Program

SXSW EDU provides a destination for personal and professional growth with an unparalleled program featuring education thought-leaders, compelling sessions, films, and more.


On the Record: Music in Every Classroom - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Stephen Olker

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

 

Featuring a diverse array of speakers and sessions, competitions, performances, and film screenings, the SXSW EDU program fosters learning and discovery for all education stakeholders.

The majority of the program is fueled by community input through various applications, including PanelPicker®, which is a two-step online process that enables the community to lend their voice to the event.

Explore this year's 12 thematic tracks and formats.

Our first Featured Speakers have been announced! Check out the incredible thought leaders who will be taking the stage in March.

TRACKS

 


The wide range of topics and ideas that will be explored across the SXSW EDU program are organized by 12 overarching thematic tracks that focus on timely topics in education.

Tracks

Accessibility & Inclusion

Exploring initiatives and programs that focus on special education, learning differences and neurodiversity, and disabilities across the learning lifecycle including adaptive instructional strategies, assistive technology, universal design, and more

Arts & Storytelling

Exploring arts-based pedagogies and creative practices including the performing and visual arts, arts integration, media creation, gaming, and media and entertainment initiatives as well as narrative and world-building approaches for teaching and learning

Community Initiatives

Programs and projects focused on empowering and connecting communities in and out of the classroom by highlighting partnerships and work organized by community spaces and groups including libraries, museums, makerspaces, community centers, after-school and summer programs, informal learning programs, and more

Equity & Justice

Addressing work championing equity, justice, belonging, diversity, and inclusion in education and beyond, including social and economic disparities, culturally responsive teaching, anti-racism practice, gender and LGBTQIA+ issues, restorative justice, and more to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all

Future of Tech

Exploring development and implementation of educational technology including virtual tools, generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, XR, and data interoperability, with a focus on issues surrounding equitable access to and ethical use of technology and future-forward solutions for tech integration

Global Initiatives

Programs and initiatives exploring the importance of global collaboration in education and beyond including international instructional approaches and business ventures, language learning and ESL/ELL instruction, program implementation across borders, global partnerships, issues impacting refugee and immigrant learners, cross-cultural initiatives, and more

Health & Wellbeing

Furthering social emotional learning, whole-child education, and human flourishing including initiatives addressing mental and physical wellness, trauma-informed practices, sports and physical education, and health education with a focus on mental health initiatives and comprehensive wellbeing for educators, students, and families

Leadership for Tomorrow

Groundbreaking insights spotlighting work in leadership development and institutional transformation with topics including organizational management, executive leadership, systemic implementation, cultivation of youth leadership, pathway creation across the education sector, and educator development and support

Policy & Advocacy

Addressing education policy issues across local, regional, national, and international governance including funding, curriculum and assessment standards, student data use and privacy, school safety, and digital policies, as well as economic development, civic engagement and activism, and public-private partnerships

Startups & Investment

Content focused on the business of education with a focus on entrepreneurship and startups, with topics including investment and funding, marketing and branding strategies, corporate initiatives and partnerships, market trends and analysis, and business adaptability

Teaching & Learning

Content focused on instruction and pedagogy across the entire learning lifecycle with a focus on solution-oriented strategies, innovative teaching, learner agency, and child development, with topics including instructional best practices for all educational levels and evolving curricula, the science of learning, creative pedagogies, and communities of practice

Work Reimagined

Programs and new approaches to professional development, upskilling, corporate learning, and talent development, including workforce revitalization, training, and career transitions, as well as initiatives for mature learners, career pathways for non-traditional students, and how the future of work will impact new generations of students

FORMATS

 

Whether you're looking to engage in a thought-provoking discussion, participate in a learning activity, or connect with a specific community, session formats offer various ways to engage during the event.

Formats

Conversation

(60 min, 2 speakers)
An in-depth interview, fireside chat, or debate that spotlights thought leadership and insights on a particular topic or area of expertise, followed by audience Q&A

Meet Up

(60 min, 1-2 speakers)
A speaker-facilitated networking event that encourages communities to connect around similar topics, passions, roles, or interests. Please note this is NOT a presentation-based session format.

Panel

(60 min, 3-4 speakers)
A dynamic and diverse discussion offering multiple viewpoints on a particular topic, followed by audience Q&A

Performance

(90 min, 1+ speakers)
A musical, theatrical, storytelling, dance, poetry, or other performance that includes a workshop or extended Q&A to reflect on the value of the performing arts as a vehicle for deeper learning and offer takeaways for the audience

Podcast

(60 min, 2-4 speakers)
For media organizations and existing podcasts, a conversation on topics across the education landscape, recorded in front of a live audience to be used as a future episode

Solo

(30 min, 1 speaker)
A short solo presentation highlighting new and emerging ideas, followed by audience Q&A

Workshop

(90 min, 1-3 speakers)
An in-depth, instructional program with hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways

MENTORSHIP

The SXSW EDU Mentor Program is an opportunity for education professionals, students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to connect with seasoned mentors and gain invaluable guidance through one-on-one mentor sessions or roundtable discussions.

Explore
Roundtable Discussion - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Daniel Poe

PERFORMANCES

Adding a unique element to the program that is both educational and entertaining, Performances shine a light on performing arts as a vehicle for deeper learning, including theatrical groups, staged readings, music groups, spoken word, dance, and more.

Dive In
Lucha Libre In The Global Arena - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Sofie Milton

COMPETITIONS

SXSW EDU hosts competitions that serve as a vehicle to elevate and honor the work of trailblazers in the space. The Launch Startup Competition and Student Impact Challenge showcase fresh ideas and solutions, and ultimately connect the broader community to those ideas for impact.

Learn More
Launch Startup Competition - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Daniel Poe

FILMS

SXSW EDU celebrates the power of film to explore critical topics and issues impacting education through narratives and documentary film screenings. Many screenings conclude with a Q&A discussion featuring the filmmakers and film subjects for a deeper connection.

Browse
We Are Columbine - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Melissa Bordeau Mark

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CREDITS

SXSW EDU partners with The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) to provide attendees with continuing professional education (CPE) credits.

Stay tuned for more information for SXSW EDU 2025.

SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

Don't Miss Crossover Day

Thursday, March 6

Make plans to stay through Thursday, March 6 to take full advantage of Crossover Day! From engaging sessions to valuable networking opportunities, Crossover Day is your chance to connect with professionals across industries and collaborate on innovative ideas with attendees from SXSW EDU and SXSW.

SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

Get Involved

See You at SXSW EDU 2025

Register for SXSW EDU early and save! Get ready for SXSW EDU 2025 taking place March 3-6 in Austin, Texas.

Register Now

Apply to Participate

Be part of SXSW EDU 2025. Explore the various opportunities available, along with the deadlines to apply.

Explore

PROGRAM AT SXSW EDU

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