Ahh, Summer! While most might think of patios, beaches, and barbeques, at Teaching Channel the last days of June bring to mind our annual journey to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference. This year’s edtech event brings us to San Antonio, Texas, where we’re excited to gain fresh ideas, connect with educators around the world, and hopefully enjoy a taco or two!
ISTELive 2025’s theme is “Inspiring Bold Innovation,” and Teaching Channel will contribute with two interactive poster sessions and a breakout presentation. We’re highlighting personalized AI chatbots for educators, creative AI-infused projects for elementary students at ISTE, and the new Danielson framework for instructional growth at the co-located ASCD conference.
Whether you’re joining us in San Antonio or catching up on the latest edtech trends from the porch or the pool, we’re excited to give you a peek at what we’ve been working on!
AI Your Way: Create a Custom Chatbot That Gets Your Teaching Style
We’ve been learning how educators can create personalized AI chatbots that understand their role, resources, and routines. These Custom GPTs are personal AI assistants built by teachers, for teachers—no coding required. We’ve developed a quick-start guide and several example bots, including an AP US History Teaching Assistant, a Middle School Behavior Toolkit, and a Family Communication Coach. It’s a simple, powerful way to start building AI that’s tailored to teachers’ unique classroom needs.
Poster Session: Wednesday, July 2, 8:30–10:00 a.m. Table 43, Poster Hall
Dialing Up the Awesome: AI-Powered Projects for Elementary Learners
In our work with elementary educators, we’ve been testing safe ways to bring AI into classrooms as a creative partner for young learners. From writing scripts for stop-motion videos and researching geography to comparing fictional characters or drafting emails, students are using tools like Magic School AI to think critically and express themselves. Integrating AI literacy into meaningful, age-appropriate projects helps students learn to use AI responsibly. We’re sharing project examples at ISTE and are excited to bring AI literacy to elementary students.
Poster Session: Monday, June 30, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Table 28, Poster Hall
Inside Instructional Excellence: Behind the Scenes of the Updated Danielson Framework
We’re also exploring how the updated Danielson Framework can help shift feedback conversations from evaluation to growth. Dr. Wendy Amato, our Chief Academic Officer, is partnering with the Danielson Group to lead a session about using classroom video, small-group discussion, and a new toolkit to support reflective, evidence-based coaching. It’s work we’re excited to keep building on long after the conference wraps. This session is a part of the ASCD conference, co-located in San Antonio with ISTE.
Breakout Session Wednesday, July 2, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Room 007CD
Visit Teaching Channel in the Expo Hall!
You’ll also find us in the Expo Hall at Booth 1335, where we’re showcasing our video platform and full suite of continuing education and professional learning solutions for educators.
Stay Tuned for More
Can’t make it to San Antonio? We’ll be sharing digital versions of our posters, our “5 Easy Steps to Build Your Custom GPT” quick start guide, and classroom resources to get started with AI projects for elementary learners after the conference, along with a roundup of key takeaways and trends we’re noticing at ISTE 2025.
Follow along @TeachingChannel on your favorite social platform to stay in the loop.
More bold inspiration to come!
About the Author
Sarah Murphy is the Evaluation Manager and a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education. Sarah began teaching in 2004 at the elementary level. She now leads Teaching Channel’s Evaluation Team, managing our wonderful team of Course Evaluators. Sarah is also a coursewriter and content creator, specializing in edtech, educator wellness, and content area teaching.
Fun fact: Sarah has camped in 18 national parks and hopes to visit all 63 someday!
