In August, 14 Valley Park educators and staff joined colleagues from across the region at the AI Educator Summit, hosted by Hancock Place School District, an event designed to spark collaboration and inspire new ways to use artificial intelligence in education.
The summit wasn’t just about the latest tech trends. It focused on how AI can make teaching more meaningful and efficient, empowering educators to spend more time connecting with students and less time on repetitive tasks. Participants explored real-world classroom applications already transforming instruction, from personalized feedback tools to lesson-planning support and creative, student-driven projects powered by generative AI.
“I loved seeing all the great uses of AI, especially Brisk,” said Jill Karagiannis, Valley Park High School teacher. “It was exciting to see how tools like that can save teachers time while also helping students engage in new ways. I left with so many ideas I can’t wait to share with our students.”
That enthusiasm for innovation is already taking root in classrooms across the district. Lesley Louder, Valley Park secondary librarian, shared, “I’m currently piloting Notebook LM with a middle and high school teacher to pool resources and collaborate on lessons!”
Trish Alexander, fourth grade teacher, is also exploring new ways to integrate AI into literacy lessons. “We’ve used Snorkl once, and the kids loved it! I can’t wait to use it more often in reading,” she said. “I use Brisk a lot. I’ve created podcasts about vocabulary words students wondered about in a story, and then made exit tickets that use AI to ask follow-up questions and give them instant feedback. I love the reports it gives me, it’s such a helpful tool for guiding instruction.”
Beyond the sessions, the summit served as a hub for connection and collaboration. Educators and administrators from a wide range of districts came together to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges and explore how AI can strengthen, not replace, the human side of teaching. Attendees left with resources, strategies and fresh perspectives to support professional learning communities, curriculum design and instructional innovation at VPSD.
Most importantly, the summit encouraged teachers to see themselves not just as learners, but as leaders in the ethical and effective use of AI. By building networks with other forward-thinking educators, participants are helping shape how technology supports creativity, problem-solving and student engagement in the classroom.
As these ideas continue to grow in Valley Park, our educators are eager to share what they’ve learned, collaborate with colleagues and keep exploring how AI can enhance teaching and learning, all while keeping the heart of education with our students.