Reflecting on RTM Boston 2024

Fresh off the exhilarating experience at RTM Boston 2024, our Bluum team is buzzing with insights, ideas, and inspiration. As a gathering that brings together some of the most forward-thinking District Leaders in K-12 education, RTM Boston is a hub for innovation, discussion, and peer-to-peer learning. 

For us at Bluum, it's a pivotal event that aligns with our mission and offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with educators' and administrators' challenges and aspirations.

The core theme this year revolved around innovation in education, with a significant focus on the integration of AI into teaching and learning processes. 

A quote by Dr. Shay Loring encapsulates the essence of the discussions:

“If we won’t adapt our teaching to our students, what we are really teaching our students is that we don’t care about what they need to be successful in the classroom.” 

This powerful message underlines the urgency for adaptive and student-centered teaching methodologies. We can’t ignore AI and its impact on education. 

The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, CIOs, and Technology Directors, all keen to explore topics such as Personalized Learning, Building an MTSS Model, Daily Usage of AI, Framework for Equity, and the Implications of Generative AI. 

The importance of aligning vendors with district leaders was a recurrent theme, aimed at addressing administrators’ needs through genuine solutions. Our discussions with District Leaders ranged from upgrading school networks and enhancing cybersecurity to envisioning the future of physical security and classroom environments. Such dialogues are crucial for strategic planning in education, and we were excited to help them envision what’s next for their districts. We look forward to continuing these conversations. 

Bluum has deep roots in education as many of our team members are former educators and superintendents. 

How do school and district leaders create a shared vision? 

Our Dr. Andrea Tejedor, an esteemed educator, researcher, and consultant, led a session that exemplified our commitment to educational technology and professional learning for K-12 educators. With her extensive experience in both teaching and administrative roles, Dr. Tejedor led a conversation on the impact of research and planning on the success of edtech initiatives in districts. 

Key ideas that emerged include defining frameworks and metrics to understand how educational technology is impacting teaching, learning, and leading. One of the participants stressed the need to begin with the learning community's "WHY?"

What is important to the stakeholders? What does learning look like in our classrooms? And how do school and district leaders create a shared vision where technologies are leveraged at all levels to meet the needs of the learning community? 

About the Keynote Speaker

Amanda Bickerstaff was the keynote speaker. Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer.

Recognizing the constraints of time and resources faced by school and system leaders, this workshop serves as a compass for mapping out a Generative AI implementation roadmap and strategy grounded in: 

1) Best practice change management principles
2) Design thinking
3) Strategy-aligned investments

Also discussed was developing a responsible use policy and AI literacy initiative in parallel with your school and system’s strategic priorities.

When school leaders ask how to start responsibly adopting GenAI in their schools, Amanda's first piece of advice is to develop a practical GenAI academic integrity policy. Amanda created a guide to help you develop an AI policy for your school. Access the guide here.  

What’s Featured in the Guide?

• Guiding Questions to Ask Your School Community
• Key Steps for Creating the Policy
• What The Policy Should Include
• Common Issues with AI to Cover in the Policy
• Strategies for Introducing the Policy to Your Faculty, School Community, and Students

We attended a blend of roundtables, panels, keynotes, and problem-solving workshops, leaving our team with a renewed purpose of helping K-12 schools solve some of their biggest challenges.  

One of the standout sessions, "From Reactive to Proactive: A Framework for Prioritizing Equity in K-12 Education," led by Dr. Crystal Marr and Dr. Joseph Cordero, resonated deeply with our values at Bluum.  At Bluum, our guiding principle is a steadfast commitment to envisioning a future where equitable access to exceptional education is a reality for everyone. Bridging the technology gap stands as a crucial lever for equity, serving as a powerful equalizer. Our efforts are dedicated to dismantling barriers to education by integrating advanced technology solutions, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their background, has the tools and opportunities necessary to thrive. We heard similar echoes from so many people we spoke with. 

Their insights into creating equitable educational environments align with our mission to provide technology solutions that cater to all learners and ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed.

RTM Boston 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a call for innovation, inclusivity, and adaptation in the K-12 educational landscape. For Bluum, it reaffirmed our commitment to not just being a part of the conversation but actively contributing to the solutions that will shape the future of education. Our team left RTM Boston inspired and more motivated than ever to support educators and administrators in their quest to provide exceptional learning experiences for all students.

About Bluum

From Strategy to Classroom: Redefining K-12 Education with Strategic Tech Solutions

At Bluum, we go beyond upgrading your tech; we're your allies in crafting an educational future where technology elevates every student's learning experience.  Find out how we can help your school prepare for tomorrow.

We're passionate about working hand-in-hand with school districts to harness the power of K-12 technology for remarkable student outcomes.

Innovating Education, One Solution at a Time

We're in the business of revolutionizing education through strategic technology solutions. From STEM labs and Esports arenas to modern learning environments, we offer the perfect mix of cutting-edge tech and unwavering support, unlocking a realm of possibilities for educators and students alike.

Bluum’s Offerings:

• AV & Device Solutions
• Comprehensive Warranties
• Seamless Integrations & Project Management
• Competitive Buyback Programs
• Dedicated Tech Support
• Advanced Cybersecurity & Networking
• Cutting-edge STEM Labs & Esports
• Expert Educational Services
• Professional Development
• Robust Physical Security Measures

Some of the other amazing speakers included: