Closing Mainstage

Reflect and celebrate at the Closing Mainstage for ISTELive and ASCD Annual Conference 26! Focusing on the theme of "Elevate Reflection," this session examines how reflection on creative work, both the extraordinary and the everyday, helps students set goals and unlock their authentic expression.

Pixar Art Director, Character Designer, and Animator Deanna Marsigliese shares how educators can unlock creative potential and fuel innovation in their students. Through reflections on her career at Pixar, including work on "Inside Out," "Soul," "Luca," and "Inside Out 2," Marsigliese reveals the creative habits and practices that fuel her work, demonstrating how educators can create environments where students embrace intuition, seek unexpected connections, and find inspiration in familiar surroundings. She shares stories from key moments in her journey to illustrate how they shaped her creative process, inspiring educators to provide students with opportunities to learn from feedback, reflect on their growth, and develop authentic creative expression.

2024 California Teacher of the Year Casey Cuny invites educators to reflect on the extraordinary impact of their everyday work. A high school English teacher, instructional coach, and educator advocate working with National University and ASU, Cuny uses personal storytelling to guide educators from the limiting belief of "I'm just a teacher" to a deeper truth: each educator is an irreplaceable presence in countless students' lives.

This session will also feature Krynica Drake and Carolina Seiden, Ph.D. sharing 5-minute personal stories of transformation from their classrooms and schools. Their talks explore the quiet power of feedback, reflection, and growth, and the profound difference it makes when students are truly seen and supported in their learning journey. This session will also feature an appearance from ISTE+ASCD Board President-Elect Patricia Brown, Ed.D.