HMH is heading to the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas, March 4–7! SXSW EDU offers many thought-provoking, engaging discussions about innovation and the future of teaching and learning with educators from across the country.
We’re excited to present four unique sessions that will showcase a diverse set of voices in education, covering topics from equity in education to teachers' hopes and concerns, the return of edtech icon Carmen Sandiego, and the future of the K-12 education industry.
If you’re headed to Austin, we hope you’ll join us at our sessions, which we've listed below! And if you don’t have an SXSW EDU badge, stay tuned as we share our favorite moments and new learnings after the conference.
Disrupting Inequality: Innovation for Equity
Monday, March 4, 3:30–4:30 p.m. CT
We all know equity in education is a critical issue, but how do we tackle it from a fresh perspective? What if we apply innovation principles from other industries—like design thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration—to these big challenges? Join founding members of Innovation for Equity—a diverse group of African American leaders from across sectors—for an action-oriented discussion with concrete recommendations for how we can all play a role in creating lasting social change.
Panelists:
- Phil Alphonse, Co-Founder and Sr. Partner, The Vistria Group
- Curtis Valentine, Deputy Director, Reinventing America’s Schools, Progressive Policy Institute and School Board Member, Prince George's County Public Schools
- Lisa Herring, Superintendent, Birmingham City Schools
- Benita Flucker, Senior Vice President, Shared Services at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Moderator)
Teachers in America: Voices from the Field
Tuesday, March 5, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. CT
During no time in history have educator voices been as vital to the national conversation as they are now, with teachers striking and speaking out about issues like safety, teaching time, and assessments. Join HMH Chief Learning Officer Rose Else-Mitchell and a group of classroom teachers for a meaningful conversation exploring concerns and hopes for the profession, how practice and needs have evolved, and how researchers, industry, and teachers can tackle the challenges facing schools together.
Panelists:
- Brittany Mamphey, Fifth Grade Reading, Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher, Mt. Healthy North Elementary School, Ohio
- Rachel Swartz, Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher, David A. Stein Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (Public MS/HS 141), New York
- Georgette McClain, High School Science Teacher, Blanchester High School, Ohio
- Rose Else-Mitchell, Chief Learning Officer, HMH (Moderator)
Carmen Sandiego Returns for a New Generation
Tuesday, March 5, 3:30–4:30 p.m. CT
Join the masterminds behind the return of Carmen Sandiego, the original edtech brand, for a behind-the-scenes look at the revival—from the animated Netflix series to new books and graphic novels, a Google Earth partnership, classroom programs, and more. Discover how Carmen inspires millions of kids to love history, culture, and geography; explore practical ways to support learners in becoming compassionate, curious global citizens; and delve into the reimagination of Carmen for a new generation.
Panelists:
- Duane Capizzi, Showrunner, Carmen Sandiego on Netflix
- Caroline Fraser, Head of HMH Productions
- Larry Perez, M.Ed., Fifth grade bilingual teacher, Barbara Jordan Early College Prep, Texas
- Amy Dunkin, Chief Marketing Officer, HMH (Moderator)
Featured Session: The Future of the K-12 Education Industry
Wednesday, March 6, 12:30–1:30 p.m. CT
Join HMH CEO Jack Lynch for a wide-ranging conversation centered on the current and future state of the K-12 education industry. We will discuss the development of classroom solutions for the 21st century and explore how the purposeful use of technology can support teachers and improve student outcomes. Leaving the buzzwords behind, they will offer a nuanced perspective that cuts through the noise and tackles the big issues shaping K-12 education.
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Visit the SXSW EDU website for more information, and follow the conference on Twitter at #SXSWEDU.
