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Second Annual AI & Education Conference

Theme: Building Pedagogy, Practice, & Partnerships

Date: March 21, 2026 (8:30am-4pm)

Hosted by the Concordia University Irvine School of Education

AI & Education Conference

Building the Future of Education with AI

The Second Annual AI & Education Conference builds on last year’s success by deepening engagement, collaboration, and practical applications of AI in teaching and learning. Our 2026 theme, Building Partnerships, Pedagogy & Practice, highlights our commitment to exploring technological innovation through a lens of faith, ethics, and human responsibility. Join us for a full day of insightful keynotes, hands-on workshops, and collaborative discussions designed to empower educators, administrators, and students.

Hands-On Workshops

Move beyond theory and gain practical skills with AI tools for instructional design, student assessment, and critical thinking.

Real-World Case Studies

Hear directly from our partner schools and districts about their successes and challenges in implementing AI in the classroom.

Structured Networking

Connect with faculty, alumni, and K-12 leaders during our structured networking lunch and collaborative sessions.

Conference Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Registration

  • Coffee & Refreshments
9:00 – 9:50 AM

Opening Session

  • Dean’s Welcome (Dr. Heather Vezner, Dean, School of Education, CUI)
  • Devotion & Prayer (Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, President, LCMS-PSD)
  • Keynote: “Shaping Tomorrow’s Schools Today” (Geri Campeau, Education Executive, Apple Inc.)
10:00 – 10:55 AM

Case Studies

  • 3 Case Study Series to choose from
  • Each series includes 2 presentations (20 min each) + Q&A (10 minutes)
11:00 – 11:55 AM

Roundtables

  • Choose from 10 different speaker/advisory board-hosted tables
  • Bring questions and reflections from morning keynote and case studies
12:00 – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

  • Fuel up and connect with peers, presenters, and fellow attendees
  • Join us in the Caf @tables reserved for Conference Attendees
1:00 – 1:55 PM

Workshop Session 1

  • 3 hands-on workshops to choose from (bring your own device)
  • 15 min presentation + 40 min hands-on application
2:00 – 2:55 PM

Workshop Session 2

  • 3 hands-on workshops to choose from (bring your own device)
  • 15 min presentation + 40 min hands-on application
3:00 – 3:45 PM

Concluding Keynote

  • Keynote: “Stewarding Innovation: Building Schools for the AI-Empowered Student” (Wes Kriesel, AI Lead, OCDE)
3:45 – 4:00 PM

Recognitions & Closing

  • Gratitude & Acknowledgments

Meet Our Speakers

We are gathering a group of innovative and inspiring leaders to share their expertise. Speaker profiles coming soon!

Wes Kriesel

Wes Kriesel
AI Lead, OCDE

Geri Campeau

Geri Campeau
Education Leadership Executive, Apple Inc.

Present at the Conference

Share your expertise and insights with a community of educators, leaders, and students! We invite you to submit a proposal to present at the Second Annual AI & Education Conference.

Real World Case Study Presentation

Real World Case Study Presentation

Share your research, a case study, or practical insights. Ideal for spotlighting K–12 adoption, faculty productivity, or the student experience with AI.

Concordia University Irvine Campus

Hands-on Workshop

Lead a hands-on session with a 15-minute presentation followed by a 45-minute interactive application for attendees.

Proposal Submission Deadline: December 31th, 2025

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL HERE

Register to Attend

Regular

$50

January 17, 2026 – March 1, 2026

Sold out!

Email [email protected] to join the waitlist.

Conference Location & Details

Location

Concordia University Irvine
Turtle Rock Campus
1530 Concordia West,
Irvine, CA, BMC 151

Registration includes morning refreshments, a networking lunch, and high-speed Wi-Fi access.

Contact

Contact: Dr. Yvette Stuewe
[email protected]

Advisory Board

Dr. Scott Ashmon

Senior Vice President, Provost

Concordia University Irvine

Geri Campeau

Education Leadership Executive

Apple

Al Freeman

Director, LCMS School Ministry

Lutheran Missouri-Synod

Eun Chu Kim

Superintendent of Academics and Innovation

Pacific Southwest District, Lutheran Missouri-Synod

Dr. Eugene Kim

Chair, Organizational Change, EdD Program

Concordia University Irvine

Wes Kriesel

AI Education Lead

Orange County Department of Education

Dr. Sandra Mercier

Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction

Concordia University Irvine

Dr. John Randall

Senior Director, Office of Innovative Instruction and eLearning

Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Virginia Reischl

Literacy & Language Secondary Coordinator

Orange County Department of Education

Dr. Brad Snyder

Associate Superintendent

Diocese of Orange

Dr. Yvette Stuewe

NBCT Middle Childhood Generalist, Assistant Professor

Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Beth Thomas

Assistant Principal

Our Lady Queen of Angels

Testimonials from 1st AI Conference

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