Instruction

Research consistently highlights the power of differentiated instruction, yet many educators struggle to implement personalized learning due to time constraints and workload demands. Generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT provide a game-changing solution, helping teachers design customized lessons efficiently and effectively.

How can you maximize generative AI while ensuring security, ethical standards, and ROI? Join this timely session where successful district leaders share proven strategies for building AI literacy across staff, teachers, and parents—while creating sustainable systems that improve instruction and save time.

William A. Sommers, PhD, of Austin, Texas, is a teacher, principal, author, and leadership coach. He has also been a consultant for cognitive coaching, adaptive schools, brain research, poverty, habits of mind, conflict management, and classroom management strategies.

ChatGPT—one of the most valuable technology tools for teachers and learners—became widely available in the fall of 2022. Since then, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have taken education by storm. Teachers are using these tools to create new content, differentiate their instruction, identify strategies for teaching and reteaching concepts to their students, and work more efficiently and effectively. Just as important, students are using these tools to improve their understanding of complex ideas, identify new paths of learning in their areas of personal interest, and receive targeted feedback on their work. Because AI tools are changing how we work and learn, classroom teachers must reflect on their potential and understand their limitations.

Peter Nilsson is an educator, writer, and musician, whose work bridges education, creativity, and technology. A former head of school and award-winning teacher, he cofounded Athena Lab and edits The Educator’s Notebook, a newsletter on innovation in learning.

Maya Bialik is the founder of QuestionWell, a program that creates research-aligned AI tools for education. A former middle school science teacher, Maya’s focus is on how AI can improve working conditions for teachers.

Jennifer Parker, EdD, is an instructional technology and school data advisor for Macomb Intermediate School District and adjunct faculty member for Central Michigan University. Co-creator of the 21things4 Project, she’s a leader in connecting standards and educational technology.

John Arthur teaches sixth grade at Meadowlark Elementary, a Title I school in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since 2013, his students have gained national recognition as advocates for children and immigrants by creating music videos and other digital content and sharing their work across media platforms.

Catlin R. Tucker, EdD, is a best-selling author, a keynote speaker, an international trainer, and a professor in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Pepperdine University in California. She taught for 16 years in Sonoma County, California.

Troy Hicks, PhD, is a professor of English and education at Central Michigan University, where he collaborates with K–12 colleagues to explore how they implement newer literacies in their classrooms.