here’s the Deal:
🗓️ When: Sunday evening, June 29, 2025 from 7:00pm-9:00pm CT
📍Where: Beautiful downtown San Antonio—walking distance from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
🍴What’s on the Menu:
Stop 1:Mi Corazon Street Tacos: Authentic Mexican tacos (not that Tex-Mex crap) that’ll transport you straight to abuela’s kitchen
Stop 2:Bombay Bicycle Club: Some of San Antonio’s best burgers (seriously, wear your Thanksgiving pants)
Stop 3:Paletería San Antonio: A sweet ending with hand-crafted, colorful paletas—aka gourmet Mexican popsicles
🎟️ How Much: $5, but spots are limited to just 30 educators
This isn’t just about food (okay, it’s mostly about food). It’s about connecting with fellow educators before the conference chaos begins. Picture this: you, a taco in hand, swapping classroom wins and tech fails with new friends under the San Antonio skyline. It’s like networking, but tastier.
Why Should You Fill Out the Interest Form?
30 spots. That’s it. Once it’s full, it’s full—and no, we can’t smuggle anyone in via tortilla.
Kick off ISTE with community. This is your chance to meet other educators before the crowds hit.
Sponsored by Class Companion. Yes, that means surprises, swag, and some seriously cool educator tools (we’re not just here for the tacos… kind of).
Get your steps in. Let’s be real—you’re going to eat a lot at ISTE. Might as well walk off the food. It will cancel the calories, right?!
Click the image below to fill out the interest form before it’s gone!
*Filling out the Interest Form does not guarantee your spot. You will be emailed later this week letting you know if you’re in or not. Don’t worry, if you don’t get in, you’ll still receive some Class Companion swag!*
Don’t wait—these Walking Food Tours always fill up faster than you can say “extra guac.” Join us, bring your appetite, and let’s kick off ISTE 2025 with flavor, fun, and foodie-fueled friendships.
See you on the streets (and by streets, I mean near the good tacos).
In this special episode of EdTech Bites, I sit down with Stella Pollard to discuss #NotAtISTE18, the 1 year anniversary of the podcast, as well as some Kentucky eats. Stella is a 7th grade math and science teacher in Kentucky , she is an avid listener and promoter of the podcast, and is the first to write a review of EdTech Bites on iTunes/Apple Podcast. We dive into some of the hot topics at ISTE18. We discuss presentations, panels, as well as the expo floor. She also schools us on what is going on with the Kentucky education system. In addition to this, we also talk about Kentucky eats.
The good folks over at Nearpod have a nugget for the EdTech Bites listeners. If you would like 3 months of the Nearpod Gold experience, simply go to www.nearpod.com/redeem and use the promo code: NP-Gabriel to unlock the premium features you need in your edtech toolbox. Thank you, Nearpod!
Please subscribe to the podcast, tell a friend about it, and leave a review. Check out Stella’s website and follow her on Twitter. Buen Provecho!
