AI Symposium

Join us for AI in Education: AI Lessons Learned, a free virtual symposium designed for K–12 school leaders, educators and innovators who are navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in education. This year’s event shifts from exploration to reflection, focusing on the real-world lessons emerging from early AI adoption across districts and classrooms. 

The symposium brings together thought leaders who will share candid insights on the challenges, pitfalls and breakthroughs shaping AI’s role in schools. The symposium will explore the societal and social impacts of AI, strategies for responsible implementation and the growing need for informed AI advocacy within educational communities. 

Whether you’re refining your district’s AI strategy or seeking clarity on the broader implications of this technology, this event offers practical guidance, grounded perspectives and actionable takeaways to help you lead with confidence.  

Agenda

8:30 a.m.: Introduction by PSBA Institute  

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Andrew Ko, Founder and CEO, Kovexa

• Bio: Andrew Ko is a former state board of education member and national advisor on artificial intelligence in K-12 education, with more than 20 years of experience working with school systems, state agencies and education leaders. As founder and CEO of Kovexa and chief innovation advisor to the School Superintendent Association (AASA), he supports thousands of superintendents nationwide on responsible AI adoption, school safety and workforce readiness. Previously, he held executive leadership roles at Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Samsung, where he led large-scale education and technology initiatives globally. Andrew has also led AI strategy efforts for major districts such as Los Angeles Unified and state education systems, helping schools use technology to improve student outcomes, operational efficiency and future career pathways.
• Presentation description: Lessons learned from AI adoption
  Lessons Learned from AI Adoption explores what K–12 schools are discovering as artificial intelligence moves from curiosity to classroom and operational reality. Drawing on early adoption trends, policy developments, implementation challenges and emerging district practices, this presentation highlights the most important lessons for education leaders: start with clear purpose, invest in educator capacity, establish strong governance and data privacy guardrails, focus on practical high-value use cases, and build trust with staff, students, and families. The session is designed to help school and district leaders move beyond hype and toward thoughtful, responsible and sustainable AI adoption.

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Ying Xu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education | Founder and Director, Child-centered AI Lab at Harvard

• Bio: Dr. Ying Xu is an assistant professor of AI in learning and education at Harvard University. Her research focuses on the design and evaluation of AI systems that support children’s and adolescents’ cognitive development, academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Broadly, her work aims to ensure that AI serves as a positive force for child and youth development while mitigating its potential risks.
• Presentation description: Does AI Change the Way We Teach and Learn?
  Dr. Ying Xu will draw on her research to provide an overview of the current AI landscape for children – what tools they are using and how – and discuss the potential developmental implications of these technologies for children’s learning, academic outcomes and well-being. Professor Xu will also highlight practical considerations and emerging directions for designers, industry leaders and policymakers.

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: 15-minute break 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Leslie Eaves, Program Director, Project-Based Learning, Southern Regional Education Board

• Bio: Leslie Eaves is the program director for project-based learning at the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), where she leads initiatives that empower educators to create engaging, real-world learning experiences for students. With over 25 years of experience in K–12 education, Leslie brings a unique blend of industry and instructional expertise to her work. She began her career as a chemical engineer before transitioning into education as a high school technology education teacher. In her career, she has served as a school magnet coordinator, instructional coach and director of professional learning. She now serves as SREB’s PBL Program director, where she works with instructional coaches to plan and deliver high-quality professional learning and coaching experiences for teachers seeking to provide meaningful and authentic learning experiences for their students. Leslie is passionate about project-based learning, STEM education and making learning exciting for all students. Most recently, she has served on SREB’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education, where she co-leads the K–12 Instruction Subcommittee. She is a contributing author to Considerations for Designing AI Professional Learning for Educators, which provides guidance on designing professional learning plans to upskill educators in using AI for learning.
• Presentation description: From Curiosity to Classroom Practice: Engaging Teachers in Meaningful AI Use
  AI is changing the educational landscape, but successful implementation depends less on the tools themselves than on how districts support educators in using them effectively. This presentation will provide guidance on developing thoughtful, phased professional learning plans for AI integration. Participants will be introduced to a newly released framework for upskilling educators on the potential use of AI for learning and how to effectively integrate AI into all areas of their teaching practice. The session will also surface emerging practices from schools and states nationwide that are piloting, scaling and refining AI use in ways that strengthen instruction and professional judgment.

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Jim Scheirer, Chief Innovation Officer, Pennsylvania School Boards Association

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Closing by PSBA Institute