Virginia Gen AI Year of Learning
Event Details
In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, we have an amazing opportunity to help you build everything you need to support Generative AI for your school system.
WHO: Division Superintendents, Instructional Leaders, Technology Leaders, and non-instructional leaders such as HR, Finance, Communications, etc.
WHAT: Four all-day in-person training sessions where division teams train side-by-side in "hubs" with Advanced Learning Partnerships' team of AI experts, PLUS virtual support between meetings as needed.
WHEN: Sessions start as early as August 2024 and end by March 2025.
WHERE: Locations will be specific to each assigned hub. Efforts will be made to limit travel as much as possible.
WHY: School Divisions who complete the Virginia Gen AI Year of Learning will, by completion, have a division-specific AI implementation plan, including frameworks and guidelines. They will also have access to the AI Field Kit and Digital Platform.
Here's what participants are saying about the VASS Gen AI Year of Learning:
"The facilitators presented the info in a very engaging way. As someone that has not used AI in the past, I am very curious now..."
"Pace was great. Loved the personalities of the presenters and how real and practical they were."
"We need to be able to keep up with students in this quickly growing world of AI."
Meet the Virginia Gen AI Year of Learning Experts
Adam Garry
Adam is a life-long educator that is passionate about learner-centric models and emerging technology. Adam has spent years leading teams, supporting systemic change, and building innovative programs. He is currently leading the executive coaching track on generative AI for ALP. He is skilled in Leadership, Generative AI, Educational Technology, Personalized Learning, Needs Assessment, and Organizational Development.
Allison Reid
Allison serves as Senior Director for the Digital Learning & Libraries team for Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina where she drives the adoption of cutting-edge digital tools, empowering learners and educators. Allison's strategic leadership creates a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, ensuring technology's positive impact on student outcomes. As a contributor to the CoSN Digital Equity Toolkit, she addresses global digital equity. Blending her unique experiences as both a teacher and a technologist, Allison possesses a rare insight into the intersection of administrative policy and its impact on student outcomes.
Doug Renfro
Dr. Renfro leads a team dedicated to developing and executing comprehensive digital strategies aimed at enhancing learning environments for K-12 students. His work emphasizes equity and innovative teaching methods, leveraging emerging technologies to foster educational advancement. With significant contributions to instructional design, professional development, and digital curriculum development, Dr. Renfro’s efforts are grounded in a strong educational background, including an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. His work in digital learning is driving forward the integration of digital tools in education. Dr. Renfro’s vision for the future of education is one where technology and pedagogy work hand in hand to create inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences for all students.
Tom Woodward
Tom currently works at Middlebury College as the Director of Learning Spaces and Technologies. He has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of technology and learning. His experience spans the educational continuum with work in k12, college, and postgraduate education. His approach to technology is shaped by his background in history, Montessori, alternative education, and raising four children in these changing times.
Marlo Gaddis
Marlo is the retired Chief Technology Officer for the Wake County Public School System. She served three other NC Districts of various sizes in the past as 21st Century Learning Coordinator, Lead Teacher for Technology (K-5) and Media (K-12); Lead Teacher for Math, Science, Social Studies and Technology (K-5); district and school Technology Facilitator; and Kindergarten and First Grade teacher. Marlo serves on K12 Education Advisory Boards for the RTM K-12 Congress, Big Deal Media Power Trip, and Framework. She is on the Board of Directors for CoSN (Consortium of School Networking) and serves on the Executive Board as Chair Elect and is a CoSN CETL (Certified Educational Technology Leader). She is the CEO of Gaddis Education Consulting which supports K-12 public, charter, and private institutions as well as edtech companies in elevating technology integration, strengthening leadership, and empowering educators to support students, staff, and families.
Region 1 Hub
Goochland, Charles City, DJJ, New Kent, Powhatan, Chesterfield
Dates: Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 15
Location:
- 10/2 - New Kent High School, New Kent High School, 7365 Egypt Rd, New Kent, VA 23124
- 11/6, 12/4, 1/15 - Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139
Region 2a Hub
Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Northampton
Dates: Oct. 9, Nov. 8, Dec. 6, Jan. 17
Location:
- 10/9 - Plaza Annex, Professional Development Center (PDC), Rooms A&B, 641 Carriage Hill Road, Virginia Beach
- 11/8 - Advanced Technology Center (ATC), Theater (Note: This location is on the Tidewater Community College, Campus.) 1800 College Crescent, Virginia Beach
- 12/6, 1/17 - Plaza Annex, Professional Development Center (PDC), Rooms A&B, 641 Carriage Hill Road, Virginia Beach
Region 2b Hub
Isle of Wight, Newport News, York, Williamsburg-James City
Dates: Oct. 3, Nov. 13, Dec. 5, Jan. 16
Location: Williamsburg-James City Central Office, 117 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Note: Parking is limited; carpool if possible.
Region 3a Hub
Fredericksburg, Colonial Beach, Lancaster, Caroline, West Point, Middlesex, King George, King William
Dates: Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 15
Location: Walker Grant Center, School Board Meeting Room, 210 Ferdinand Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Region 3b Hub
Stafford, Spotsylvania
Dates: Oct. 3, Nov. 12, Dec. 5, Jan. 16
Location: Administrative Services Building, 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg 22407
Region 4 Hub
Arlington, Manassas City, Alexandria City, Clarke, Rappahannock, Orange, Page
Dates: Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5
Location: Manassas City Public Schools, 8700 Centreville Road, Manassas, VA 20110, 4th Floor Room 460
Region 5a Hub
Augusta, Rockingham, Harrisonburg City, Rockbridge, Amherst, Buena Vista
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 19, Dec. 12
Location: Former Beverley Manor Middle School, 58 Cedar Green Rd, Staunton, VA 24401
Region 5b Hub
Albemarle, Louisa, Greene
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 19, Dec. 12
Location: Louisa County High School (Library), 757 Davis Hwy, Mineral, VA 23117
Region 6 Hub
Botetourt, Alleghany-Highlands, Montgomery, Martinsville, Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Salem, Henry
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19
Location: Administration Building: 201 Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA 24011
Region 7a Hub
Smyth, Dickenson, Russell, Norton City, Washington, Tazwell
Dates: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18
Location: Russell County Public Schools 84 Lorraine C. Turner Drive, Lebanon, VA 24266
Region 7b Hub
Radford, Pulaski, Carroll, Galax
Dates: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18
Location: Pulaski Middle School, Art Room, 4396 Lee Hwy, Pulaski, VA 24301
Region 8 Hub
Halifax, Cumberland, Amelia, Appomattox, Lunenburg, Greensville, Prince Edward
Dates: Aug. 28, Sept. 13, Oct. 25, Nov 15
Location: Cumberland High School, LPJ Adult Ed. Center, 15 School Road, Cumberland, VA
Winchester, Loudoun, Henrico Hub
Dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 22, Nov. 21, Jan. 7
Locations
Day 1 - Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center 21453 Epicerie Plaza #200, Sterling, VA
Day 2 - ACE Center at Hermitage High School
Day 3 - Winchester (location tbd)
Day 4 - Location tbd
Gen AI Year of Learning Virtual Graduation Ceremony
(Details and meeting link to come closer to event.)
Date: Monday, March 24
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Virtual - stay tuned for more details
Optional Informational Webinars
- Click here to view July 16 informational webinar.
- Click here to view July 23 informational webinar.
- Click here to view webinar slides
FAQ
Q: Are sessions in person or virtual or both?
A: There will be four in-person sessions. Locations will be announced soon. Virtual support between in-person meetings will be provided as needed.
Q: Is there a cost?
A: There is a minimal cost for lunch ($80 per person to cover four in-person session lunches), but the content and training is no cost to school divisions.
Q: How many people from each school division may attend?
A: School divisions with fewer than 10 thousand students may bring a team of up to 6 people; School divisions with fewer than 20 thousand students may bring a team of up to 12 people; School divisions with more than 20 thousand students may bring a team of up to 35 people. Please make sure you send the number of team members that you indicated in your registration form so that we are prepared to serve everyone.
Q: What should attendees do to prepare for the in-person training?
A: All team members attending the training should bring a laptop and have one account for an AI tool, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot
Q: Will in-person sessions be recorded?
A: No, but resources from the sessions will be shared digitally.
Q: What time do sessions begin and end?
A: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Q: Is lunch provided?
A: Yes, lunch will be provided for all registered team members. While the content and training is provided at no cost, divisions were sent an invoice for the lunch fee so that VASS can arrange for all participants to have lunch on site.
If you have questions or concerns, or would like to receive more information about this event, please contact VASS Deputy Executive Director Dr. Amy Griffin or any VASS team member.