Issaquah Hosts National Education Leaders for Digital Promise Convening 

The Issaquah School District welcomed superintendents and district leaders from across the country this week as part of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools 2026 Spring Convening.

The multi-day event provided an opportunity for the 350 visiting educators to see learning in action across our schools, while engaging in conversations about innovation, student voice and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. The convening opened with remarks from Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick and School Board President AJ Taylor.

“At its core, this convening is about sharing and learning together. We value the opportunity to both highlight our work and learn from forward-thinking districts nationwide. By opening our classrooms, attendees will experience how we are expanding career-connected learning, elevating student voice, and empowering teacher leadership to advance instruction. Through this collaboration, we continue strengthening our work to meet the needs of all students, helping them thrive in school and prepare for success beyond high school in a dynamic global environment.”

Throughout the week, participants visited schools across the district, experiencing a wide range of student-centered learning in action and much more.

At Gibson Ek High School, students led tours highlighting project-based learning. At Liberty High School, visitors observed programs including NJROTC, the metal fabrication shop and L’Café. Attendees visiting Issaquah High School learned more about the district’s upcoming Roots Student Summit and the Japanese Expo and Career Kickstart at Issaquah Middle School. Skyline High School featured an AI gallery walk and chamber orchestra. Middle school microschools at Pine Lake and Maywood, Universal Design for Learning implementation at Pacific Cascade and the inclusion model at Cedar Trails were also highlighted.

These visits offered a firsthand look at how the district is approaching teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and real-world application.

On the final day of the convening, district leaders participated in breakout sessions focused on collaboration, reflection and sharing ideas to better support students. Sessions explored topics such as elevating student voice, building coherence across instructional and operational systems, and responding to the changing needs of today’s learners.

The convening concluded at the Seattle Aquarium, where participants continued conversations and made final professional connections.

District leaders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to both share their work and learn from others.

The event highlighted the value of collaboration among school systems and reinforced a shared commitment to preparing students for the future.

Learn more about Digital Promise on their website.