2026 Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference

Student Leadership Conference Attendees Register Here

Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference: Rewiring Learning
Building Bridges & Strengthening Connections

Speaking Proposal Application

Student Showcase Application 

Innovation in Education Award Nominations

Tech is the tool. Joy is the driver. Partnership is the path.

Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) is an exciting professional development opportunity to advance the integration of educational technology for teachers, K-12 administrators, industry experts, and higher education decision makers in Southwestern PA.

Join us for a transformative conference where we delve into the dynamic journey of educational technology and its profound impact on teaching and learning.

Discover how technology integration offers students unprecedented opportunities to engage with the future of education while in the classroom. Engage with thought leaders, educators, and technologists as we uncover the tools and strategies that are revolutionizing how knowledge is imparted and absorbed.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, policy-maker, or technology enthusiast, this conference promises to provide valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance the educational experience. Be a part of the conversation that is shaping the next generation of learning.

The goal is to leave with at least: One new skill. One big question. One meaningful connection.

Keynote Speaker

Jeff Remington is the STEM Outreach Liaison for the Penn State Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS), leveraging over 35 years of secondary classroom teaching and 25 years as an adjunct professor.

He is a nationally and globally recognized education leader. As one of ten National STEM Teacher Ambassadors, Jeff has shaped STEM policy at local, state, and national levels. Notably, he was the sole practicing teacher on the steering and content committees for Pennsylvania's STEELS Standards, championing their development at the grassroots level.

His global consulting work, spanning countries from Haiti to the United Arab Emirates, has focused on transforming education through authentic, transdisciplinary STEM approaches integrated with workforce development.

Jeff’s many recognitions include Lebanon Valley College’s Adjunct Award for Inspirational Teaching, the Paul DeHart Hurd Award for National Science Leadership, the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and being named a 2020 Top Fifty Finalist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, chosen from over 12,000 global nominees.

At CSATS, Jeff connects Penn State’s research enterprise with Pennsylvania’s educational needs. He advances STEM and AI education by assisting in translating complex technical research into practical, innovative classroom applications, passionately preparing students for their future, not our past.

Featured Speaker

Eric Curts has been in education for 34 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, Google tools, assistive tech, and creative ways to use technology in teaching and learning. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator, and co-leads the Ohio Google Educator Group. Eric runs the award-winning blog www.ControlAltAchieve.com where all of his edtech resources can be found, and is the author of the book "Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects".

Student Keynotes

Aarush Muthukrishnan is a 9th-grade student at North Allegheny and a recognized young leader in coding, robotics, and community impact. He is dedicated to applying advanced technology to solve real-world problems, a focus he champions as a State Project Ambassador for STEM with Penn State Extension. Highly proficient, Aarush is Python Certified, has successfully cleared USACO Bronze, and earned a Bronze Medal in the ACSL Junior Division. He founded the 4-H AI Club and is a Breakbeatcode Student Ambassador, driving STEM engagement. An active FRC team member and a two-time PA Media and Design winner, Aarush also extends his outreach by having taught Scratch at the elementary school level. You can see more of his work at https://aarushmuthu.com/.

Nandana Menon is an 18-year-old Neuroscience Student at The University of Pittsburgh and founder of Autism Unity Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting neurodiverse children through accessible technology and advocacy. She developed Spark, an autism support app, in pro bono partnership with CGI and University of Pittsburgh researchers to assist therapists, caregivers, and children navigating the challenges of neurodevelopmental care. A Disney Dreamer, Bank of America Student Leader, and 2025 SXSW Student Impact Challenge winner, Nandana has raised awareness on international platforms, been featured on KDKA, CBS, and local news, collaborated with legislators to expand the Blue Envelope Program, and trained over 350 professionals, which has now impacted more than 200,000+ neurodiverse youth nationwide.  

Schedule

TRETC Networking and Innovation in Education Event: 
Aurora Innovation, Inc: Self-Driving Freight is Here
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Aurora Innovation, Inc | 1654 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

TRETC 2026:
Date: January 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Fox Chapel School District, Dorseyville Middle School, 3732 Saxonburg Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, 15238

*The Act 48 hours will be administered at the end of the event.

Agenda 

Opening and Lunch Keynotes: Jeff Remington and Eric Curts 

Panel Discussions:

• From Classroom to Career: The Power of Career-Technical Education
• AI in Action: Pittsburgh Industry Leaders and Education's Path Forward
• ReDesigning High School with Tom Ralston 

Breakouts Sessions: 

• 30-minute presentations
• hour-long workshops
• 10-minute EdTech Flash Talks

Student Leadership Conference within the conference:

• Student Keynote
• Student Peer to Peer Discussion Cafe
• Student Post High School Panel
• Student Showcase *$250 prizes offered to top 3! 

Superintendent Forum: 

*All Administrators Attend for Free 

Private Session with Eric Curts

Superintendent Panel: Leading the AI Revolution: Start With The People And Not The Stuff 

Plus: 

Exhibitor Hall vendors and student showcase 

TRETC Auction using TRETC cash earned throughout the day

Cost:

Member Price: Early Bird (ends 12/19) $75 | Regular (ends 1/12) $99 | Late/Onsite $99 | Groups of 5+ $70 Each

Non-Member Price: Early Bird (ends 12/19) $95 | Regular (ends 1/12) $119 | Late/Onsite $119 | Groups of 5+ $70 Each

Administrators: FREE

Pre-Service Teacher Discounts | $250 Transportation Stipend Available for student groups

Is your organization a member of the Pittsburgh Technology Council? Be sure to select the member rate! Not Sure? Reach out to Brooke Wozniak at bwozniak@pghtech.org.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Host Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsor:

Contact Information:
For content or logistics questions: Megan Colf, Director, Event Management, mcolf@pghtech.org
For registration questions: Lauren Lowen, Event Coordinator, llowen@pghtech.org
For sponsorship questions: Ashley Steckel, Vice President of Business Development, asteckel@pghtech.org