Empowering Educators Seminar

Keynote Session: Putting Technology in Its Place

Presenter: Dr. Keith Plummer

Before Christian educators answer the question, “What is the proper place of technology in the classroom?” we should consider its place in the biblical storyline. Scripture might not mention the word “technology” or the digital devices we have come to take for granted. However, it would be mistaken to conclude from that, that it has nothing to say about the subject. After exploring where technology fits in the biblical storyline of redemption, this presentation will describe the inescapable formative powers of all technologies and why recognizing that is integral to wise decision making about which we embrace and how we utilize them.

1: A Balanced Approach: Blending High Tech and Low Tech Strategies in the Classroom to Enhance Student Learning (secondary school) 

Presenter: Mrs. Rebecca Cella

Technology has revolutionized education over the past decade, giving teachers and students access to infinite information and easier communication. However, technological advances have also contributed to higher levels of loneliness, depression, and isolation than any previous generation has ever seen. This session is designed to help educators leverage technology to enhance student learning while continuing to build community and connection in their classroom. 

Presenter: Mrs. Jennifer Logan

In this session, elementary educators will learn practical, age-appropriate ways to use AI tools in both classroom instruction and daily teacher tasks to boost engagement, learning, and efficiency. Participants will explore how AI can simplify lesson planning, grading, and differentiation while supporting creativity and critical thinking. By the end, attendees will leave with clear strategies and resources to responsibly integrate AI into their teaching practice.

3: Creating and Adapting Assignments to Promote AI Literacy and Citizenship (secondary school)

Presenter: Mrs. Charlotte Gleason

During this session, we’ll discuss how educators can prepare themselves and their students to navigate the increasing demand for AI literacy. We’ll also examine how we can adapt and create discipline-specific assignments that will develop the cognitive and technical skills students need to ethically and effectively grow in their AI literacy.

Presenter: Mr. Daniel Steinfield, Head of Delco

The call to shepherd the next generation of hearts and minds entrusted to us reverberates in our consciousness as we walk the hallways, stand before classrooms, and pray earnestly for our students. Parents and educators are doing our very best to strike a reasonable, faithful balance in our approach to technology’s role, and especially the smartphone’s role, in personal faith, family life, friendships, education, institutions, and society as a whole. G.K. Chesterton said, “The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild.” Come to join a conversation on how a phone-free school day will create room for many good things to run wild.

5: Emerging AI Tools in Business and the Classroom

Presenter: Mr. Sali Kaceli

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformational technologies in our lifetime. It is not only impacting business but every aspect of our lives including education. In this session, we will identify ways to use AI to solve problems we face as educators.

6: Formed in Truth: Student Conduct, AI, and the Discipleship Opportunity 

Presenter: Dr. Adam Porcella

As artificial intelligence reshapes the academic landscape, Christian educators face new challenges and opportunities in guiding students toward integrity, wisdom, and Christlike character. This breakout session explores how the student conduct process, often seen only as corrective, can become a meaningful moment for discipleship that fosters formation and spiritual maturity. Participants will learn about the newest technologies schools are using to address AI-related misconduct and will discuss practical strategies for helping students understand the nature of AI, its limitations, its dangers, and its proper place in the learning process, all within a framework that emphasizes formation and Christian discipleship.