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Academic Innovation Conference 2026
Subject: AI clear filter
Wednesday, June 10
 

9:00am EDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: AI Systems That Support Teachers
LIMITED
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Teachers are expected to manage curriculum, policies, communication, differentiation, and data—often across disconnected systems. The result is not a lack of effort, but a lack of time and clarity.
This session shares how our rural school redesigned its approach by using technology to do the heavy lifting for teachers. By combining a centralized school website hub with AI-powered “Brains” (NotebookLM), custom GPTs, and Gemini Gems, we created a system where teachers can instantly access answers, resources, and support—without searching, guessing, or feeling overwhelmed.
Participants will see how this ecosystem works together:
  • A schoolwide digital hub as the single source of truth
  • AI tools that answer questions, summarize documents, and guide decisions
  • Custom-built tools that support real teacher workflows
Speakers
avatar for Heather Payne Herron

Heather Payne Herron

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Swain Middle School (Swain County Schools)
My name is Heather Payne Herron, and I am an Instructional Technology Facilitator at Swain Middle School in Bryson City, North Carolina. A proud graduate of Swain County Schools, I have spent all 33 years of my teaching career serving the students of Western North Carolina. I began my journey teaching 5th grade... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Sycamore Room 106

10:10am EDT

Building Leaders, Teams, and Organizations Amplified by Humanity in the Age of AI
LIMITED
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
AI is transforming every sector but the organizations winning the future are the ones keeping humans at the center. This session shows leaders how to shift from seeing AI as a set of tools to mastering it as a true teammate, one that expands the intelligence, creativity, and strategic capacity of every person and team. Grounded in human-centered design, we’ll explore how to build systems where AI enhances empathy, sharpens judgment, and strengthens relationships rather than replacing them. Participants will see live demonstrations of how AI can elevate the “superpowers” already inside their organizations via pattern recognition, rapid communication, decision-making, coaching, prototyping, scenario planning, and problem-solving. Through real-world use cases and hands-on modeling, leaders will learn how AI can help teams work smarter: clarifying priorities, reducing noise, simplifying workflows, and turning raw data into insight within seconds. Just as importantly, they’ll explore the cultural side of how to create environments where AI increases trust, belonging, and equity while giving employees more time for meaningful, human work. Attendees will walk away with practical prompts, AI frameworks, and a teammate-ready tools that empowers their organization to become more adaptive, innovative, and human than ever.
Speakers
BS

Bryan Setser

CEO, Setser Group
Results-driven executive edupreneur transforming K-12, higher ed, non-profits and businesses through innovation, AI strategy and change leadership. A former teacher, principal and Chief Quality Officer of the Baldrige-winning Iredell-Statesville district, Bryan pioneered digital learning... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 202 A

10:10am EDT

Becoming a Creative Engineer: Data-Driven STEM Lessons Powered by AI
LIMITED
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this hands-on Learning Lab, educators will explore the intersection of STEM, Creativity, and Artificial Intelligence. We shift the focus from AI as a shortcut to AI as a "Creative Partner" that assists in designing cross-curricular projects. Participants will engage in a tiered design challenge: first, using AI to brainstorm unique, standard-aligned STEM scenarios; second, engaging in a physical prototyping activity (using "low-floor, high-ceiling" materials); and third, using a "Data-to-Design" framework to determine which instructional style—direct, collaborative, or exploratory—best fits their students' current needs.
By the end of the lab, teachers will have a toolkit for creating "Expanded Learning Opportunities" that foster student autonomy. We will specifically address how to use predictive analytics and formative data to pivot between activities, ensuring that every lesson is tuned to the classroom's "vibe" and academic readiness. This session is a blueprint for reducing Teacher Burnout by automating the heavy lifting of lesson planning while reclaiming the joy of creative, applied practice.
Speakers
avatar for Vickie Bryan

Vickie Bryan

Teacher, Wilkes County Schools
I am currently a middle school math teacher in Wilkes County. I have taught in both private and public schools and have experience teaching all the core subjects, cooking, and music. I am currently working on my graduate certificate in school leadership.
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 234
 
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Academic Innovation Conference 2026
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