Executive Director Christine Feenstra on why Computer-Using Educators is becoming the California Association of Learning Innovation in Education—and what the shift means for educators, equity, funding, and Spring CUE.
INTERVIEW | by Victor Rivero
Christine Feenstra leads California’s long-standing community of technology-using educators through its biggest evolution yet: the transition from CUE to CALIE — the California Association of Learning Innovation in Education. Founded in 1978 as Computer-Using Educators, the organization helped generations of teachers integrate technology; today, Feenstra is widening that lens to encompass a broader ecosystem of innovation, leadership, and equity. Under her direction, CALIE is restructuring programs to connect professional learning, leadership development, and community—and to ensure technology serves learning outcomes rather than the other way around. She’s also confronting post-pandemic funding headwinds, arguing for sustainability through smarter design, capacity building, and strategic use of existing tools while schools explore new AI-related opportunities. The beloved Spring CUE conference will continue, thoughtfully branded as Spring CUE powered by CALIE, honoring its legacy while previewing what’s next. With CALIE, Feenstra aims to open doors for learners statewide and equip educators to navigate rapid change with purpose.
Earlier this month you announced that CUE, a 47-year-old organization, was rebranding as CALIE. Can you tell us a bit about how the rebrand is going and also give us some of the history of CUE/CALIE?
Our transition to CALIE is progressing smoothly and has been enthusiastically embraced by our community. CUE, originally an acronym for Computer Using Educators, was established in 1978, reflecting the initial focus on integrating computers into educational environments. Over the years, as technology and educational needs evolved, so did CUE.
‘It isn’t just cosmetic; we are undergoing a strategic transformation that is grounded in the belief that technology should serve learning, not the other way around.’
Technology’s role in education has transcended computers to encompass a broader spectrum of innovation and learning modalities, and technology impacts every educator, every student, and every administrator in ways unimaginable even just a few years ago. So the transition from CUE to CALIE – the California Association of Learning Innovation in Education – is about showing up during this time of rapid change and pursuing an expanded vision while still remaining true to who we are as an organization. This new identity honors our rich history while paving the way for future programming that will open doors for learners across our state.
In a guest column here in EdTech Digest, you noted that the rebrand was “more than a name change” and was an organizational shift to modernize. Can you elaborate on the need for this organizational change?
The guest column you reference is titled Taking our CUE to Evolve and evolving is really what this is all about. We aren’t just rebranding with a new name and colorful new logo. It isn’t just cosmetic; we are undergoing a strategic transformation that is grounded in the belief that technology should serve learning, not the other way around. To do this, we have restructured the organization to better meet the needs of today’s educators, who are leading innovation, navigating funding uncertainties, and striving for equity in every classroom. Through CALIE, we’re building a statewide ecosystem that connects professional learning, leadership development, and community.
What are some of the biggest changes CALIE is making that will benefit educators and when will these new programs be available?
One of the significant changes under CALIE includes the introduction of a new professional learning hub, offering on-demand development resources that align with educators’ current needs. Additionally, we are rolling out a certified educator program focused on competency-based learning to enhance teachers’ impact and leadership skills.
We also aim to bolster member engagement through an expanded committee structure. These initiatives are being phased in over the next year, continually enhancing our support and resources to better align with and support educators’ evolving needs.
Earlier this year in a different column, you noted that the termination of COVID-era edtech funding was threatening progress being made to bridge the digital divide. Since then, there have been even more significant cuts made to education funding that is impacting edtech. There have also been some new streams of edtech funding, particularly around AI. What is your current thinking on the sustainability of edtech given all of these changes?
The future of education funding generally, and edtech specifically, is at a crossroads right now. When I wrote that column back in February it was about the consequences of COVID-era funding coming to an end. Since then, the news often feels bleak with more and more funding cuts enacted or proposed. And the very real gains in equity that we have seen in recent years such as the significant progress that was being made in closing the digital divide are now in jeopardy.
At CALIE, we’re focused on sustainability through smarter design, not just new dollars. That means helping schools make strategic use of existing tools, building staff capacity to integrate technology effectively, and aligning innovation with long-term instructional goals. While new AI-focused funding streams are promising, the real measure of success will be how well those investments strengthen equity, teacher readiness, and student learning outcomes over time.
Prior to the rebrand, CUE held a popular annual conference known as Spring CUE. What are the current plans for the event given the rebranding?
The transition from CUE to CALIE will be reflected thoughtfully at our annual conference. For now, the event will continue as Spring CUE powered by CALIE to honor its legacy while signaling what’s ahead.
Attendees can expect the same vibrant community and high-impact learning they value, now framed within CALIE’s broader mission – supporting innovation, leadership, and equity in education. The conference will showcase new programs and partnerships aligned with the CALIE brand, offering a preview of the organization’s next chapter.
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Victor Rivero is the Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest. Write to: victor@edtechdigest.com
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Original Article Published at Edtech Digest
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