October 15, 2025
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374
Join Michigan Virtual and the Statewide AI Workgroup, bringing together K-12 educators and national AI experts for a day of conversation and innovative learning around the thoughtful integration of AI in education!
Refund Policy: The AI Summit will take place regardless of winter weather (it’s Michigan). Refunds will not be offered for attendees unable to join due to travel or weather circumstances.
Participants who attend the AI Summit all day on October 15, 2025, will earn 6 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs).
Sign up to get notified by email as soon as the 2025 AI Summit registration opens.
Winston Roberts is an innovative educator and AI strategist with nine years in the classroom and a Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.
He now leads AI training tailored for educators nationwide through his firm Teacher in a Suit.
His work—spotlighted at ISTE, SXSW EDU, ASU+GSV, and the cover of EdTech Magazine— seeks to ensure no student is locked out of the future by outdated systems, and that schools reclaim their role as engines of relevance, empowerment, and innovation in an AI-driven world.
Nathan Labenz, founder and former CEO of Waymark, is a technology entrepreneur and distinguished artificial intelligence analyst. With a background in science and a keen eye for innovation, Nathan led Waymark from its inception to its status as a trailblazer in generative AI-powered content creation.
Currently, he hosts ‘The Cognitive Revolution’ podcast, where he explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on work, life, society, and culture. Through his insightful conversations with notable builders, researchers, and investors, Nathan helps business, policy, and academic leaders stay up to date with AI developments and implications.
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
(All attendees – Diamond Ballroom)
Presenter: Matt Mervis, Director, Skills21 & AI Strategy at EdAdvance
Session Description: Artificial Intelligence tools are influencing our lives and redefining the education landscape at a rapid pace. Vital skills such as critical thinking, managing ambiguity, and creativity are becoming increasingly important as we prepare students for a future deeply intertwined with AI.
This talk and hands-on illustration will cover:
During the presentation, individuals and teams will have an opportunity to examine prompting with multiple AI tools and understand how to leverage AI in their work.
10:00AM – 10:50 AM
10 concurrent sessions
Presenter(s): Keshia Swaringam, Sibme AI / Wayne RESA; Kai Smith, Educational Improvement Consultant, Wayne RESA
Session Description: Creating a positive school culture is impossible without a positive teacher culture. If teachers do not feel motivated and successful, there is no initiative that a district can undertake to help improve student success. In a recent NEA study, 67% of teachers said that burnout is “very serious” in their profession and districts are facing significant hiring challenges as teachers continue to leave the profession in record numbers. So how do district leaders build a culture of teacher efficacy in such a difficult environment? In this session, Wayne RESA will discuss how they are building a system where teachers know they are succeeding, not because someone is telling them, but because they can see it. Learn how artificial intelligence is helping teachers identify bright spots in their lessons that they would never identify themselves, and how seeing themselves achieve great things in their lessons is helping teachers believe in themselves again.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Administration
Presenter(s): Tim Melton, Kira Learning, Inc. / Putnam County School System (TN); Lance Key, VITAL Program Administrator, Putnam County School System (TN)
Session Description: Kira isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a fully integrated teaching and learning platform rooted in research-backed pedagogy. In this interactive session, experience how Putnam County Schools uses Kira to deliver personalized, standards-aligned instruction at scale through real-time AI tutoring, dynamic lesson generation, and mastery-based progress tracking—all in a single platform. Led by Lance Key, VITAL (Virtual Instruction to Accelerate Learning) Program Administrator and Google Certified Innovator.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
Presenter(s): Tom Lietz, Associate Director for Training and Development, MASSP; Matt Alley
Session Description: What if the best insights about AI in education come directly from the students living it every day? This groundbreaking panel flips the traditional conference script by putting K-12 students center stage as the AI education experts.
Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and surprised as diverse student voices—from elementary through high school—share their unfiltered experiences with AI in learning. These digital natives will reveal which AI tools actually work (and which don’t), how they navigate academic integrity in the AI age, and what keeps them up at night about artificial intelligence in schools.
Through candid conversation and interactive audience engagement, you’ll discover how to harness student insights to drive meaningful AI integration in your own context. Whether you’re a novice wondering where to start or an experienced implementer seeking authentic feedback, this session delivers practical strategies grounded in real student experiences.
The AI generation is here, and they have something crucial to say about the future of learning. Are you ready to listen?
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Administration
Presenter(s): Cheryl Wilson, Computer Science Consultant, MDE
Session Description: In a world where AI tools are just a click away, students and educators need more than quick tips on “how to use them” — they need to understand what AI is, how it works, and why it matters. This interactive session will dive into the foundations of AI literacy, connecting computational thinking and computer science concepts to the Michigan Virtual AI Framework and K-12 Integration Guide.
Through live demonstrations and hands-on activities, you’ll explore:
-Core concepts behind AI systems and their connection to computational thinking
-Practical, age-appropriate strategies for integrating AI literacy into your curriculum
-Safe, ethical, and equitable considerations for AI use in learning environments
-Ways to foster student curiosity, critical thinking, and thoughtful risk-taking with AI tools
Whether you’re an AI novice or an experienced user, you’ll leave with ready-to-implement ideas, classroom-tested examples, and a deeper understanding of how to move your students from passive AI consumers to informed AI thinkers and creators.
Experience Level: AI Novice
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
Presenter(s): Andy Mann, Instructional Technology Consultant/Director REMC 4, ISD/RESA
Session Description: Turn your classroom into a creative studio with AI tools for making images, movies, and music. Learn how to use Padlet’s AI image generator for engaging writing prompts, explore Canva and Adobe Firefly for text-to-image and text-to-video creations, and enhance visuals with AI-powered editing. Have fun turning historical figures, scientists, or authors into boxed action figures, then finish by composing original AI-generated songs to support any curriculum area.
Experience Level: AI Novice
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
Presenter(s): Michelle Gierman, AI Strategist/Gifted Education Coach, Avondale
Session Description: Join Michelle Gierman, AI Strategist and Gifted Education Coach at Avondale School District, as she shares the district’s ongoing journey in developing AI integration practices that prioritize cognitive development, ethical reasoning, and authentic learning experiences. This session will explore Avondale’s evolving approach to K-12 AI literacy as they work to balance innovation with responsibility while learning how to prepare students to become thoughtful technology leaders.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Teachers (planning, work management)
Presenter(s): Deven Parrish, English Teacher, MEA
Session Description: Ready to move beyond the AI hype and discover what actually works in the classroom? Join this hands-on session led by a high school educator with three years of real-world AI implementation experience in the English Language Arts classroom.
This interactive presentation will demonstrate five powerful ways AI can transform your teaching practice: providing personalized student feedback that saves time while improving learning outcomes, running engaging simulations and educational games that bring content to life, generating fresh lesson and project ideas tailored to your curriculum, creating dynamic role-play activities that boost student engagement, and serving as an always-available study buddy and practice tool for students.
Attendees will leave with immediately actionable strategies, guidelines for crafting effective AI prompts, real classroom examples and student work samples, and a practical framework for integrating AI into almost any subject area. Whether you’re an AI newcomer, looking to expand your current use, or just in need of some inspiration and ideas, this session offers concrete solutions you can implement Monday morning.
Perfect for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators seeking evidence-based approaches to AI integration that enhance rather than replace quality teaching practices.
Experience Level: AI Expert
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
11:00AM – 11:50 AM
10 concurrent sessions
Presenter(s): Josh Pauly, Brisk Teaching / Northville Public Schools; Jen Lawson, Instructional Technology Integration Coordinator, Northville Public Schools
Session Description: Join Jen Lawson (Northville Public Schools) and Brisk Teaching – trusted by one in five US teachers – for an immersive demonstration of how AI is transforming daily instruction and engagement. Through live demonstrations and real district examples, you’ll experience how Jen and Northville are implementing AI to save teachers 10+ hours weekly while enhancing instructional quality. We’ll tackle pressing concerns about AI – from security to student safety – and show you concrete, successful steps districts are taking to implement AI. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what effective AI integration looks like and a practical roadmap for implementation in your district.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Administration
Presenter(s): Polly Lenihan, Curipod / Allen Park; Amy West – High School and Aaron Huntington – 4th Grade, High School and 4th Grade Educators, Allen Park
Session Description: Discover how structured opportunities to respond, paired with immediate, actionable feedback, can transform both participation and writing skills. In this session, you’ll see how making student thinking visible allows every voice to be heard, especially those who are often quiet in class. Explore ways to showcase work anonymously, foster reflection and revision, and connect activities directly to your curriculum. Learn how these strategies not only boost engagement but also help students grow into confident, capable writers who are ready to share their ideas with clarity and impact.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
Presenter(s): Chris Stanley, Senior Education Strategist, Ed Tech Industry Partner
Session Description: AI is not a trend – it’s a leadership test. In this urgent and energizing session, district and building leaders will confront the reality that failing to embrace AI is not just a missed opportunity but a strategic risk. Grounded in the MVU framework for AI integration, this session will explore how leaders can harness AI to drive operational efficiency, elevate instructional leadership, and model innovation for educators and students. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how AI can be embedded into district systems, professional learning, and classroom practice.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Administration
Presenter(s): Heather Gauck, Special Education Resource Teacher/Technology Contact, Harrison Park Academy/Grand Rapids Public Schools
Session Description: This session explores how artificial intelligence can transform special education by creating inclusive, engaging, and personalized learning environments. Participants will examine practical AI applications that support both students and educators, from novice to experienced users. The session highlights ethical and safe implementation, innovative strategies for lesson planning, and student facing examples from my classroom. Educators will leave with actionable ideas, tools, and frameworks to integrate AI thoughtfully and inclusively in their own classrooms, empowering all learners to succeed.
Experience Level: AI Expert
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
Presenter(s): Melissa Gordon, teacher, Ann Arbor Public Schools; Jennifer Colby, Librarian, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Session Description: This session explores the transformative potential of Generative AI in education while emphasizing ethical considerations to ensure its responsible use from the standpoint of students AND teachers. The presentation will focus on understanding the importance of academic integrity and practicing responsible GenAI usage in the classroom. Participants will examine key principles such as transparency, privacy, fairness, and inclusivity and learn practical strategies for ethically integrating AI in ways that enhance teaching and learning. In discussing GenAI scenario analysis, a student-use flowchart and checklist, and AI-use guidelines, attendees will engage in a personalized exploration of classroom applications. Participants will leave equipped with an understanding of ethical challenges, actionable best practices, and collaborative solutions to implement in their educational contexts.
Experience Level: AI Novice
Target Audience: Teachers (instruction, classroom use)
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
1:00 PM– 1:50 PM
10 concurrent sessions
Presenter(s): Doug Leisenring, Project Director – MiGreatDataLake, MAISA; Tammy Evans, MiCH IT Director, MAISA
Session Description: Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking session as we explore a better future for education data in Michigan! As the demand for data-driven decision-making in education grows, so does the need for a revolutionized, robust, student-focused big data ecosystem. This session will showcase Michigan’s journey in building an integrated K-12 data infrastructure designed to empower educators, teachers, parents, and students alike to access all their student data together, and make decisions based on real-time information.
Discover how cutting-edge data analytics, AI-powered insights, and real-time dashboards are transforming the way we track student progress, personalize learning experiences, and ensure every child receives the support they need. We’ll dive into the challenges and triumphs of integrating multiple data sources—from assessments and attendance to social-emotional learning indicators—all while maintaining security, privacy, and accessibility.
Participants will engage in activities to identify current data challenges and opportunities, define essential data needs, and provide feedback on a prototype AI-integrated teacher tool. The session aims to build a network of “data champions” and gather crucial input to shape future data strategies.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, policy leader, or technologist, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to be a part of Michigan’s data revolution. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of student success through the power of big data!
Experience Level: AI Novice
Target Audience: Teachers (planning, work management)
Presenter(s): Troy Lynch, Instructional Technology and Media Curriculum Specialist, Midland Public Schools
Session Description: School leadership is full of “just one more thing” moments—emails, reports, budgets, policies—that drain your time and energy. This fast-paced, hands-on session skips the AI hype and dives straight into practical, administrator-focused strategies you can use tomorrow.
In Smarter, Not Harder, you’ll see how AI can become your behind-the-scenes assistant—streamlining board reports, creating polished parent communications, summarizing data, and even navigating those tricky staff emails. We’ll tackle real-world leadership tasks, showing exactly how to save hours each week without sacrificing quality, professionalism, or compliance.
You’ll leave with ready-to-use prompts, workflows, and guardrails that put you back in control of your time—no tech degree required. Expect live demos, candid Q&A, and a few laughs along the way as we prove AI can be both powerful and approachable.
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Administration
Presenter(s): Jennifer Lawson, Instructional Technology Integration Coordinator, Northville Public Schools
Session Description:
Bring AI to life in your classroom with Michigan Virtual’s free AI Literacy course—paired with Curipod for an engaging, student-centered experience! In this session, you’ll explore how to introduce students to foundational AI concepts using interactive lessons that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and conversation. Learn how one educator successfully implemented this course using Curipod in both middle schools in Northville Public Schools—empowering students to explore AI’s role in their daily lives and future careers. We’ll walk through how to access the course, adapt it for different grade levels, and deliver it through Curipod to create dynamic, tech-enhanced learning experiences.
Takeaways:
Experience Level: AI Casual User
Target Audience: Student Use
2:00 PM– 2:50 PM
10 concurrent sessions
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
(All attendees – Diamond Ballroom)
Presenter: Matt Mervis, Director, Skills21 & AI Strategy at EdAdvance
Session Description: Artificial Intelligence tools are influencing our lives and redefining the education landscape at a rapid pace. Vital skills such as critical thinking, managing ambiguity, and creativity are becoming increasingly important as we prepare students for a future deeply intertwined with AI.
This talk and hands-on illustration will cover:
During the presentation, individuals and teams will have an opportunity to examine prompting with multiple AI tools and understand how to leverage AI in their work.
3:50 PM – 4:00 PM
(Diamond Ballroom)
Individual attendees can make reservations for the event directly with the Hyatt Place at the Suburban Collection Showplace reservations at 1-800-233-1234.
Reservations may also be made by logging on to: https://novi.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?corp_id=G-MVRT
Special gratitude to Michigan Premier Events as event-management partner of the AI Summit