Bridging Gaps: AI, Connection, and the Future of Learning
Feb 18, 2026 3:30PM—4:30PM
Location
Virtual
Cost FREE FOR MEMBER SCHOOLS
Categories Community Conversation, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Equity & Inclusion, Online
ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
The rapid integration of AI into education presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. How do we ensure that technological advancement doesn't come at the expense of genuine human connection, deep learning, and productive struggle?
This community conversation is a vital opportunity for educators to explore the dynamic space between AI-driven tools and human-centered pedagogy. We will dig into our collective humanity as we embrace this change, maintaining the educator's core role in fostering learning.
Join us in a Socratic seminar-style format to share your pain points and engage in deep reflection on your practice. We will:
- Explore guiding questions on educating for inclusion
- Reflect on the student's perspective to develop practices that prioritize belonging
- Imagine building a future where AI enhances, rather than diminishes, the learning experience
We will also invite you to continue the conversation and deepen your understanding at this year’s Transformative Teaching Conference at Crystal Springs Uplands School on March 21, 2026.
Participants will:
- Explore the developing relationship between educators, students, and generative AI tools
- Understand methods for recentering human connection and student well-being amidst technological change
- Practice reflective strategies to consider the student experience when integrating new AI tools into their teaching practice
AUDIENCE
Educators, teachers (K-12), and instructional leaders who are navigating the integration of AI into their schools and classrooms and are committed to maintaining a human-centered approach to learning.
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Julia Rubin is the Upper School Director of Teaching and Learning at Crystal Springs Uplands School and leads Crystal’s Center for Transformative Teaching. In this role, she oversees faculty professional growth, instructional coaching, and strategic academic initiatives, and co-leads Crystal’s annual Transformative Teaching Conference, which brings together educators from across the Bay Area and beyond. With over a decade of experience both in the classroom and in school leadership, Julia designs mission-aligned professional development grounded in growth goal setting, peer coaching, classroom-based action research, and AI literacy, responsibility, and implementation. Trained in human-centered design and educational technology integration, she empowers teachers and students as reflective, creative partners committed to equity, belonging, purpose-driven learning.
Mary Beth Thompson is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Crystal Springs Uplands Middle School, partnering with faculty and department chairs to strengthen curriculum, instructional practice, and student well-being. She supports the Center for Transformative Teaching, guides cross-divisional initiatives in curriculum alignment, AI, and DEI, and supports faculty through growth-focused coaching and professional development. With over fifteen years of experience as a teacher, school board member, and school leader, Mary Beth believes in the lifelong potential of every learner and works to cultivate classrooms where curiosity, connection, and compassion shape who students become.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.