HMH Convenes Compelling Conversations Focused on the Intersection of Technology and Learning in Austin at SXSW EDU 2022

Sessions explore the future of tech in the K-12 classroom, the edtech talent market and key pandemic learnings from an innovative school district
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BOSTON – March 1, 2022 – Next week, learning technology company HMH will host a slate of compelling sessions at SXSW EDU® Conference & Festival, joining thousands of educators and industry practitioners from across the country for engaging discussions about innovation and the future of teaching and learning.

Over the course of the conference, which takes place March 7–10, in Austin, Texas, HMH will offer three sessions that explore critical topics, from the future of technology in K-12 learning and the booming edtech talent market, to the ways in which one district stood out in its approach to remote learning and achieved remarkable results despite collective challenges.

On March 8, school district leaders from Henry County, Georgia will share how they were able to turn “kitchen tables into classrooms” almost overnight at the onset of the pandemic. On March 9, a diverse group of professionals and experts will come together for a lively exploration of the competitive edtech talent market and what’s to come in edtech, an ideal field for those seeking purpose-driven careers amid what many call “The Great Resignation.” Also on March 9, HMH CEO Jack Lynch sits down with CNN Senior Writer Samantha Kelly for a conversation about the role of technology in K-12 learning, and the ways in which we can build a best-of-both-worlds classroom that fuses the power of tech with the essential benefits of social gathering.

“SXSW EDU is known for bringing together diverse voices in education—from teachers and administrators to entrepreneurs and scholars—for critical conversations about our field and its future,” said Jack Lynch, HMH CEO. “We look forward to taking part in dynamic, focused conversations with valued partners as we all continue to navigate a landscape marked by challenges. We are grateful to come together to further that which drives us all, helping students achieve better outcomes.”

HMH will present the following sessions:

HOW ONE DISTRICT FUTURE-PROOFED THE CLASSROOM

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, March 8, 12:30 p.m. (Central Time)

SPEAKERS:

Mary Elizabeth Davis, Superintendent, Henry County Schools

Melissa Morse, Chief of Learning and Performance, Henry County Schools

Benita Flucker, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy & Services, HMH

DESCRIPTION:

The pandemic hit Henry County, GA, just like it did everywhere—but here they turned “kitchen tables into classrooms” almost overnight. How? Thanks to a visionary yet systematic approach pre-pandemic, educators had created a connected learning system powered by high-quality curriculum, all accessible through a unified digital platform. This allowed them to innovate an approach to virtual schooling centered on synchronous, equitable learning. Can we learn from them how to be ready for anything?

SEARCHING FOR MEANING: THE FUTURE OF EDTECH TALENT

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 9, 11:00 a.m. (Central Time)

SPEAKERS:

Alejandro Reyes, CPO, HMH

Amanda House, SVP, Product Development, HMH

Mike McDonald, Senior Workplace Consultant, Gallup

Angela Romans, Executive Director, Innovation for Equity

DESCRIPTION:

With “The Great Resignation” underway, millions are in search of career paths that align with their values. Edtech offers an empowering, mission-driven career path—but how can companies win over talent in such a competitive market? This conversation will examine the edtech talent market today, including company culture, remote work flexibility, professional development opportunities, compensation and more. What does the future of work in edtech look like, for both job seekers and companies?

PEOPLE CENTERED, TECH-POWERED: A NEW ERA

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 9, 3:30 p.m. (Central Time)

SPEAKERS:

Jack Lynch, CEO, HMH

Samantha Murphy Kelly, Senior Writer, CNN

DESCRIPTION:

In the wake of a pandemic that has impacted every facet of society, what's next for K-12 learning? We are ushering in a new era of learning, but tech alone won’t drive us toward the future. What role can, and should, it play? How can we build a classroom of the future that fuses powerful tech with the critical benefits of social gathering in schools? Bringing together diverse perspectives, this talk will consider what should be left in the past when it comes to edtech, and what’s here to stay.

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About HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (NASDAQ: HMHC) is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 3 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.

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Contact

Katie Marshall

Communications Manager

HMH

617-351-5057

katie.marshall@hmhco.com

About SXSW EDU


The SXSW EDU® Conference & Festival is a reflection of the world’s most critical social issues as seen through the lens of education. This year’s event will bring together the learner, the practitioner, the entrepreneur, and the visionary to share their groundbreaking stories, tackle complex issues, and build reimagined paths forward. As a community of diverse people who are united around a like-minded vision for the future, SXSW EDU serves as a place for attendees to renew their purpose in practice from both a personal and professional perspective. It is a place to reinforce the core principles of teaching and learning as well as an opportunity to express your creativity and passion for education. SXSW EDU is a component of the South by Southwest® family of conferences and festivals that has grown from 800 to over 8,000 registrants in the last decade. Join the passionate and innovative community at SXSW EDU, March 7-10, 2022.


Contact


Liz Stein
SXSW EDU Press & Publicity
press@sxswedu.com
512-467-7979