McHenry County ROE Excellence in Education 2026: Full Schedule

10:00am CDT

MagicSchool AI for Every Educator: Simple Tools, Big Impact

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Discover how MagicSchool AI can help educators work smarter while fostering meaningful student learning. In this interactive session, teachers will explore practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly into lesson planning, differentiation, and classroom activities. Participants will learn how to guide students in evaluating AI-generated information, asking better questions, and using AI as a tool for creativity and inquiry. Educators will leave with ready-to-use prompts, classroom activities, and time-saving strategies they can implement immediately. No prior AI experience is required—just a willingness to explore new possibilities for teaching and learning.

Speakers

Laura Servedio

Instructional Coach Coordinator, McHenry County Regional Office of Education

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 366

Technology

11:00am CDT

MagicSchool AI for Every Educator: Simple Tools, Big Impact

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 366

Speakers

Laura Servedio

Instructional Coach Coordinator, McHenry County Regional Office of Education

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 366

Technology

1:30pm CDT

Build It with Google Gemini Canvas Workspace

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Room 366

Ready to go beyond the basics? In this session, we'll dig into how Google Gemini's Canvas Workspace can help you personalize learning, build lessons, resources, flashcards, study guides, interactive quizzes, slide decks, and more. AI does the heavy lifting so you can spend your energy on what matters most. Leave with materials that are high quality, relevant, and right for your context and the learners you serve. Whether you're starting from scratch or building off what you already have, you'll leave with something ready to use.

Speakers

Stephanie Cardella

Executive Director, AI Education Network, Leap Innovations

Stephanie Cardella is a seasoned instructional leader with over 20 years of experience in education, including executive roles focused on advancing personalized and competency-based learning. She has led district- and network-wide initiatives to implement personalized learning models... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 366

Technology

2:30pm CDT

From Insights to Action: Strengthening Your AI Roadmap

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

Room 366

AI is creating real opportunities for districts to strengthen teaching, support educators, and design learning that prepares students for the future. The leaders who will make the most of this moment are the ones who move with intention, ground their work in pedagogy, and learn from others doing the same.This session draws on what we are learning from leaders across the country who are in the middle of this work. Through a regional convening of more than 100 leaders, educators, and partners, we have been tracking what is sticking, what is not, and what conditions set districts up for success. We will share those findings, explore five pillars of human-centered AI as a practical leadership framework, and create space for you to share your own strengths, challenges, and reflections alongside peers who are navigating the same terrain. Leave with sharper priorities and concrete next steps tailored to your context, your community, and where your district is headed.
Audience: School & District Leaders, Coaches

Speakers