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«Back to all edWebinarsThe Power of Human Interaction: What Drives Learning as Classroom Technology Changes
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST
The Power of Human Interaction: What Drives Learning as Classroom Technology Changes
Presented by Megan Forbes, Experienced Educator, Middle School Teacher, Arcadia Unified School District (CA), and Author; and Susan T. Phillips, Experienced Educator, Principal, Chets Creek Elementary School (FL)
Moderated by Melanie Sutherland, Former Elementary Teacher, Current Customer Consultant, TCI
Sponsored by TCI (Teachers’ Curriculum Institute)
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Some of the best learning in a classroom happens when students talk to each other.
As districts rethink device policies, much of the conversation has focused on how much time students spend on screens. A more useful question for teachers and leaders is whether a lesson gets students talking, questioning, and working through ideas together. Discussion, debate, and collaboration give students practice with the skills that social studies and science require: weighing evidence, listening to other viewpoints, and defending a claim.
In this edLeader Panel, educators from the classroom and school leadership will share what engagement looks like in their schools. They'll talk about how to tell real engagement from compliance, where technology brings students together and where it gets in the way, and what to look for when a curriculum claims to be engaging. You'll leave with ideas you can try in your next lesson.
We'll cover:
What separates real engagement from compliance and busywork
- Discussion and collaboration structures that pull in students who have checked out
- Where technology supports student interaction and where it isolates students
- What leaders should look for when evaluating curricula and supporting teachers
This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders.
About the Presenters
Megan Forbes is a middle school social studies teacher in Arcadia Unified School District in California, currently in her 15th year in the classroom. She has taught sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade English and history, and currently teaches sixth-grade ancient history. Megan takes a flexible, active approach, moving between print texts, interactive notebooks, and digital activities depending on the day’s goal. Her focus is student engagement and developing strong thinking skills. She is the author of Female Heroes of Greek Mythology and two other history books for students.
Susan Phillips serves as the Principal of Chets Creek Elementary School in Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida. With 33 years of experience in education, Susan began her career as a classroom teacher and was part of the founding faculty of Chets Creek Elementary 29 years ago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Florida. Under her leadership, Chets Creek has continued its tradition of academic excellence, earning 25 consecutive “A” school grades and recognition as a Florida School of Excellence. Susan's leadership philosophy is grounded in building lifelong relationships, taking strategic risks, and achieving exemplary results. She is passionate about empowering educators, fostering innovative instructional practices, and creating a school culture where every child feels valued, inspired, and safe to dream, take risks, and experience the thrill of success.
About the Moderator
Melanie Sutherland is an experienced educator with 31 years of service in grades K–5. She is passionate about creating memorable learning experiences and building accessible classrooms where everyone can find personal success. Since 2024, Melanie has shared her deep knowledge of teaching and learning as a Customer Consultant for Teachers' Curriculum Institute (TCI). In this role, she draws on her classroom expertise to support and train teachers nationwide, helping them implement best practices and maximize the impact of TCI’s programs. Beyond work, Melanie loves spending time with her four children, traveling, reading, and crafting.
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Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
TCI is a K-12 education company founded by teachers, for teachers. We are committed to creating engaging and effective social studies and science programs that bring learning to life. With a focus on active learning and differentiated instruction, we empower educators with the tools and support they need to inspire students and drive meaningful learning experiences.
