We are thrilled to announce Monica J. Sutton, creator and host of Circle Time with Ms. Monica, as the opening Keynote for SXSW EDU 2026! She will connect her experience in traditional early learning education with modern digital learning spaces, encouraging educators to evaluate innovation through a developmental lens.
A new Featured Session joins the lineup! Hear from an international lineup of young people reshaping education across diverse contexts in When Young People Lead: Rethinking Education Systems. Plus, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones is joining the Featured Session Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories & Literary Freedom.
We are excited to share four Special Programs! Dive into these unique opportunities to network, envision the future of learning, and build your own AI tools.
Keynote
Reimagining Early Learning: Connection in a Digital Age
As AI transforms education, early childhood stands at a crossroads. Tracing one educator’s journey from the preschool classroom to digital learning spaces reaching families worldwide, this session examines how technology can expand, not flatten childhood. Attendees gain a framework for evaluating innovation through a developmental lens, asking: Does this honor how young children learn, grow, and thrive while protecting curiosity and connection?
- Monica J. Sutton, Educator, Entrepreneur, Producer, & Content Creator, Circle Time with Ms. Monica
Featured Session
When Young People Lead: Rethinking Education Systems
This panel brings together young leaders reshaping education across diverse contexts—from refugee camps and prisons to classrooms, digital platforms, and youth-led health initiatives. The conversation focuses on leadership journeys rather than projects, exploring how lived experience, research, and community-rooted innovation drive systemic change. Panelists examine how education can move beyond access to empower young people as autonomous leaders, and what policies, structures, and adult allies are needed to support agency, resilience, and long-term impact.
- Chantale Zuzi, Founder, Refugee Can Be
- Samih Daher, Founder, The SAPhe Community
- Tamara Höfer, CEO & Founder, Richtungswechsel
- Yemi Dele Akinyemi, Founder & CEO, Moonshot Platform
Special Programs
A Culture of Learning in Central Texas
A vibrant culture of learning supports stronger communities and greater economic opportunity for all. Join us to celebrate and recognize those leading in building a culture of learning during the 2nd annual Central Texas Lifelong Learning Awards! The Central Texas Learning Festival brings together libraries, museums, nonprofits, schools, and community leaders to celebrate learning in all of its forms. Providing free and open opportunities for all ages, this Festival seeks to expand our ideas of what learning can be and who can engage in it.
How Data, Education, & Industry Partners Shape Austin Talent
Growing demand in advanced manufacturing/semiconductors, tech, health sciences, and infrastructure sectors requires regional coordination to ensure we have a deep well of talent where students are prepared for in-demand careers in these industries. This event will feature industry relevant talent pipelines from our Central Texas postsecondary education providers and highlight how employer partnerships are shaping future talent in the Austin MSA. Key sectors featured include:
- Advanced Manufacturing/Semiconductors
- Health/Life Sciences
- IT/AI/Cyber Security
- Infrastructure/Skilled Trades
Leadership Journeys at SXSW EDU 2026
Presented by Big Picture Learning
We know that the paths of educators and leaders of color are not without obstacles. They work in and with communities who themselves are often barraged with conflict. And yet, they’re often tasked with being courageous and stern in the face of adversity. To withhold love and mask vulnerability. We whole-heartedly reject this premise.
We invite you to join exceptional leaders from across the country who embrace the notion that sharing deeply personal stories of vulnerability is the path forward toward collective dopeness. This multi-media, DJ-fueled collaboration replaces turntables with slidedecks, but without the sacrifice of soul. Light food, beverages and real talk will be served.
Reimagining Learning by Building AI Support for Your Context
School leaders and great teachers know how they want to change the learning environment to support their students. But how do you get started? Can AI help? This hands-on session will feature six to ten stations, each managed by a leading educator who has built open-source AI tools that their school now uses. Attendees will build their own tools, either “remixing”(or modifying) an existing app to fit their context, or by building a tool from scratch. We start with real problems; AI is our lever to create the change we want to see.
Don’t Miss Out On SXSW EDU 2026
Register and book your hotel today to break new ground in education through compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, mentorship, film screenings, trailblazing competitions, a dynamic expo, networking opportunities, and so much more at SXSW EDU from March 9-12, 2026.
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