DCSD Leads Conversation on AI and Digital Innovation at National Conference

Darlington County School District’s Instructional Technology Team took center stage last week at the annual ISTELive+ASCD 2025 in San Antonio, TX, one of the nation’s most influential education conferences. With a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and student-centered learning, the team showcased how Darlington County School District (DCSD) is using technology to empower educators and transform instruction. The technology team consisted of Carla Jefferson, Director of Alternative and Innovative Programs; Jonathan Skaris, Instructional Technology Coordinator; Shantanien Lewis and Laney Rogers, both Instructional Technology Coaches.
The team’s featured session, “Advancing District and School Leader Efficacy Through Strategic AI Professional Development,” drew a standing-room-only crowd. The presentation focused on DCSD’s district-wide approach to AI training and how it is building teacher capacity, developing student agency, and helping school leaders drive instructional change.
In addition to the team’s featured session, individual DCSD team members were active presenters at the conference. 
Jefferson served on three national panels: “AI Literacy in Action: Implementation Strategies for Every Student,”; “Four Women Leading the Way: A Roundtable Discussion on Educational Innovation,” and “Eyes on the Prize: Inspiring Bold Innovation Through Turbulent Times.”
Lewis and Rogers presented “Bring Learning to Life Anytime, Anywhere,” a dynamic session highlighting DCSD’s blended learning practices, real-time coaching, and personalized instructional strategies that put students at the center.
“These sessions reflect our team’s passion and our district’s commitment to excellence, access, and innovation,” said Jefferson. “We’re proud to represent Darlington County and to share how we’re using technology and professional learning to support every student.”
The DCSD technology team also showcased their efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI) in education at the 2025 South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) state conference. DCSD continues to gain state and national attention as a recognized voice in the evolving educational technology landscape. 
About DCSD
The Darlington County School District serves more than 8,000 students in northeastern South Carolina. With a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success, DCSD is transforming learning environments through the thoughtful integration of technology, strategic leadership development, and a focus on personalized learning pathways for all students.
About ISTE+ASCD
ISTE+ASCD is a unified organization committed to advancing learning for all through bold, innovative, and research-based practices. Formed by the merger of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), ISTE+ASCD brings together educators, leaders, and changemakers to transform teaching and learning across the globe.
Through high-impact professional learning, standards development, and thought leadership, ISTE+ASCD supports educators in designing equitable, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments. The annual ISTELive+ASCD Conference is one of the most influential gatherings in education, offering cutting-edge strategies, powerful networking opportunities, and the latest in edtech and instructional leadership.