CALIE Reimagines EdTech Conference, Pivoting from Tools to Transformation

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 20, 2026 – The California Association for Leading Innovation in Education (CALIE), a cornerstone of the state's educational technology landscape for over four decades, today announced a significant evolution of its flagship event. The long-running Spring CUE conference will be retired and replaced in 2027 by "SPRING FORWARD," a reimagined gathering designed to shift the conversation from technology tools to transformational classroom impact.

The move signals a pivotal moment for the organization, formerly known as CUE (Computer-Using Educators), and reflects a broader maturation within the education sector. As technology has become ubiquitous in schools, the questions have evolved from "how do we use this?" to "why are we using this, and is it working?"

"This isn't just a name change," said Christine Feenstra, Executive Director of CALIE, in a statement. "Spring Forward represents our commitment to meeting educators exactly where they are, whether they are champions of classroom technology, thoughtful skeptics, or leaders navigating complex decisions about what truly serves students in this moment. We are bringing the education community together around impact, not just tools."

Beyond the Hype: A Response to a Tech-Saturated World

For decades, the Spring CUE conference was a premier destination for educators eager to discover the latest gadgets and software. It built a legacy on helping teachers integrate computers and, later, a vast array of digital tools into their practice. However, this rebranding acknowledges a new reality in K-12 education, one where the sheer volume of technology can be as much a challenge as a solution.

Today's educators are grappling with a complex digital environment. Post-pandemic budgets are tightening, raising questions about the sustainability of tech initiatives. Teachers report feeling overwhelmed by a fragmented ecosystem of apps and platforms, often implemented without a clear vision or adequate professional development. Concerns over data privacy, cybersecurity, and the persistent digital divide—which disproportionately affects students of color and those in low-income communities—have moved to the forefront.

Moreover, a growing chorus of educators and researchers is demanding more than just anecdotal success stories; they are asking for hard evidence that expensive EdTech products are effective. The new conference aims to be a forum for these critical discussions. SPRING FORWARD is positioned as a space to ask the difficult questions: When does technology genuinely enhance learning, and when does it become a distraction? How can schools establish a coherent roadmap for technology adoption that prioritizes pedagogical goals?

Redefining 'Innovation' for California's Classrooms

With SPRING FORWARD, CALIE is championing a more nuanced definition of "innovation." The organization's focus is shifting from the technology itself to the human-centered, pedagogical strategies that drive meaningful student growth. This concept of "purposeful innovation" is about using technology to break down barriers to learning and create more equitable and engaging classroom experiences.

The conference agenda promises to move beyond vendor showcases to facilitate what the organization calls "real conversations" among all stakeholders. By bringing together teachers, district administrators, IT directors, and instructional coaches, CALIE hopes to foster a collaborative environment for problem-solving. The goal is to build a shared framework for decision-making that is both effective for today's classrooms and adaptable for the future.

"Change is inevitable – what matters is that we change together," Feenstra stated. "By educators, for educators, for every role. Forward is our commitment to leading that change with intention, purpose, and a deep belief in educators' power to transform systems."

This educator-led approach is a key differentiator. While many conferences focus on presenting solutions, SPRING FORWARD aims to empower its attendees to co-create them, grounding the dialogue in real-world classroom experience rather than theoretical ideals or product marketing.

Carving a Niche in a Crowded Conference Field

The educational conference circuit is a busy one, with national events like ISTELive and FETC drawing huge crowds to explore the future of learning and technology. CALIE's strategic pivot appears designed to carve out a unique and necessary niche within this landscape.

While other conferences also address topics like AI, virtual learning, and digital equity, SPRING FORWARD's explicit rejection of a "tools-first" mentality sets it apart. By openly welcoming "thoughtful skeptics" alongside tech champions, the conference signals an interest in fostering genuine dialogue rather than evangelism. This approach may appeal to a growing segment of the education community that has moved past the initial hype cycle of EdTech and is now focused on the complex work of thoughtful, sustainable integration.

The success of this new vision will depend on CALIE's ability to attract a diverse audience and deliver on its promise of substantive, challenging conversations. The organization is betting that educators are ready to move beyond simply adopting technology and are eager for a community dedicated to mastering its purposeful application for the benefit of all students.

Building on a 40-year legacy of serving California's educators, this evolution is a bold step. It represents an understanding that the most important innovations in education are not found in a device or an app, but in the collaborative, critical, and creative work of the educators dedicated to preparing students for the future. Registration for the inaugural SPRING FORWARD 2027 is now open, marking the next chapter for the influential organization and the community it serves.