Bethpage Union Free School District recently hosted the Future Ready Leadership Forum, Leading Transformational Change: AI, Innovation and Sustainability” for the New York region. The day-long event, held in the Bethpage High School gym, brought together over 100 school leaders from across the area to delve into the future of education. This forum, part of Future Ready Schools—a national initiative led by the nonprofit All4Ed—was created to provide educators with the knowledge and tools needed to modernize schools and districts, fostering student-centered learning through the effective use of technology.
Central to the mission of Future Ready Schools is the Future Ready Framework, which guides district and school leaders through a research-backed process for developing a shared vision for digital learning. The framework emphasizes seven key areas, known as gears, that support school leaders in creating flexible, equitable learning opportunities for every student.
The forum at Bethpage UFSD focused on these principles, with district leaders, administrators, teachers and support staff exploring the critical role of technology in education and the power of collaborative leadership to inspire transformation. A range of activities and panel discussions provided insights into implementing AI in a way that complements human instruction, promoting sustainability in an increasingly digital age, and fostering an innovative, inclusive school culture.
Andrew Choi, Bethpage’s director of technology, participated in a panel called “Digital Leadership and Innovation”, highlighting how technology can support inclusive practices that ensure every student has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive. Later in the day, a panel of Bethpage students shared their insights with educators, discussing their favorite aspects of school, balancing technology with other learning and social activities, preferred tech tools, AI's impact on learning and cell phone use in classrooms. Their feedback offered valuable guidance for shaping innovative learning environments.
The Future Ready Leadership Forum exemplified Bethpage UFSD’s commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation. By fostering dialogue among educators, students and thought leaders, the event provided actionable insights and inspiration for creating equitable, technology-driven learning environments. As districts continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, forums like this ensure that educators are well-equipped to lead transformational change that prioritizes student success and sustainability.
