ClassLink & RTM Announce 2026 EdTech All-Stars at Fall Education Congress

September 22, 2026
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Clifton, NJ - September 22, 2026 - ClassLink and RTM Business Group have named four exceptional K–12 leaders as 2026 EdTech All-Stars. The awards recognize education leaders whose work moves schools forward and makes a lasting impact on the people they serve.

Since 2018, ClassLink and RTM have celebrated leaders who turn ideas into action. This year’s honorees have solved complex challenges, brought people together, and created meaningful change across their schools and communities.

The winners were recognized during the 2026 Fall Education Congress, held September 20–22 in Orlando, Florida.

Join Us in Celebrating the 2026 EdTech All-Stars and Their Exceptional Efforts

Superintendent

Winner: Dr. Adrian Talley, Superintendent, Stamford Public Schools (CT)

While serving as superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204, Dr. Adrian Talley helped the district emerge from the pandemic with its focus firmly on the future. He led the development of a five-year strategic plan that brought student achievement, well-being, staff investment, community engagement, and district operations under one shared vision. That direction translated into results: student achievement rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and, in many areas, surpassed them, while the district expanded mental health resources and continued investing in its long-term needs. Dr. Talley is now superintendent of Stamford Public Schools in Connecticut.

Technology Leader

Winner: Dr. Eva Harvell, Technology Director, Pascagoula SD (MS)

Dr. Eva Harvell has spent her career making sure new technology reaches the classroom with purpose. She founded Tech Camp for Teachers, a nationally recognized professional learning institute that helped educators from across the country turn emerging technology into stronger instruction. Today, she's bringing that same educator-first approach to AI as a Research Fellow with the Mississippi AI Collaborative, where her research is helping ensure teachers have a voice in how generative AI is introduced into schools.

Instructional Leader

Winner: Dr. Antionette Woodall, Executive Director of Student Services, Hinds County SD (MS)

Dr. Antionette L. Woodall believes every child deserves a champion, and she has built her work around making sure students have one. As Executive Director of Student Services for Hinds County Schools, she brings together the people and resources behind student well-being, attendance, engagement, and school climate so support doesn't stop at the classroom door. Her experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader gives her a firsthand understanding of what students and educators need to succeed.

Facilities and Operations Leader

Winner: Marques Clayton, Chief Operations Officer, MSD of Warren Township SD (IN)

Marques Clayton knows that what happens behind the scenes can shape what happens in the classroom. After beginning his Warren Township career as a teacher, he now oversees the facilities, transportation, safety, nutrition, and building systems that students and staff rely on every day. He has led multi-million-dollar construction and renovation projects while building an operations team centered on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

"The EdTech All-Stars Award shines a light on the visionaries redefining what learning can be—leaders who empower their teams and students while lifting the entire education technology community. Their resilience and innovation set a new standard for the industry year after year. After more than a decade partnering with ClassLink, we're honored to once again stand alongside them in celebrating these trailblazers."

Kimberly Sun & Kieran Byrne
Managing Partners & Co-Founders, RTM

“This year’s EdTech All-Stars show us what thoughtful leadership looks like. They listen, bring people together, and build the conditions students and educators need to thrive. Their work reminds us that meaningful progress can take many forms, but it always begins with people. Thank you for the example you set.”

Berj Akian
Founder & CEO, ClassLink

Learn more about the EdTech All-Stars Award and this year’s honorees at rtmk12.com.

About ClassLink

ClassLink is the global leader in identity and access management for education. School systems around the world rely on ClassLink for access, automation, and analytics products that create more time for learning. Education leaders turn to ClassLink for evidence on screen time and how edtech usage connects with student outcomes. ClassLink empowers 25 million students and staff in over 3,000 school systems. Visit classlink.com to learn more.

About RTM

RTM Business Group organizes national forums and professional development opportunities, bringing together industry leaders. Our Program Councils, consisting of educators and thought leaders, are dedicated to creating content that addresses today's shared issues. Our mission is to encourage participants to think critically, work together, and make strategic decisions.

ClassLink is a trademark of ClassLink, Inc.