At the recent Learning Counsel Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting in Houston, a powerful panel discussion—moderated by Learning Counsel CEO LeiLani Cauthen—brought together some of the most respected voices in Texas education. The conversation centered on leadership in times of disruption, the evolution of technology in the classroom, and the unwavering human spirit driving schools forward.

The panel featured:

• Dr. Jenny McGown, Superintendent, Klein ISD
• Dr. Allegra McGrew, Director of Digital Learning, Region 4 ESC
• Dr. Kari Murphy, Chief Technology Officer, Deer Park ISD
• Ms. Kelly Grigg, Director of Instructional Technology, Deer Park ISD

Cauthen opened with a simple yet powerful question: What are you most proud of? The answers painted a vivid portrait of a region where innovation is alive and well—but grounded deeply in people-first values.

For Dr. McGown, the pride was immediate and personal. “It’s the people,” she said. “That, to me, is what always brings joy in this work.” Acknowledging the challenges public education faces, she pointed to the resilience of educators who continue to “show up with hope in their hearts” and inspire students to “find their purpose for good in the world.”

In her district and throughout Region 4, McGown sees a commitment that transcends fatigue or frustration. “No one’s throwing in the towel,” she said. “They’re asking: What else can we use to support our work? How can we keep getting better?”

Her message was clear: educators are not just enduring—they're innovating, adapting, and relentlessly pursuing what’s best for students.

Dr. McGrew, representing Region 4 ESC, echoed McGown’s sentiments and added a layer of advocacy for personalization. “When families send their children to us,” she said, “they’re not leaving the best ones at home. They’re sending the very best they have.”

That understanding, she emphasized, is what fuels the push toward personalized learning—a monumental task that requires not just tools, but deep-rooted commitment. As someone who frequently visits districts across the region, McGrew sees that commitment firsthand. “What we hear time and time again is not defeat, but determination.”

Her pride stems from the educators who entered the field to change lives—and who still, despite everything, believe they can.

Dr. Murphy brought the conversation into the realm of systems thinking and long-term strategy. With decades of leadership experience in Deer Park ISD, she reflected on the evolution of instructional technology—not as a separate initiative, but as a fully integrated support for learning.

“We’ve created an ecosystem that works well together,” she said. “Technology is no longer the disruption—it’s the enabler.”

On her desk, Murphy keeps a small plaque that says seamless—a guiding vision she’s carried for over a decade. “We’re not all the way there,” she admitted, “but we’re close. We’ve built the processes. We’ve built the culture. And now we’re able to rise above whatever new challenge comes next—be it AI, budget cuts, or structural change.”

Ms. Kelly Grigg, who works alongside Dr. Murphy in Deer Park ISD, emphasized the culture they’ve built together—a culture focused on empowerment rather than prescription.

“Our job is to build teachers’ digital agility,” she said. “We give them the tools, we show them how to use them, and then we let them decide what’s best for their students.”

Grigg spoke to a service-oriented philosophy—one where success isn’t measured by recognition, but by the growth of others. “We’re behind the scenes. If a teacher shines, if a student shines, that means we’ve done our job.”

She also highlighted the importance of follow-through. “You can present professional development on AI or digital tools,” she said, “but it’s the follow-through that makes it real. That’s where change happens.”

While each leader brought their own perspective to the discussion, they were united by a shared vision: one where innovation is meaningful, where systems are designed to serve people—not the other way around—and where the future of learning remains deeply human.

Moderated with insight and empathy by LeiLani Cauthen, the panel offered more than just strategies—it offered a glimpse into what’s possible when leadership, culture, and commitment converge.

As Cauthen noted at the close, “The future isn’t just about tech. It’s about the people brave enough to shape it.”

Tune in below to see the full panel discussion.