Photo credit: Rina Deshpande, 2026 I recently attended the NYU TeachTalk, Device-Free Classrooms to Cultivate Connection and Promote Presence. As I entered the NYU CTL Cornerstone, greeters directed us to sign in and enjoy NYU Teacher Appreciation Week refreshments and gifts, including pens and notebooks. There was an enjoyable hum of conversation. I introduced myself to the professor seated next to me. “We are proud to host and welcome you to our first in-person TeachTalk. N
