SESSIONS
SCHEDULE
AUGUST 12
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Auditorium
Welcome and Coffee
Dr. Amy Mount, Gateway Group
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Auditorium
Keynote from Tom Driscoll, EdTechTeacher CEO
The Future of AI in Education
This keynote explores the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in education and its implications for classroom teachers. Drawing on current research and emerging technological trends, this talk bridges the gap between today's AI implementations and tomorrow's educational environment.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- The latest breakthroughs in AI technologies and their practical classroom applications
- Research-based predictions for how AI will reshape curriculum development, assessment, and personalized learning
- Strategies for educators to develop AI literacy and adapt their practice to complement rather than compete with intelligent systems
- Considerations around equity, ethics, and student data privacy in an AI-enhanced learning environment
This forward-looking presentation balances technological optimism with practical ideas, empowering teachers to become informed participants in shaping how AI will transform the essential human elements of teaching and learning.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session 1
Policy and Innovation
Library
Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of AI: The Future of Work
This session explores how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming the skills needed across industries. This presentation highlights strategies individuals and organizations can use to adapt, thrive, and stay competitive in a constantly evolving job market. Participants will gain insights into the essential competencies for the future and actionable steps to build a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Michael Edmondson
NJIT
Associate Provost for Continued Learning
Leadership Applications
Room 107
Inclusive by Design: AI Solutions to Meet Diverse Learning Needs in Real-Time
Discover how AI can transform your classroom into an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where every student thrives. This session will explore practical AI tools and strategies that enable real-time differentiation, supporting English language learners, students with disabilities, and those with diverse learning profiles. Through the lens of universal design, we will explore how to harness the power of AI to create equitable opportunities for all learners. Walk away with actionable insights and resources to implement immediately, ensuring your teaching is accessible, engaging, and responsive to student needs.
Fred Souza
Assistant Superintendent, Dighton-Rehoboth School District
General Applications
Room 111
Introducing AI to Students Safety
This interactive workshop equips teachers with tools to safely introduce AI concepts to students through hands-on, engaging activities. Participants will explore ethical use, digital citizenship, and critical thinking while experimenting with classroom-friendly AI tools like chatbots and image generators. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use lesson ideas, and the confidence to guide students in using AI responsibly.
Kathleen Bially
Gateway Teacher Leader
UDL
Room 113
Increasing Access: Leveraging AI to Strengthen Executive Function in Inclusive Classrooms
Executive function skills—such as organization, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation—are essential for student success. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to support students in developing and strengthening these skills through personalized tools and adaptive learning strategies. This presentation will explore how AI-driven applications can assist in fostering executive function, with practical strategies for implementation in the classroom.
Jordan Fagan
All In for Inclusive Education
Languages, Literacy, and Humanities
Room 115
Blending Tradition with Innovation: Integrating Student Use of AI in the World Language Classroom
In this session, educators will explore innovative strategies to integrate AI into traditional World Language lessons, enhancing rather than replacing current teaching methods. Discover how AI can complement paper-pencil assignments and hands-on manipulatives, acting as a supportive classroom assistant. Unlike many AI sessions that focus on teacher use, this session will emphasize how students can actively use AI in the classroom. Participants will leave this session with a wealth of resources and ideas to seamlessly blend World Language lessons with AI innovations.
Kim Karwoski
Gateway Teacher Leader
PBL and Assessment
Room 104
Focusing on What Matters: Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI
As AI becomes an increasingly powerful partner in education, traditional approaches to assessment must evolve. This session invites educators and leaders to critically examine how AI is reshaping what, why, and how we assess student learning. Participants will explore authentic, personalized, and performance-based assessment strategies that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application—areas where human insight remains essential.
Rosemary Seitel
NJPSA
STEM
Room 106
AI-Driven Tools for Personalized Math Instruction in Secondary Education
This session will help high school math teachers use artificial intelligence more effectively by crafting prompts that align with classroom needs while supporting Universal Design for Learning.
Janet George
Snyder High School, Jersey City Schools
Tools
Room 102
SchoolAI presentation
SchoolAI Reps
11:15 AM- 12:15 AM
Session 2
Policy and Innovation
Library
The Local Advantage: Saving Costs and Staying Flexible with In-House AI
Discover how Kingsway is beta testing a flexible, budget-friendly approach to AI integration by building a locally hosted AI environment using OpenWebUI and school-owned hardware. This session will explore how districts can significantly cut costs by running open-source models and tapping into API extensions—without relying on expensive Big Tech subscriptions. Learn how keeping data, model history, and workflows in-house enhances privacy and flexibility, while a model-agnostic setup allows schools to switch between platforms as needs evolve. Designed for IT leaders ready to take control of their AI future without sacrificing performance or cost-efficiency.
Robert Iocona
Chief Technology Officer, Kingsway Regional
Leadership Applications
Room 107
The AI-Powered Admin: Practical Strategies to Elevate Your Educational Leadership
In this workshop, education leaders will learn how to use new AI tools and strategies to enhance their leadership abilities! Participants will explore various ways that AI can help with day-to-day tasks and challenges as well as long-term projects & goals, including:
- Administrative Efficiency: Automate routine tasks like scheduling, attendance tracking, and data analysis, freeing up time for more strategic planning and decision-making.
- Informed Decision-Making: Analyze large datasets to provide insights, helping to identify trends and areas needing attention.
- Enhanced Communication: Enhance communication between schools, parents, students and other stakeholders in your school community.
- Professional Learning & Advancement: Learn how AI can help tailor, streamline andoptimize your own professional learning experiences.
Tom Driscoll
EdTechTeacher
General Applications
Room 111
Unlocking the Magic of AI in Your Elementary Classroom
As an elementary educator, are you curious about the role of artificial intelligence in your classroom? In this session, you'll discover practical ways to use AI to enhance your teaching and empower your students. Learn how AI can help differentiate instruction, personalize learning, and foster creativity. Explore exciting AI tools and resources that will prepare your learners for a future powered by artificial intelligence. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a fresh perspective on the potential of AI in education.
Debbie Tannenbaum
Saratoga Elementary School,
Fairfax County Schools
UDL
Room 113
5 Immediate and Practical Ways to Use AI to Deepen Multilingual Learners’ Competencies - Creating More Intellectual and Humane Learning Environments
AI has the possibility to transform how multilingual learners access content, show their competencies, and communicate in the classroom. In this workshop we’ll look at 4 practical ways to harness AI to transform reading comprehension, writing skills, knowledge building, communication, and assessment. We’ll consider AI use in the classroom, and in your communication with families so that AI helps you create more intellectual and surprisingly, more humane, learning environments.
Mary Ehrenworth
Teacher's College, Columbia University
Languages, Literacy, and Humanities
Room 115
Analyzing AI Biases and Ethics through Inclusive Student Discourse
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into classrooms and daily life, it is crucial to teach students how to critically engage with technology. This session will equip educators with tools and strategies to facilitate thoughtful discussions around the use of AI. Educators will explore how AI can reinforce or challenge students’ perceptions of race, place, and identity, and how to support students in navigating this. One focus is on how stereotypes and biases can manifest in AI-generated content. Civil discourse will be used as a tool to critically think about the ethical implications of AI, AI decision-making, and other AI-related discussions, while fostering a deeper understanding of viewpoint diversity and inclusion.
Administrators and instructional leaders can also benefit from the session as they explore ways to build community norms and healthy practices with civil discourse and AI use in their school and district communities.
Elyse Alter
Sphere
Associate Director
PBL and Assessment
Room 104
Brick by Brick: Designing AI-Enhanced PBL Units with Play and Purpose
Forget boring templates. In this interactive studio-style session, educators will collaboratively design a full PBL unit using a mix of AI tools, playful strategies, and real-world problem solving. We’ll walk through a repeatable framework—BRICK (Build, Reflect, Iterate, Connect, Keep it Playful)—and apply it to create authentic learning experiences that blend student voice, cross-curricular connections, and modern tools. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to supercharge your units with AI, this session will get you building with intention.
Dan Thomas
Coach Thomas Tech, LLC
STEM
Room 106
Global Voices on AI in Math Edu: User Insights from Around the World
This presentation will describe diverse use cases of AI in Math Edu from users located around the world.
Jonathan Markowich
Drexel University
Tools
Room 102
Diffit
Diffit
1:15 PM- 2:15 PM
Session 3
Policy and Innovation
Library
Tomorrow Starts Today
The future isn't waiting. It's already unfolding in all of our lives. Join us for an inspiring and practical look at how small shifts in mindset and simple uses of AI can help us empower students, spark creativity, and lead the way into the future of learning. You don't need to be a tech expert and you already have what matters most. Let's bridge the gap to tomorrow starting with today.
Haley Scheerer
Passaic Schools
Leadership Applications
Room 107
Workload Wizard vs. AI to Elevate
This session explores the dual power of AI: first, as a "Workload Wizard" to boost your efficiency. Learn practical AI applications for lesson development, feedback, data analysis, and email. Second, discover how AI can elevate education in new ways. We'll demo tools like NotebookLM+ and discuss AI's potential for personalized learning, creative brainstorming, and unique student interactions. Leave with actionable strategies to work smarter, not just harder.
Joel Handler
Director of Technology, Hillsborough Township
General Applications
Room 111
Authentic AI Literacy: From Theory to Practice
In this hands-on presentation, participants will experience student-tested, classroom-ready lessons that bring AI literacy to life through structured writing and math 'competitions'. These lessons go beyond talk—they’re built for authentic use, giving students a concrete understanding of what appropriate AI use looks and feels like. We’ll unpack lesson logistics, impact, and implementation so participants can walk away, ready to deliver these lessons in their own classrooms. If we want students to thrive in a future of AI, we need to ground them in real, practical applications that show what’s possible.
Vince Doud
Kingsway Regional
UDL
Room 113
Inclusive Innovation: UDL and AI Tools for Student-Centered Learning
Ready to design a classroom where every student thrives? This session explores the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and generative AI to create dynamic and inclusive learning experiences. Discover practical strategies and cutting-edge tools aligned with the latest UDL guidelines (released July 2024) to empower diverse learners.
Debbie Tannenbaum
Saratoga Elementary School,
Fairfax County Schools
Languages, Literacy, and Humanities
Room 115
Turning AI into a (Surprisingly Kind and Powerful) Writing Coach and Instructional Partner for Teachers and Students
AI has the potential to deepen and extend the feedback young writers receive. Find out how to harness an AI partner to build feedback toolkits, to communicate feedback across languages, and to coach students across the writing process. Learn, as well, how to mediate EdTech AI spaces, so students can learn from feedback that is swift and powerful - and how to coach these AI partners to amplify student identities as well as skills.
Mary Ehrenworth
Teacher's College, Columbia University
PBL and Assessment
Room 104
Kickstart Your School Year with the Latest AI Tools for Educators
Ready to revolutionize your teaching and reclaim valuable time as you gear up for next school year? This workshop dives into the world of Artificial Intelligence and provides practical, ready-to-use AI tools designed specifically for educators. - Automate Administrative Tasks: Reclaim valuable time by leveraging AI for tasks like email drafting, scheduling, and even initial report generation. - Enhance Communication with AI: Discover how to craft effective prompts and provide clear instructions to AI tools to get the best possible results. Learn techniques for refining AI outputs and ensuring they align with your goals. Apply constructive feedback to AI to improve its responses over time. And...find ways to add coherence to your deluge of communications (email, memos, social media, etc).
Michael Gaskell
Principal, Hammarskjold Middle School, New Brunswick
STEM
Room 106
AI Generated Financial Simulations for Middle School Exploration
This interactive presentation equips educators to use generative AI tools, specifically School AI and Magic School, to enhance financial literacy education for middle school students. Using simulations require students to apply financial concepts, make connections, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Participants will experience simulation activities and then explore how AI can create engaging financial simulations with real-world takeaways. The workshop will provide insight on setting up simulations, covering prompt engineering, options for student interactions, lesson components, and AI-generated supplementary materials like rubrics and guided questions. A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to aligning these AI-driven activities with curriculum standards and exploring extensions for diverse learners.
Elizabeth Pitel
Washington Township Public Schools
Tools
Room 102
Canva
Canva
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Session 4
Policy and Innovation
Library
AI Literacy Resources for Teachers and Students: Explore the Free IBM SkillsBuild Program!
The session will showcase the free IBM SkillsBuild AI Literacy program for teachers and students, a unique collection of educator-developed teaching and learning tools covering AI, emerging tech, and career-readiness. Participants will learn how IBM and EdTechTeacher are making these resources and professional learning sessions available for free to high school classrooms everywhere. A hands-on experience featuring SkillsBuild’s AI content will inspire you to imagine how these resources can enhance learning in and beyond the classroom.
Tom Driscoll
EdTechTeacher CEO
Leadership Applications
Room 107
Empowering Instructional Coaches: Harnessing AI to Transform Coaching and Teacher Growth
Discover how AI is revolutionizing instructional coaching by enhancing feedback, streamlining administrative tasks, and providing real-time insights. This session will explore practical applications of AI tools for data-driven coaching, personalized educator support, and scaling impactful professional learning. Learn how to leverage AI to drive growth, improve instructional practices, and maximize coaching effectiveness across classrooms.
Paddy Shea
SibMe
General Applications
Room 111
Using AI to Support Positive Student Behaviors and SEL
This presentation will explore ways that AI can help to facilitate SEL skills and help teachers decrease student behaviors in the classroom.
Caleigh Heenan
National Park Dean of Students, RtI Coordinator
UDL
Room 113
Using AI to Shelter Instruction for MLs at all Proficiency Levels
A major source of resistance to the adoption of sheltered instruction by non-ML teachers has been the amount of extra work required to differentiate instruction for learners of varying home languages, educational backgrounds, and English proficiency levels. In this workshop, we will look at several tools across multiple AI programs that can help teachers provide the scaffolds their MLs need using very little time or effort.
Joanne Negrin
LLAMAMA, LLC.
Languages, Literacy, and Humanities
Room 115
RevolutionNJ: Make Social Studies Standards come alive using School AI to begin celebrating New Jersey’s Commemoration of America’s 250th Birthday
Using a handful of tools available to School AI users and NJDOE standards and endorsed resources, we’ll learn how to make history come alive for students using AI. Participants will spend a few minutes experiencing history through their students’ eyes using fun, engaging School AI tools, then learn the basics to create similar experiences in School AI for their own students. Aligned to NJDOE endorsed programs, incorporating resources curated by organizations working with the State to promote REVNJ* participants will walk away with ideas, content, and guidance to facilitate engaging learning experiences for students where they can talk to historical figures, visit local (and distant) historical sites, and interact with artifacts in fun, engaging ways using AI tools focused on the American Revolution right here in New Jersey.
*RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.
James Salvo,
NJPSA/FEA
PBL and Assessment
Room 104
Design Thinking Meets AI: Empowering Creativity and Student Voice Through Prompt Engineering
Discover how AI tools & Apps can be harnessed to nurture creativity, design thinking, and student agency across grade levels. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to craft purposeful prompts that foster imaginative thinking and problem-solving. Learn how AI can help students ideate, iterate, and express their ideas with empathy and originality—no matter their starting point. Walk away with adaptable prompt templates and design-focused strategies to use immediately in your classroom or makerspace. This session emphasizes equity, accessibility, and real-world relevance, empowering all learners to be creators, not just consumers, of AI-enhanced solutions
Kimberly Curran Smith
Saint Raphael School
Tools
Room 102
AI Tutoring for Elementary Schools
Schools can now offer unlimited tutoring to every student, in every subject, available 24/7, thanks to the advent of "AI Tutoring". This changes the relationship between schools and tutoring. For example every child can get 15-30 minutes of private tutoring in reading or math, as often as every day, right in the classroom! This was never before possible before AI Tutoring. And families can now have access to unlimited private tutoring at home as well. Because it is so affordable, and crucially it doesn't need to be scheduled in advance, AI Tutoring is enabling schools to offer tutoring at a scale never before possible. Much of the focus of AI Tutoring has been on secondary schools, but in this talk you'll learn how elementary schools are leveraging AI Tutoring to improve reading and math outcomes, and what the future holds for AI in elementary schools.
Tom Novikoff
SuperTeacher
3:00 - 3:30 PM
CLOSING SESSION & RAFFLE
AUGUST 13
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Auditorium
Welcome and Coffee
Dr. Amy Mount, Gateway Group
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Auditorium
Tara Nattrass, Keynote
Chief Innovation Officer, Education at Lenovo
Shaping the AI in Education Journey
Since November 2022, we have been more urgently and intentionally exploring "AI in education". What do we really mean by "AI in education" and how are we balancing innovation with privacy, safety, and security concerns? In order to shape the impact of AI within and beyond our classrooms, it is essential that we unpack three critical areas: guidelines and policies, professional learning, and curriculum, assessment, and resources. We need to be clear on the ways in which addressing those areas will strengthen AI literacy for educators as well as students. Together, we'll explore how to intentionally shape AI's impact on teaching and learning while supporting safe and responsible use.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 1
Library
How can I teach students about AI literacy?
Tom Driscoll
Room 107
How can I use AI to help me differentiate resources to meet student needs?
Jordan Fagan Joanne Negrin
Room 111
How can AI help me plan lessons and units?
Kim Karwoski
French Teacher
Gateway
Room 113
How can I use AI to promote student creativity?
Caleigh Heenan
Dean of Students, RtI Coordinator
Room 115
How can I help my school develop frameworks and practices to use AI ethically?
Tara Nattrass
Chief Innovation Officer, Education at Lenovo
Room 104
How can AI support authentic student research and writing?
Kathy Bially
Gateway,AI Teacher Leader
Room 106
How can I use an inquiry-based AI workflow in my STEAM classes to observe, ask, predict, collaborate with AI, and verify?
Lindy Hockenbary
Room 102
1:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Session 2
Library
Leadership Cohort
Tom Driscoll
Room 107
CST, Guidance, and Student Support Cohort
Jordan Fagan
ALL IN, Inclusion Facilitator
Joanne Negrin
LLAMAME, LLC , Partner & NJDOE
Room 111
ELA and World Languages Cohort
Kathy Bially
Gateway, AI Teacher Leader
Adrienne Evans
Gateway, AI Teacher
Room 113
Visual and Performing Arts Cohort
Bill Grillo
Gateway, Supervisor
Jason Straub
Gateway, AI Teacher Leader
Room 115
PreK-2 Elementary Teachers Cohort
Jolene Sparano
Gateway Supervisor
Room 104
Math Cohort
Jonathan Markowich
Drexel University
Mike D'Alessandro
Gateway AI Teacher Leader
Room 106
STEAM Cohort
Chase Harris
AI Teacher Leader
Ashlee Payne
AI Teacher Leader
Room 102
Career and Technology Education Cohort
Dustin Widener
Gateway, AI Teacher
Katy Peck
Gateway Supervisor