OETC Is Back, and It Is Coming Home to Dayton
For nearly three decades, OETC has been the place where Ohio educators gather to share what is working with technology in classrooms, schools, and districts. That tradition continues in 2027. OETC is now a traveling state conference, and it begins its journey by returning to Dayton, where it started, before moving across the state to highlight regional expertise.
Call for Proposals
We are looking for the people doing the work. Teachers, coaches, technology integration specialists, IT directors, building and district leaders, librarians, higher education faculty, and students all have something to teach us. Whether you work in a large urban district or a small rural one, from Youngstown to Cincinnati and Toledo to Marietta, we want to hear from you.
Questions? Contact info@myoetc.org
This Year's Theme: Grounded in Tradition, Elevated for the Future.
OETC honors what Ohio educators have built and looks ahead to what students need next. We welcome proposals on artificial intelligence and on every other area of educational technology. The strongest sessions connect back to the people at the center of the work: students, families, and educators.
Who Should Apply
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Classroom teachers and technology integration specialists
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Instructional coaches, literacy and math coaches, interventionists, and curriculum leaders
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IT directors, network administrators, and technology coordinators
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Building and district leaders
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Library media specialists
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Career technical and workforce educators
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Higher education faculty and researchers
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Student teams, with an adult sponsor
First-time presenters are encouraged to apply. Presenters from every region of Ohio are welcome, and geography is never a selection criterion.
Conference Tracks
Choose the track that best fits your session. Each one is built around a question Ohio educators are asking right now.
Track | The Big Question | What We Are Looking For |
|---|---|---|
Tech Integration in Action | What is working in classrooms right now? | Classroom-tested lessons, projects, workflows, and tools that increase engagement and deepen learning; this is the OETC tradition. |
Reading Reimagined (Science of Reading in Action) | How do we turn reading research into daily practice? | Structured literacy, decodable text, fluency, vocabulary and knowledge, screening and intervention, and tools that support evidence-based reading instruction |
Math Minds at Work (High-Quality Math Instruction) | What does strong math teaching look like in every classroom? | High-quality instructional materials, conceptual understanding, math discourse, fact fluency, intervention, and technology that deepens mathematical thinking |
Human + Machine (AI with a Human Focus) | How do we use AI without losing what makes learning human? | Practical classroom uses of AI, AI literacy for students and staff, district policy and playbooks, ethics, and safeguards |
STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics | How do we build makers, coders, and problem solvers at every grade? | Coding, robotics, engineering design, makerspaces, esports, drones, and computer science pathways K-12 |
Workforce Ready (Career Pathways and Postsecondary) | How do we connect what students learn to where they are headed? | Career technical education, industry credentials, work-based learning, college and career advising, and technology that opens pathways |
Lead the Shift (Leadership, Strategy, and Smart Spending) | How do leaders make change stick and pay for it wisely? | Strategic planning, professional learning, change management, measuring impact, outcome-based contracting, and getting instructional and technology leaders in the same room |
The Backbone (Infrastructure and Security) | How do we keep systems strong and students safe? | Networks, cybersecurity and HB96 compliance, data privacy, device management, and IT operations |
Every Learner, Every Door (Access and Inclusion) | Who are we still missing? | Accessibility, digital equity, gifted and special education, multilingual learners, wellness and belonging, family engagement, and rural access |
Student Spotlight to Student-Centered (Student Voice) | What can students teach the adults? | Projects, research, demonstrations, and performances led by students, with students holding the mic |
Session Formats
Breakout Session | 45 Minutes
A presentation or discussion with time for questions
Hands-On Workshop | 90 Minutes
Participants bring a device and build or try something. Vendor-led certification workshops run through the exhibitor and sponsorship program, not this call.
Spark Talk | 5-10 Minutes
One leader, one story, one idea worth scaling across Ohio, delivered on the main stage. This replaces traditional panels.
Flash Talk | 15 Minutes
A quick, focused idea presented on the stage in the exhibit hall
Student Showcase | Time Varies
Student demonstrations, performances, design challenges, or competition entries, presented by students
Ohio Innovation Spotlight | 2-Minute Video
A short video that shows innovation in action, with resources, data, or contacts included. Selected videos play on the main stage and in the gallery.
What You Will Need to Submit
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Session title (10 words or fewer)
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Short description for the program (50 words or fewer)
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Full description, including learning outcomes (250 words or fewer)
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Track, format, and intended audience, including grade band
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Three things participants will leave with
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Names, titles, organizations, and short bios for all presenters
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Technology or room needs
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For Ohio Innovation Spotlight entries, a link to the video
How Proposals Are Reviewed
A review committee of Ohio educators and state partners scores every proposal using a shared rubric. Reviewers look for:
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Relevance: connection to the theme or a clear need for Ohio educators
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Practical value: ideas attendees can use when they get back to school on Monday
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Engagement: active participation, not just slides
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Evidence: results, student work, or lessons learned from real practice
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Clarity: a well-organized proposal with specific outcomes
Sales presentations will not be accepted. Companies interested in presenting, including hands-on certification sessions led by your best professional learning facilitators, should ask about exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities at info@myoetc.org.
Key Dates
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Call for proposals opens Thursday, September 24, 2026
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Proposals are due Friday, October 30, 2026
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Notifications sent: Friday, November 20, 2026
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Presenter confirmation and session details due: Friday, December 11, 2026
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OETC 2027: March 9 to 11, 2027
Presenter Information
Registration details for accepted presenters will be shared with acceptance notifications on Friday, November 20, 2026. Presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging. Downtown Dayton hotel information will be shared on the conference website at myoetc.org.