513-841 Summer Sync: Ignite Learning Fueled by AI
Description
Schedule:
- August 5, 2026: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:
Vel Phillips Memorial High School
201 S Gammon Rd
Madison, WI 53717
Price: Free
Content Questions: Frank Devereaux (frank.devereaux@cesa2.org)
Registration Questions: events@cesa2.org
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About this event: The Summer Sync Summit is designed to connect emerging AI technologies with the power of human intuition. Our goal is to ensure that technology never outpaces intent and focus. We are bringing together the "architects of learning" to explore how AI can amplify our capacity to see, reach, and inspire every student while keeping the "Human in the Loop."
Vision Statement: Our vision for Summer Sync is to harmonize the power of emerging technology with the irreplaceable pulse of human intuition. As we stand at the threshold of the AI era, we gather not to celebrate tools, but to empower the architects who use them. This summit is a space for educators to pause, recharge, and intentionally align digital innovation with pedagogical purpose. We believe that technology should never outpace our intent; instead, it should amplify our capacity to see, reach, and inspire every student. At Summer Sync, we aren't just learning the software; we are igniting the human spark that makes learning meaningful.
Core Pillars of the Vision
Sync with Purpose: Moving beyond 'apps for apps’ sake' to ensure every digital tool serves a specific instructional goal.
Sync with Humanity: Keeping the "Human in the Loop" by prioritizing social-emotional connection, deeper learning, and teacher-led mentorship over automated instruction.
Sync with Equity: Leveraging AI and EdTech to close opportunity gaps and provide personalized, high-quality learning across our entire community.
Outcomes:
Attendees will evaluate strategies for incorporating AI-powered edtech tools into their human-centered teaching practices to enhance student outcomes
Attendees will engage in critical conversations about keeping "Humans in the Loop" for digital equity and harmony
Attendees will obtain ideas for intentionally designing ethical digital learning experiences
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Our Presenters: Beth Clarke, Frank Devereaux, Kim Stieber-White, and Valerie Schmitz
Beth Clarke is an innovative educator with over 25 years of experience who is an advocate to ignite the learning experience. Her passion lies in learner-centered pedagogy while partnering with educators to leverage digital tools and resources. Currently, Beth’s role is the Senior Director of the Digital Leadership and Learning Center at CESA 2 where she has the opportunity to support educators across southern WI. Also, Beth facilitates the integration of Universal Design for Learning to promote conditions for inclusive education, the New Teacher Mentor program to support educator induction and sustainability, as well as the ISTE Educator Certification program which builds modern educators world-wide. Most importantly, equity is a priority in every facet of her work.
Frank Devereaux is an Innovative Deeper Learning Designer from the Madison area and works as a consultant for CESA 2 in the Strategic Innovation for Learning Center of Excellence. His experience centers on the integration of technology in creative and innovative ways to support student learning in the classroom. Over the past few years, he has been diving into the realm of AI integration, inclusivity and equity in STEAM curriculum, and Design Thinking Projects for the Makerspace that are culturally relevant.
Kim Stieber-White, Ph.D joins CESA 2 with deep knowledge and experience in Social Justice, Technology and Literacy. Her experience in schools spans urban, suburban, and rural settings and includes classroom English Language Arts, Reading Specialist, Library Media Specialist, Technology Integrator, and Instructional Coach. Kim recently completed a Ph.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with a focus on Literacy and Equity.
Valerie Schmitz, PhD, EdD is the Senior Director of Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis at CESA 2, where she leads regional efforts in educator development including the New Teacher Center, data analysis, and school and district improvement planning. In this role, Valerie supports districts with the implementation of the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness System, continuous improvement frameworks, and the use of data for equity-focused decision-making. She brings deep expertise in instructional design, systems analysis, and educational leadership, guiding schools and districts through meaningful, sustainable improvement processes. Valerie holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and dual M.Ed. degrees in Technology Education and Educational Leadership.
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