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Forward ’26: AI + Innovation
Registration Open!
June 23, 2026 @ 9:00am – 4:00pm
Woodland High School
Join your education colleagues from across Washington for a full day of future-focused learning! Open to teachers, paraeducators, district and school leaders, and instructional technology staff, this event centers on practical, responsible, and human-centered approaches to artificial intelligence in education.
We will:
Explore real-world strategies
Make meaningful connections with colleagues
Gain clarity on how AI can support teaching, learning, and workflows
Breakout Session Focus:
Student voice
Practical use cases
Innovation across roles
Call for Presenters!
We’re looking for presenters with enthusiasm for and experience with using AI safely and equitably, innovative ideas about using AI in the classroom, and the ability to engage adult learners. We want all roles to be represented – so please don’t hesitate to submit a proposal if you are a district office employee, IT staff, paraeducator, etc. Education is more than just teachers!
Conference Sessions
The conference schedule will be finalized 10 days prior to the event. Click to read more about each session.
Presenters: Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL)
In a departure from the traditional keynote format, we are kicking off Forward ‘26 by handing the microphone directly to the next generation of innovators. This moderated panel features a diverse group of 4-5 students who will share their authentic perspectives on navigating an AI-driven world.
The panel will move beyond the hype to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the student experience. Key topics include:
- Academic Impact: How personal AI use is changing students’ views on their own learning and what they wish their teachers understood about the technology.
- Future Readiness: A look at evolving career choices and the specific skills students are prioritizing as the technology advances.
- Societal Questions: Candid discussions on the environmental impact of AI and the ethical implications of using AI as a personal confidante.
- Critical Thinking: Addressing concerns regarding “cognitive atrophy” and whether excessive reliance on AI tools is shrinking critical thinking abilities.
Join us for this essential conversation as we discuss how schools can better prepare students for a future where AI is not just a tool, but a constant presence in and out of the classroom.
Presenter: Derek Garrison
AI is already in our schools—but educators are starting from very different places. Some are experimenting daily, others are cautious, and many feel stuck between curiosity and concern. The challenge is not just access to tools—it is helping people move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
This interactive session introduces a practical framework for understanding where educators are in their AI journey and how to move individuals and teams forward effectively. Participants will explore real classroom applications, examine staff and student perspectives on AI use, and engage in hands-on activities using accessible tools.
Grounded in real school implementation, this session focuses on helping educators take the next right step—not all the steps—so AI becomes a support for learning rather than a source of confusion.
Presenter: Cassondra Smith
This session reframes artificial intelligence as a form of assistive technology that can support access, independence, and engagement for a wide range of learners, not just students with IEPs. Participants will explore practical, responsible uses of AI tools to support reading, writing, communication, executive functioning, and comprehension across grade levels. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the session highlights how AI can reduce barriers while preserving student agency. Educators will leave with concrete classroom examples, implementation considerations, and strategies for using AI to support inclusive instruction without replacing human connection.
Presenter: Lacey Marsolek
Utilizing AI to write Google Apps script for student class placement from 8th to 9th grade that adheres to state requirements. Creating Teacher Portals, Principal Portals and HS Registrar portal to transfer information from middle to high school.
Presenters: Stephanie Welniak and Cassondra Smith
This session focuses on using AI tools to support multilingual learners (MLs) through language-accessible, standards-aligned instruction. Participants will explore practical examples using a district-developed Multilingual Learner custom GPT, Kami’s Understand tools, and MagicSchool’s WIDA-aligned tools to scaffold language, support comprehension, and promote student independence across content areas. Grounded in WIDA and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the session highlights how AI can reduce linguistic barriers while maintaining grade-level rigor. Educators will leave with strategies for responsibly integrating AI to support MLs without over-scaffolding or limiting student voice.
Presenter: Mandie (Amanda) Thompson
AI is more than a tool for generating content. This session explores how AI can be leveraged to build practical systems that reduce teacher workload and support real classroom needs. From instructional planning and behavior tracking to data dashboards and automated family communication, participants will see real examples of AI supporting sustainable workflows. The focus moves beyond clever prompts to designing tools that streamline processes, strengthen instruction, and give teachers back valuable time.
Presenter: Brianna Abraham
AI tools are transforming classrooms, but use doesn’t equal understanding. This session walks participants through a two-and-a-half-week unit guiding students to critically evaluate AI outputs, recognize hallucinations and bias, and avoid over-reliance that short-circuits learning. Through classroom-ready strategies and activities, educators will learn how to encourage students to question AI, refine prompts, and make thoughtful, ethical decisions, culminating in writing their own personal philosophy regarding AI use. Participants will leave with adaptable tools to help students become discerning, responsible users of AI—not just passive consumers.
Presenter: Cassondra Smith
This session explores how custom tools in MagicSchool can be designed and used to support both educator workflows and student learning. Participants will see real examples of teacher-facing and student-facing custom tools that support differentiation, feedback, planning, and accessibility while staying aligned to instructional goals. The session emphasizes intentional design, using AI to enhance clarity, reduce cognitive load, and support independence rather than replace thinking. Attendees will leave with ideas for creating their own MagicSchool tools, along with considerations for safe, equitable, and responsible classroom implementation.
Presenter: Katie Dunfield and Jessica McCurdy
Discover how MagicSchool.ai can empower educators to transform classrooms. As Washington releases new standards, how can AI help teachers bring these standards to life in their classroom without adding to their workload? This hands-on session explores practical, standards-aligned applications of MagicSchool’s teacher and student-facing tools, including Raina, to accelerate student learning. Participants will explore how these tools connect directly to standards and leave with immediately usable resources. Whether you’re AI-curious or AI-cautious, this session meets you where you are.
From Busywork to Better Decisions: Using AI & Apps Script to Streamline Data and Support Instruction
Presenters: Cassondra Smith and Mandie Thompson
This session explores how AI and Google Apps Script can be used to automate repetitive tasks, streamline data collection, and support data-based instructional decisions across roles. Participants will see real-world examples of automations that reduce manual work, improve data clarity, and help teams focus on what matters most: instruction and student support. Designed for educators, instructional coaches, and district staff, this hands-on session highlights practical workflows that are scalable, responsible, and aligned with equitable data practices. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas and templates they can adapt for their own context.
Presenter: Cassondra Smith
This session explores NotebookLM as a powerful tool for sense-making, synthesis, and deeper learning for both educators and students. Participants will see how NotebookLM can be used to analyze curriculum materials, support lesson planning, and help students engage more deeply with complex texts and sources. The session emphasizes responsible use, transparency of sources, and strategies that support comprehension without replacing critical thinking. Attendees will leave with practical examples of how NotebookLM can transform information overload into meaningful insight across content areas.
Presenter: Todd Brekhus, Chief Product Officer at Renaissance
AI is a defining moment for K–12—and choosing the right tools matters.
In this session, Todd Brekhus, Chief Product Officer at Renaissance reveals what sets trustworthy, education-ready AI apart from generic solutions not built for classrooms or students.
See how AI—grounded in decades of research, assessment data, and learning science—delivers trusted insights that truly support teachers and learners.
You’ll walk away with a clear framework to evaluate AI tools, plus an exclusive preview of Renaissance Intelligence, a new Education Intelligence System designed to bring greater coherence to every classroom.
Presenter: Mohit Abraham
How does a district transition from AI curiosity to a concrete, sustainable strategy? Join EDT&Partners and Camas School District for a “glocal” look at AI transformation. We will highlight successful case studies and proven frameworks from across the U.S. and around the globe to illustrate what works.
Learn how Camas is applying these international lessons to blueprint its own future—optimizing administrative workflows and building a comprehensive teacher upskilling roadmap. Attendees will gain a strategic framework to move their schools from reactive experimentation to intentional, human-centered innovation.
Presenters: Jennifer Atkins and Dr. Wesley Benjamin
This session explores how schools can approach AI without losing the heart of teaching. As excitement and uncertainty grow, educators are navigating questions of value, purpose, and identity. Rather than focusing on what AI can do, this session centers on what teachers uniquely provide. Participants will examine the irreplaceable role of educators, the importance of shared expectations, and how leadership can create space for thoughtful, optional AI use. The goal is to build a human-centered approach that prioritizes relationships, student thinking, and meaningful learning while reducing the friction, fear, and pressure associated with AI in schools.
Presenter: Steve Rippl
Move AI beyond a “Digital Intern” to a “Collaborative Partner.” This session explores “Level 3 Leadership,” where teachers act as Lead Learners. We’ll share grounded examples like building custom Gems for iterative student feedback and using NotebookLM to create rigorous assignments from sources you trust. By involving students in refining these AI tools, teachers model how to use technology for “productive struggle” rather than shortcuts. Learn how to curate high-quality content and build a blueprint that empowers students to transition from passive AI users to independent, critical thinkers.
Presenters: Stephanie Holmes and Kim Hollopeter
Come join us to explore how AI can transform Professional Learning Communities. We will focus on collaboration, analyzing data, and problem-solving around student learning. In this session, participants explore practical ways to use AI tools to strengthen a digital PLC. We will pay close attention to student data privacy and responsible AI use when working with student information. Through guided examples and collaborative practice, participants will see how AI can reduce planning time while keeping the focus on meaningful conversations about student learning and instructional decision-making.
Presenter: Erin Mooers
Developing students skill in proper use and citation of AI when doing research projects at home.
Presenters: Brian Graham and Amanda Peachey
During this session, participants will learn how to use AI tools to develop student friendly rubrics that will support the new math & ELA standards, incorporating student reflection & goal setting and standards based grading practices. This session will be interactive using your districts approved AI platforms and offer a systems level view of supporting professional learning communities with essential standards, assessment and fostering student investment.
Presenter: Jason Cowley
Author and educator Jason Cowley will share how his own teaching practices have evolved over the last 4 years of using AI in ELA classrooms. Topics will include: best assessment practices for AI, Gemini Gems & Playlab, using AI as support for students with IEPs, and student collaboration with AI for larger projects. Most examples will be applicable to other disciplines and classrooms.
Presenter: Aaron Blackwelder
Many teachers are concerned students are using AI to cheat and they are. Tools such as GTP Zero and Turnitin are helpful but can also damage the student teacher relationship.
Presenters: Matt Greco and Carson Greco
Student (Carson Greco) will share how he uses tools like Notebook LM and Magic School to support his school work and how he creates study guides for his friends and classmates.
Presenter: Sarah Logan
This session will give attendees an overview of the lessons I use with middle school students around AI, and specifically around questions about AI use, focusing on ethical issues and the impact using AI may have on learning. Attendees will learn (and be able to replicate) these lessons with their students as a precursor to asking students to use AI in the classroom.
Presenters: Jessica McCurdy and Katie Dunfield
What if AI could help your PLC work smarter, not harder? This session explores how AI tools can enhance each stage of the PLC collaborative cycle: crafting essential questions, analyzing student data, identifying instructional strategies, and monitoring results. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use AI applications that support, not replace, the collaborative inquiry process. Whether your team is just beginning their PLC journey or looking to deepen their practice, this session offers concrete strategies for integrating AI into everyday teacher workflows while keeping collaboration and student learning at the center.
Sponsored by
About Todd Brekhus, Chief Product Officer at Renaissance
Todd Brekhus is a visionary education technology leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing teaching and learning through purposeful innovation. As Chief Product Officer at Renaissance, Todd is deeply committed to empowering educators—building tools that deliver actionable insights, simplify classroom workflows, and celebrate student growth.
Todd’s impact on the edtech industry has earned widespread recognition, including the Lamp Lighter Visionary Award and the SIIA CODiE Lifetime Achievement Award. Before joining Renaissance, he co-founded myON, a personalized literacy platform that has helped millions of students discover the joy of reading and is now a core part of the Renaissance portfolio.
Katherine Livick
Instructional Technology Coordinator / Rural CTE Cooperative Manager
Phone: 360-952-3395
Email: katherine.livick@esd112.org
Kristina Wambold
Integrated Educational Technology Coordinator
Phone: 360-952-3393
Email: kristina.wambold@esd112.org