AI in K-12 Education Summit

Empowering Educators for an AI-Powered Future — join educators, researchers, and AI experts at USF for two days of inspiring sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking.

  • Keynote sessions from leading AI education researchers
  • Hands-on workshops with practical classroom AI tools
  • Networking with educators from across the region
  • Certificate of attendance for professional development hours
June 9–10 2026
Tampa, FL USF Campus
Early Bird $220 until Mar 31

About the Summit

The AI in K–12 Education Summit brings together educators, administrators, researchers, and technology leaders to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. As AI tools rapidly reshape classrooms, the summit creates a space for educators to examine emerging technologies, share experiences, and develop strategies for using AI responsibly and effectively.

Summit Overview

Through expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and hands-on learning opportunities, participants will explore how AI can support instruction, expand student creativity, and strengthen digital and AI literacy.

The summit focuses on thoughtful, ethical, and equitable approaches to AI so educators leave with ideas they can confidently bring back to their schools.

Whether you are new to AI or already integrating it into your practice, the summit offers something for every educator ready to engage with the future of teaching and learning.

Innovative Sessions

Hear from leading educators and researchers exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning. Sessions highlight emerging research, real classroom applications, and new ways AI can support creativity, inquiry, and deeper student engagement.

Hands-On Workshops

Connect with educators, school leaders, researchers, and technology innovators from across the region. The summit creates opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and collaborate on responsible approaches to AI innovation in education.

Networking

Connect with educators, school leaders, researchers, and technology innovators from across the region. The summit creates opportunities to share ideas, exchange experiences, and build partnerships that support responsible AI innovation in education.

Keynote Speakers

Meet our distinguished speakers who are leading the way in AI education research and practice.

John Licato, Ph.D.
John Licato, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence

John Licato is an associate professor in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing at USF, founder and director of the Advancing Machine and Human Reasoning (AMHR) Lab, and owner of the startup Actualization.AI. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2015, specializing in the computational modeling of analogical reasoning.

His research expertise spans AI, NLP, human reasoning, cognitive modeling, and legal and regulatory reasoning, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He has been featured in NPR's Marketplace Tech, ABC Action News, Spectrum News, and the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Zafer Unal, Ph.D.
Zafer Unal, Ph.D.

Professor & Associate Dean

USF College of Education

Professor of Education and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of South Florida's College of Education. Oversees undergraduate academic programs and leads strategic initiatives focused on student success, curriculum transformation, and career readiness.

His technical work spans machine learning, local AI installation and deployment, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic AI systems, and full-stack development using C++, Python, PHP, and PostgreSQL. He builds and deploys AI platforms that operate at the intersection of education research and applied technology.

Karni Chagal-Feferkorn, Ph.D.
Karni Chagal-Feferkorn, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Instruction

USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence

Karni Chagal-Feferkorn is a legal scholar and attorney whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy. She joined the USF Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing, bringing a global academic and consulting portfolio focused on building AI systems that are technically sound, ethically grounded, and policy-informed.

Her research centers on algorithmic liability, data governance, AI risks, and responsible AI. She has taught Responsible AI, Law, and Ethics at Cornell Tech, Boston University, and Bocconi University, and delivered workshops at the U.S. Congress and the German Foreign Office. She co-founded Lexidale, a global policy consultancy, and Praxif.ai, which delivers responsible AI training to government and industry partners.

Summit Agenda

Two days of learning, hands-on workshops, and innovation.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Summit Agenda Coming Soon

The full agenda for Day 1 will be published here shortly. Check back for updates.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Summit Agenda Coming Soon

The full agenda for Day 2 will be published here shortly. Check back for updates.

Agenda Note

Agenda is subject to change. Final schedule will be provided to all registered attendees.

Secure Your Spot

Choose your registration option and join us for two days of transformative learning.

Early Bird Registration Save $75
$220 $295

Limited Time

Valid until March 31, 2026

  • Access to all sessions
  • Coffee & hot tea available all day
  • Lunch provided both days
  • Summit materials & resources
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Networking opportunities
Register Early Bird
General Admission
$295
Available after March 31, 2026
  • Access to all sessions
  • Coffee & hot tea available all day
  • Lunch provided both days
  • Summit materials & resources
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Networking opportunities
Register Now

Call for Proposals

Share your expertise — we're seeking passionate educators and AI practitioners to present at the summit.

What We're Looking For
Classroom Applications

Practical AI tools and strategies you've successfully implemented in your K-12 classroom.

Innovative Approaches

Creative ways to integrate AI into curriculum, assessment, or differentiation.

Ethics & Safety

Best practices for responsible AI use, digital citizenship, and student data privacy.

Implementation Stories

School or district-wide AI adoption experiences, including challenges and solutions.

Presenter Benefits
  • FREE Summit Registration — complimentary admission (a $295 value)
  • Professional Recognition — featured profile in program materials
  • Exclusive Networking — access to presenter lounge and events
  • Presentation Support — technical assistance and session planning
  • Official Certificate — presenter certificate and all summit materials
  • Regional Impact — influence AI education practices across the region

How to Submit Your Proposal

Include a session title, description (150–250 words), learning objectives, target audience level, and brief presenter bio. Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes.

Proposal Deadline: April 15, 2026

You'll be notified of acceptance by May 1, 2026.

Submit your proposal via the form below:

Submit Proposal

Venue & Location

Find your way to USF's College of Education in Tampa, Florida.

Judy Genshaft Honors College

Address
12260 USF Genshaft Dr, Tampa, FL 33620
Parking
Free parking available in designated lots for summit attendees.
Get Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

The AI in K-12 Education Summit is a two-day professional development event hosted by the University of South Florida College of Education. It brings together educators, administrators, and AI experts to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence in K-12 teaching and learning environments.

The summit will be held on June 9–10, 2026 at the Judy Genshaft Honors College, located at 12260 USF Genshaft Dr, Tampa, FL 33620. The event runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days.

The summit is ideal for K-12 classroom teachers, school administrators and principals, instructional coaches and specialists, educational technology coordinators, curriculum developers, and anyone interested in integrating AI into educational settings.
Registration & Pricing

Early Bird Rate: $220 (register by March 31, 2026)
Regular Rate: $295 (after March 31, 2026)
Presenter Registration: FREE for confirmed presenters (subject to proposal approval)

Your registration includes access to all keynote sessions and breakout workshops, continental breakfast on both days, lunch on both days, summit materials and resources, certificate of attendance (professional development hours), networking opportunities, and access to presentation slides and recordings post-event.

No prior experience with AI is required! The summit is designed for educators at all levels of AI familiarity. Sessions are clearly labeled by experience level, and there will be introductory sessions specifically designed for those new to AI in education.

Contact Us

Have questions about the summit? Our team is here to help.

Rachel Hatten, Ph.D.
Rachel Hatten, Ph.D.

Co-Director

University of South Florida
David C. Anchin Center

Leah Burger
Leah Burger

Doctoral Candidate & Research Assistant

University of South Florida
College of Education