This session will give users a better understanding of reports available across platforms within the district. Presenters will go over various available report and explain how they can be used for data driven decisions.
In this session, we introduce a K-12 Digital Literacy Progression framework. Built around ten essential questions and rooted in the NC Digital Learning Standards, this curriculum integrates curated expert materials with high-quality, custom-designed resources. While the curriculum is meant to be delivered by certified school librarians, the framework is engineered to serve as the foundation for district-wide alignment, providing the instructional scaffolding all staff need to support digital literacy. Session Outcomes Strategic Leadership: Learn how librarians across the district are already engaged in digital literacy instruction and how you might provide necessary support to position your librarians as instructional leaders. Instructional Excellence: Explore curriculum maps and sample lessons that demonstrate rigorous, standards-based instruction infused with high-impact instructional strategies.
Director of Library Media Services, Digital Learning and Libraries
My WCPSS journey began in December 2008 when I started in the library at Holly Ridge Middle School. I opened the Holly Grove Middle School library in 2010 and have been part of the Library Media Services team since February 2015. I became the director in September 2019--just in time... Read More →
Director of Digital Content and Instruction, WCPSS
I serve on the Digital Learning and Libraries team for WCPSS and work with the Digital Learning Coordinators to support all staff on the selection and integration of digital resources to meet instructional needs. I am actively involved in our AI policy development and training, implementing... Read More →
Senior Administrator Library Media Services, WCPSS
As an educator for almost 25 years, Kristel has experience with the wee ones to adult learners. She started her career as an elementary music teacher and an opera singer. Life and learning led her to two other passions, literacy and technology, the perfect mix for a teacher- librarian... Read More →
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is a current leadership reality. This hands-on planning lab empowers school leaders to take a courageous stand on AI implementation. Using NotebookLM and district context documents, participants will collaborate to draft their own school-level AI "Expectations and Empowerment" guides. We will align our work with the Innovative Designer (DLS.ID.4) standard, balancing the "Compassion" of academic integrity with the "Courage" to embrace new technological frontiers. Attendees will leave with a tangible plan to lead their staff and students into a future where AI is used ethically and effectively. Devices are required for this session.
Senior Director of Digital Learning and Libraries, Wake County Public School System
As the Senior Director of Digital Learning and Libraries for the Wake County Public School System, Pam Batchelor is dedicated to preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. She leads strategic instructional initiatives across the district, with a current focus on using... Read More →
Director of Digital Content and Instruction, WCPSS
I serve on the Digital Learning and Libraries team for WCPSS and work with the Digital Learning Coordinators to support all staff on the selection and integration of digital resources to meet instructional needs. I am actively involved in our AI policy development and training, implementing... Read More →
I have been serving in the Wake County Public School System since 2003. I was a Language Arts teacher for ten years, an In-School Suspension Coordinator for two and a half years, and an Instructional Technology Facilitator for two and a half years. I have been on the front lines and... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Room 13
This session will be geared to learning techniques and tools for using Google Sheets and Excel to maximize operational efficiency in data organization and communication. Examples include Mail Merge, IMPORT, VLOOKUP, and other helpful tips that may help with some of the daily work of school administrators.
As digital landscapes shift, leaders must balance accessibility with ironclad security. This session introduces the new WakeID Portal and provides a deep dive into critical cybersecurity responsibilities, including KnowBe4 and Lightspeed updates. We will specifically address past challenges with Google "oversharing" by walking participants through best practices for file permissions. Attendees will learn how to audit their current shared files, manage search permissions, and lead their teams in distinguishing between data meant for collaboration and data that must remain protected.
This session focuses on the strategic use of digital tools to maximize HIIS that support Lever 2 (Engage Me!) We will explore how tools can facilitate Global Collaboration (DLS.GC.7) and active participation, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for engagement rather than a distraction. Join us to learn how to lead teachers in knowing when and how to utilize technology in building-wide instructional goals.
Digital Learning Coordinator, Digital Learning and Libraries
Wanda Hanley is an innovative educational leader with over two decades of experience in Wake County Public Schools, specializing in transforming classrooms through strategic digital integration. As a Digital Learning Coordinator, she partners with school leaders and educators to build... Read More →
Kurt Hurelbrink is a Digital Learning Coordinator for the Wake County Public School System. He has over 20 years of experience in education. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Leadership... Read More →
In the Wake County Public School System, nearly all data has a location component, but traditional spreadsheets often obscure the relationships between things like student outcomes or the ongoing operations of the District and their environments. The Office of Geospatial Analytics (OOGA) unlocks these insights by applying a geographic lens to support decision-making and improve educational outcomes.This session highlights OOGA’s impact across the district, from public tools like attendance area maps and assignment lookups to internal dashboards monitoring school crowding and facility utilization. Attendees will see how geospatial workflows are transforming operations, including AIG Local Norming and the Indoors Mapping initiative, which supports real-time management across 211+ sites. We will also introduce a centralized System of Record for school and facility data, ensuring trusted, shared information is consistently maintained and accessible. Participants will learn how to leverage this data to move from simply understanding what is happening to where it is happening, enabling better planning, equity, and resource allocation. Finally, we challenge leaders to adopt a geospatial mindset, viewing data as layered, interconnected, and location-driven to uncover patterns, anticipate growth, and create safer, more equitable learning environments.
The Office of Geospatial Analytics, part of the Facilities division, collects, maintains and provides geographic data for the district's administrators, educators, and families. Our mission is to enhance the educational experience and support decision-making processes by leveraging... Read More →
Compassionate leadership means ensuring that every digital resource—from classroom materials to district-wide communications—is an open door rather than a barrier. Moving beyond "check-the-box" compliance, this session dives into the heart of Lever 3 (See Me!) by prioritizing the dignity and inclusion of every individual we serve. Using WCAG-aligned resources, we will demonstrate practical ways to create accessible Google Docs, Slides, and multimedia. Whether you are a school-based or central services leader, fostering a culture of accessibility allows you to model what it means to be a Digital Citizen (DLS.DC.2) and ensures that "leading together" truly includes everyone.
Digital Learning Coordinator, Wake County Public Schools
Hi there! My name is Jessalyn Saunders and I have been an educator since 2009. After receiving my bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I spent 8 years as a middle school math/science teacher. In 2017, I earned my Master's of Arts in Educational Media-Instructional... Read More →
Kurt Hurelbrink is a Digital Learning Coordinator for the Wake County Public School System. He has over 20 years of experience in education. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Leadership... Read More →
A principal's guide to efficiently assigning, managing, and supporting your school-based Tech and Inventory Contacts to reduce staff stress and streamline building operations.
Kelli Holden is Digital Learning Coordinator for Wake County Public School System. She has been in education since 2017. She earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching and her MAEd in Instructional Technology from ECU. She has experience in elementary school as a third grade teacher as... Read More →
Amber Pearce is an Information Designer with the Wake County Public School System who turns complex technology processes into clear, practical resources for staff and students. She collaborates with Technology Services and school teams to improve communication, streamline support... Read More →
