WY TeacherCon 2026

When does AI support learning, and when does it get in the way? Educators need to make evidence-informed decisions about when AI supports student thinking, when it may shortcut the learning, and how classroom use should connect to clear instructional goals. In this session, participants will examine examples of AI use and consider what makes each use meaningful, questionable, or worth redesigning. Together, we will explore ways to align AI use with learning goals, protect student thinking, and design classroom experiences that are intentional and grounded in what we know about teaching and learning.

As AI becomes more capable, educators are being asked to rethink what students should know, do, and become. While AI can generate ideas, summarize information, and solve problems, it cannot replace the human capacities that shape learning, relationships, judgment, and meaning-making. This session explores the interplay between artificial intelligence, hybrid intelligence, relational intelligence, and human judgment. Participants will examine questions of cognitive offloading, academic integrity, privacy, and student development while considering how schools can cultivate the skills and dispositions that matter most in an AI-rich world.

As artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into educational environments, educational leaders face the challenge of moving beyond the initial ""shiny object"" phase of AI to focus on rigorous evaluation. This session addresses the critical need for a structured vetting process to ensure responsible and impactful adoption of AI. Our discussion will center on the Five EdTech Quality Indicators—Safe, Evidence-based, Inclusive, Usable, and Interoperable—a framework collaboratively developed by leading organizations like ISTE, CoSN, and SETDA.
Participants will explore how to establish a robust initial vetting workflow and discover the specific questions leaders must ask vendors to build a trusted tech stack. Furthermore, the session will highlight the importance of implementing a ""Continuous Improvement Loop"". This loop guarantees that the selected AI solutions consistently deliver value and continue to meet expectations well after the initial purchase. Join us to transform your district’s approach from pilot projects to safe, practical, and sustainable classroom practice.

As artificial intelligence increasingly automates technical and routine tasks, the "Durable Skills" of the human worker—Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Adaptability—have become the primary currency of the modern economy. This session provides a deep-dive demonstration of a statewide, Canvas-based curriculum designed to equip high school students with verifiable micro-credentials in seven core competencies: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Information Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Self-Direction, Work Habits, and Growth Mindset. Attendees will explore the internal architecture of these asynchronous modules, which guide students from theoretical understanding to active, observable demonstrations of mastery. We will detail the technical and pedagogical blueprint that allows other districts or states to adopt this competency-based framework within existing learning management systems.