KINGSTON, R.I. — Aug. 9, 2026 — On Tuesday, Aug. 11, more than 150 K–12 educators from across Rhode Island and beyond will gather at the University of Rhode Island’s Swan Hall Auditorium for a free one-day professional learning event designed to help educators confidently navigate the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for schools.

The AI for Educators Conference is organized by Daniel Kelley, Ed.D., associate teaching professor at the University of Rhode Island; Joe Mazzone, executive director of the Computing Education Alliance; and Vanessa Miller, AI and education consultant, technology integration coach for the Narragansett School System, and adjunct faculty member at URI.

Now in its third consecutive summer, the event brings together practitioners and education leaders, reflecting URI’s ongoing commitment to supporting schools as they navigate one of the most significant technological shifts affecting education today. As school districts continue developing AI guidance and educators encounter AI in more aspects of teaching and learning, there is growing demand for professional learning that helps educators understand both the possibilities and the limitations of this rapidly evolving technology. The conference is designed to help educators make informed decisions about teaching, learning, and leadership as AI becomes an increasingly common part of education.

The conference brings educators together for a shared morning experience before participants choose from six afternoon breakout sessions led by experienced educators and practitioners, each offered twice in 50-minute blocks. Because each session runs twice, attendees can take part in two different breakouts over the course of the afternoon. The format creates a common starting point while giving attendees the flexibility to personalize their learning based on their interests and professional goals.

Breakout sessions include:

• AI Forum for Elementary Educators – Maizie Dyess, Ph.D., assistant professor at URI
• The Hook & The Help: Using AI to Spark Engagement for Every Learner – Sarah Dully, Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year and English teacher and special educator at Narragansett High School
• Using AI to Expand Access and Voice – Karen Levin, founder of Math for Humans
• Values-Driven Design for Custom AI Tool Building – Malika Ali, chief innovation officer at Throughline Learning
• Beyond the Classroom: Leading AI Literacy Conversations with Families – Joe Mazzone, executive director at Computing Education Alliance
• A Holistic Approach to Academic Integrity – Daniel Kelley, Ed.D., associate teaching professor at URI

The conference concludes with closing remarks from Daniel Kelley, who will reflect on the day’s learning and challenge participants to lead open, honest conversations about AI with their colleagues and school communities.

Designed for teachers, instructional coaches, library media specialists, school and district leaders, technology coordinators, and pre-service educators, the conference offers opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners, collaborate with colleagues, and leave with practical ideas that can be adapted to a variety of educational settings.

Until the event reaches capacity, registration remains open at:
https://www.k12.cs.uri.edu/ai-pd-teachers