Hawaii Society for Technology in Education

ASCD24: A Unifying Experience for Hawaii's Educators and a Glimpse into the Future of Learning

Author: Dagan Bernstein

Hawai‘i Island K-8 Capstone Coordinator

April 27, 2024


It’s Sunday morning in DC and about 6000 educators are on their feet, pumping their fists in the air, and dancing to a mix of party hits from the 80s and 90s. This isn’t the typical scene you’d imagine at an education conference.


We’re all there to listen to speaker, author, and award-winning principal Hamish Brewer use his energetic storytelling to engage the audience and share insights from his years of experience leading schools of excellence.


This year's ASCD conference served as a platform for educators to exchange ideas and share stories of transformative learning. With keynote speakers like Hamish Brewer and the abolitionist educator Dr. Bettina Love taking the lead, the conference focused on unveiling strategies to improve academic outcomes for all students while addressing the pressing challenges that our educational systems currently face.


The Spirit of Aloha at ASCD24

When I stepped into the conference, it was evident that Hawaii was in the house. A group of dedicated teachers from across the islands, including the Hawaii State Teacher Fellows, brought the spirit of aloha to the brisk weather of our nation’s capital. It is always so comforting when attending conferences thousands of miles away to know there are others from our island home representing our keiki.

Their presence underscored the commitment and passion of our educators for ensuring that our students receive learning experiences rooted in academic excellence that is culturally responsive and equitable.

A Milestone Merger and its Vision for Transformative Learning

At ASCD24, a major announcement spotlighted the evolution of two major organizations in professional learning. Following years of discussions, ASCD and ISTE will merge their professional development conferences, culminating in a joint event planned for San Antonio in 2025.


This blending of missions aims to synergize ASCD's educational expertise with ISTE's technological innovation. This partnership is set to craft learning experiences focusing on technology's role in sparking curiosity and creating meaningful, engaging learning opportunities. This alliance paves the way for innovative teaching practices designed to deepen the impact of learning.


I had the opportunity for a deeper exploration into the intended outcomes of this merger at the session "Creating Transformational Learning Experiences for All Students." This session introduced the Principles for Transformational Learning—a set of evidence-based guidelines to enrich learning experiences. These principles, deeply rooted in learning science and reflective of the legacy and mission of ASCD and ISTE, offer a promising blueprint for educators to craft learning environments where every student can excel. 

Inspiration Through Storytelling


The ASCD conference also provided several sessions focusing on the power of storytelling to inspire and connect with the audience. In addition to Dr. Love, and Brewer, keynote speakers Annie Ray, Rachel Edoho-Eket, and José Hernández shared their journeys, demonstrating the profound impact of educators through their narratives.


Annie Ray's session was about leveraging music education to bridge gaps and build community, sharing the transformative power of creativity in learning. José Hernández spoke of his remarkable journey from a migrant farm worker to a NASA astronaut, exemplifying the limitless potential of perseverance and education. Rachel Edoho-Eket, through her narrative, showcased the significance of fostering meaningful relationships and its impact on school leadership.


Their stories were powerful reminders of the educator's role in shaping futures and the importance of connecting and understanding through our shared human experiences. This storytelling approach engaged us and inspired us to view our work through a lens of possibility and transformation. As a Hawaii-based educator, this resonated with my belief that education should inspire joy, ignite curiosity, and cultivate strong relationships within learning communities.


Reflections and Moving Forward

Reflecting on my experience at ASCD24, it's clear that an educator's journey is both vast and deeply personal. As someone deeply passionate about reshaping education to foster empowerment and agency, the conference was inspiring, showcasing the possibilities of blending creativity, collaboration, and the latest educational technology.


I was humbled to be a presenter too, sharing about the K-12 capstone project program where I teach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. I welcomed the participants of my session with the oli Hole Waimea. I need to call on the land, the winds, the rain, and the trees of my home area to guide me. It was rewarding to be able to model how we tell our stories when engaging with learners.


The conference was a testament to educators' collective wisdom and dedication worldwide, and a call to action for all of us to lean into the future with optimism and purpose. It was a reminder that we can transform education by championing learner-centered environments and nurturing the joy of discovery.