InnovateEDU

13/10/2026

The FCC is considering cutting E-Rate, a decision that would compromise internet connectivity for schools and libraries nationwide. Today (October 13) is the last day to make your voice heard.

E-Rate is foundational to digital equity in our schools and communities. E-Rate frees up crucial resources for what matters most by keeping high-speed internet affordable for low-income schools and libraries. This includes expanding digital literacy, updating classroom tech, and building skills students need to thrive in a digital economy. Loss of funds could force communities to choose between basic broadband and critical learning programs.

Educators, librarians, administrators, tech leaders, students, families, and community partners – today is the last day to tell the FCC why E-Rate matters to your work and to your community.

Our partners at SHLB Coalition put together a quick resource hub to help you submit your comment before tonight's deadline: https://www.shlb.org/save-our-e-rate

We cannot afford to lose this essential baseline for our schools and libraries. Submit your comment to protect E-Rate today.

13/10/2026

Today's parents navigate unprecedented complexity in education – from AI and cell phone policies to high school pathways and beyond. To better understand these shifts, Learning Heroes conducted deep research into parent perspectives across the country.

In 3 days (this Friday, October 16, at 2 PM ET) InnovateEDU CEO Erin Mote and Learning Heroes Founder & CEO Bibb Hubbard discuss the results of the Learning Heroes 10th annual national parent survey.

In their upcoming fireside chat, “What Parents are Thinking: New Findings from the Learning Heroes 10th Annual National Parent Survey,” Erin and Bibb will explore the data and how policy leaders, educators, and advocates can better support families.

Reserve your spot today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ffoBoeDQZa4B3n6MTMkBg

12/10/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day from InnovateEDU! We honor and celebrate the rich cultures, resilience, and contributions of Native and Indigenous communities.

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the InnovateEDU team is taking the day off to reflect and celebrate. We will return to normal operations tomorrow.

09/10/2026

If technology were entirely removed from the classroom tomorrow, what would happen to the students and teachers who use it every day? Lauren Wilson, InnovateEDU director of programs, recently moderated a panel at the ClassLink Learning Analytics Summit to explore what a screen-free approach really means in practice. The recording is now available.

Hear from Sue Thotz (Common Sense Media), Keith Krueger (Consortium for School Networking), and Amy Bonjour (Park Hill School District) as they examine the evidence on both sides and tackle whether removing tech solves systemic challenges or just shifts them elsewhere.

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1234183465/1e45b6d058?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

The debate over screens in schools has moved far beyond smartphone bans. Some educators and researchers are now calling for the elimination of classroom technology altogether, including Chromebooks, tablets, and the digital platforms built into daily instruction. We explore the evidence on both side...

09/10/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that InnovateEDU CEO Erin Mote will be a keynote speaker at the 2026 Families Learning Conference next month!

National Center for Families Learning annual conference will take place November 8-11 in San Antonio, TX. This year’s conference brings together education leaders to discuss content that supports educators, strategies to increase family literacy and engagement, home-school partnerships, and new research driving student success.

Erin will take the stage on November 9 to discuss AI literacy and how technology can bridge opportunities for students, educators, and families alike.

Learn more about the conference and secure your seat today: https://na2.hubs.ly/H08hLnF0

08/10/2026

“E-Rate is an economic engine, not a discretionary subsidy. When we force schools to absorb billions in connectivity costs, we are robbing our communities of essential educators and resources.” - Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU

Disinvesting in E-Rate means putting the future of the American workforce and student success in peril. For every $1 cut from E-Rate support, the U.S. economy suffers a loss of approximately $1.60 in economic activity, according to a new economic study conducted by The Brattle Group for Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition.

As the FCC considers restricting or ending the program, schools and libraries will be forced to redirect funds away from teachers, counselors, STEM programs, digital literacy, and technology tools. When you cut E-Rate, you cut the direct pipeline schools and libraries use to broaden literacy and build the skills students and the workforce need to succeed in a modern world. We can’t afford not to invest in current and future American workers.

Public comments are due October 13, 2026. Submit yours today to defend school and library broadband: https://www.shlb.org/save-our-e-rate

View the report in full here: https://tinyurl.com/SHLB-erate-report

08/10/2026

If you missed the Beyond Screen Time: Navigating the K-12 Device Dilemma webinar with Learning Ally, you can catch up with the full recording.

Dr. Terrie Noland moderated the discussion which included multiple perspectives on the topic of screen time. Our CEO Erin Mote joined Dr. Tiphani Davis (researcher), Dr. Justin Henry (superintendent), Missy Purcell (parent advocate), and Lukas Samuels (student) for the discussion.

They explored how safe-by-design guardrails balance innovation with student safety, why blanket tech bans can cut off essential assistive tools, and why purpose-built technology backed by district training and student voice is essential for policies that work.

Check out the recording here: https://tinyurl.com/37cn76bz

08/10/2026

“When we think of AI as a foundational layer, we also think about it as a foundational literacy.” - Erin Mote

Erin Mote recently joined Andres Monge on the Deep Current podcast to discuss why AI in education must be treated as foundational infrastructure rather than just a passing classroom tool.

They discussed what schools, parents, and technology leaders need to consider as AI becomes increasingly present in our daily lives. Erin also shared insights on how to help youth build confidence and healthier relationships with AI.

Catch the full conversation: https://na2.hubs.ly/H08gHZy0

What happens when AI stops supporting learning—and starts doing the...

07/10/2026

How do we protect students in digital spaces without restricting their access to critical learning opportunities – especially for students with disabilities and learning differences?

Join Aurora Dreger with the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA), Erin Mote from InnovateEDU, Dr. Lakisha Brinson-Thomas from Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Erika Dooley from Geneseee Community Charter Schools for Safe Schools in a Digital Age on October 14th at 1pm ET.

We’ll explore how online threats affect complex learners and offer actionable leadership approaches to cultivate safe school spaces. Participants will explore frameworks to integrate digital citizenship and safety into daily instruction, as well as strategies to balance standard academic learning with critical digital life skills.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable tools to build safer, more inclusive learning environments.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-QM0f4amSUyxq0cyPutdsw

07/10/2026

Without thoughtful implementation, AI risks turning the digital divide into a permanent intelligence gap.

District leaders face real friction points when scaling AI: securing long-term funding, building sustainable infrastructure, and providing meaningful professional development across urban, rural, and statewide ecosystems.

InnovateEDU teams up with AI leaders for an interactive workshop on moving beyond AI theory to real classroom equity. On October 15, join Rachael Stowe from National AI Literacy Day as she moderates “Capital for Capability Workshop: Scaling Equitable AI Access” at 1pm ET.

Adam Browning (Washington Leadership Academy / DC AI Collaborative), Jennifer Ambrosius (CESA 8), Alexis Cobo (UF CS Everyone Center & FL K-12 AI Taskforce), and Asher Scott (New Visions for Public Schools) will serve as panelists offering expert advice and real-world experience on AI implementation.

Attendees will complete a guided capability audit to identify gaps in their own ecosystems and build a roadmap for long-term sustainability.

Register here: https://edtechweek.com