At the Learning Counsel Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting in Los Angeles, California, education leaders gathered to reflect on transformation, resilience, and purpose during a time of unprecedented change. Moderated by LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of Learning Counsel, the panel featured Dr. James Symonds, Superintendent of San Gabriel Unified School District, Ms. Ellen Palmer, Coordinator III for EdTech and Innovation at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and Mike Lawrence, Director of Information and Technology for ABC Unified School District.
Cauthen opened the conversation with a simple but powerful question:
“With all the change that is occurring in education, what are you most proud of?”
The responses revealed a shared commitment to people—students, educators, and leaders—navigating the future together with clarity and heart.
A Vision Anchored in Students and Humanity
Dr. James Symonds began by pointing to a foundational effort that has shaped San Gabriel USD’s direction: its Portrait of a Graduate.
“Our district came and shared about our portrait of a graduate,” Symonds said. “It has guided so much of our work through our entire district—starting with the students who helped us build it.”
Developed with student voice at the center, the Portrait of a Graduate serves as a compass for instructional, leadership, and innovation efforts districtwide. Symonds emphasized that this work extends beyond academic outcomes, guiding how the district approaches human-centered leadership, now in its second year of implementation.
He also reflected on the district’s evolving work with artificial intelligence, noting that the morning’s discussions offered a glimpse into what lies ahead.
“I feel like this morning I got a vision into the future from LeiLani,” he said. “I told her she blew my mind.”
Small Teams, Big Impact at the County Level
Ms. Ellen Palmer shared the countywide perspective, highlighting the momentum within LACOE’s newly rebranded EdTech and Innovation unit.
“We have such a small but mighty team,” Palmer said. “All of us are brand new to LACOE, and we’ve already hit the ground running.”
Despite its size, the team has focused on providing timely, responsive, and practical support to districts navigating complex technology and instructional shifts. Palmer emphasized that the ability to move quickly while maintaining strong partnerships has been a point of pride.
Mike Lawrence echoed that sentiment from a district partner’s perspective.
“I can attest to that,” he said. “They’re great support to our district.”
Resilience in Educators—and Students
For Lawrence, pride centered squarely on people—particularly educators and students who continue to adapt amid layered challenges.
“I’m proud of our staff,” he said. “Our teachers are so resilient with everything hitting them all at once.”
Reflecting on the lasting impact of a multi-year pandemic alongside ongoing instructional, technological, and societal shifts, Lawrence emphasized that educators continue to show up for students with consistency and care.
He also highlighted the adaptability of students themselves.
“Our students are consistently adapting,” he said. “It’s amazing to watch how they respond to changing circumstances, roll with it, and continue to grow and develop.”
A Shared Thread: People First
Throughout the discussion, a unifying theme emerged: education’s future is not defined by tools alone, but by the people using them. Whether through student-centered visioning, human-centered leadership, agile support structures, or sheer resilience, each panelist underscored the importance of investing in relationships and purpose.
As Cauthen guided the conversation, the panel made clear that amid constant change, pride comes not from having all the answers—but from building systems, cultures, and communities ready to face what’s next together.
Check out the full panel discussion below.
