GRAETC

We are the Greater Richmond Area Education Technology Consortium. Tech Leaders from VA's Region 1. RACL became GRAETC when Hopewell and Petersburg joined.

In approximately 1969 the Math and Science Center created a programming class for offsite schools. A van with terminals to teach Fortran programming was sent to various local school divisions. Those divisions provided an outside phone line for transmission of data. The Fortran punch cards were sent to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the printouts were printed out at the Math and Science

center. Each school would receive their printouts via a pony on the following Friday. The Math and Science center also set up professional development on using computers prior to the development of microcomputers. So when the onset of pc junior and Apple ii computers were introduced they were replaced with those systems who had trained the teachers. It was not until the early to mid-1980’s that school divisions had in place Computer Coordinators. This first group of coordinators became the first central Virginia organized group that would ultimately develop into what is now known as GRAETC. Dr. Helen Edens, Mark Dell, Scott Gardner, David Saunders, Howard Cothern, Thelma Pettis joined by Dr. Mano Talaiver of the Math and Science Consortium Center created the group known as RACL (Richmond Area Computer Leaders) to foster professional development and offer an annual conference. Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, Richmond, and Chesterfield, and a representative from the public television (WCVE) were the original members of RACL. They held a conference called TechFest in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Dr. Mano Talaiver was asked to create a CVTC (Central Virginia Technology Consortium) by GRAETC to include Charles City, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, and Sussex. TechFest conference soon became a major professional development activity. When the number of participants exceeded 300 in the annual conference, WCVE sponsored the conference every year and the new name for the conference became EdTech. For years the two day EdTech Conference was held on the campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. When it became too large, other sites were sought out. WCVE last sponsored the conference at Virginia State University in 2012. In 2014, the GRAETC committee decided to reignite the conference in 2015 to bring EdTech back to the Greater-Richmond area as EdTechRVA. The conference is currently hosted at VCU annually in March.

02/26/2026

As we explore innovation at EdTechRVA 2026, we’re also pausing to ask a deeper question: When the tools change… what stays the same?

Join us for a powerful lunchtime conversation featuring voices from across our region: classroom teachers, a librarian, central office leadership, and even a student perspective.

Together, we’ll reflect on questions like:
• What truly mattered in your own learning journey regardless of the technology?
• When has a “revolutionary” tool fallen short of transforming learning?
• When does technology empower students… and when does it get in the way?
• What impact do educators have in moments that may feel ordinary to them?

We’ll close by wrestling with the heart of our conference theme:

From parchment to pixels, and whatever comes next, how do we innovate boldly while safeguarding the human elements of learning that endure?

02/24/2026

🌟 Meet Our 2026 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tinkhani Ushe White

What does it take to truly transform education?

Dr. Tinkhani Ushe White has spent her career answering that question - from the classroom to the principal’s office to district leadership, and now as Director of Systems Transformation at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Her work centers on one powerful goal: creating educational systems that are equitable, meaningful, and aligned with the futures our students deserve.

A former math teacher and principal who improved student outcomes across multiple districts, Dr. White blends improvement science, accountability expertise, and a deep commitment to empowering others in problem-solving.

At EdTechRVA 2026, she’ll challenge and inspire us to think differently about systems, leadership, and what it means to ignite the future of learning.

You won’t want to miss this. 🔥

02/09/2026

Step into the next chapter of teaching and learning at EdTechRVA 2026!

Spend a full day connecting with educators, exploring innovative practices, and reimagining what learning can look like when tradition meets technology. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing the edges of what’s possible, this experience is designed to move your work From Parchment to Pixels.

🗓 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Reynolds Community College
1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228

Get inspired. Get practical. Get re-energized. 🔥
🔗 Registration is now open — reserve your spot today!

EDTechRVA2026 Schedule Check out the schedule for EDTechRVA2026

01/12/2026

The future of teaching and learning is unfolding! Join us at EdTechRVA 2026!

A full day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration designed for educators ready to bridge tradition and innovation.

🗓 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Reynolds Community College
1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228

Whether you’re just beginning your digital journey or refining cutting-edge practices, this conference will help move your work From Parchment to Pixels.

🔗 Registration is open. Save your seat today!
https://edtechrva2026.sched.com/

11/10/2025

EdTechRVA 2026 is officially OPEN for presentation proposals!

Are you igniting curiosity with AI?
Power-charging engagement with digital learning tools?
Leveling-up creativity + collaboration through tech?
We want to hear from you.

Show us how YOU are fueling the future of learning.

Conference Date: March 12, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 21, 2025
Visit graetc.org to submit your proposal

10/15/2025

From quill and ink to code and cloud. Education has always evolved through innovation.

That’s what EdTechRVA 2026: From Parchment to Pixels is all about: celebrating where we’ve been and imagining where we’re going.

Head over to graetc.org to read our newest blog by GRAETC Chair, Beth Elgert.

10/15/2025

We are excited to announce that the EdTechRVA 2026 Conference is now accepting proposals for presentations! We want to know: How are you using technology and digital tools to ignite the future? This is your chance to share how you’re energizing learning, fostering creativity, and transforming education through technology. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or instructional leader, we invite you to present and inspire your colleagues across the region.

Conference Date: March 12, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Visit graetc.org to submit your proposal.

03/12/2025

🚀 Happening NOW at ! 🚀

Keynote Speaker Patrick Moran is taking the stage with “Stop Scrolling: How Gen Alpha is Redefining Learning and Culture.”

From gaming to education, he’s breaking down how Gen Alpha is reshaping engagement, learning, and the future of digital experiences. 🎤

Follow along and share your takeaways! ⬇️

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