AI for Educators: A Practical Introduction to Your New Co-Pilot
In person at TCNJ: 11/17/2025 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, lite lunch provided
This intensive, hands-on workshop is designed to move beyond the hype and provide K-12 educators with practical, time-saving AI skills they can implement immediately. Participants will learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to automate administrative tasks, create dynamic and differentiated lesson plans, and design engaging student-centered activities. This is not a theoretical lecture; it is an interactive lab where you will build, create, and leave with a toolkit of AI-powered resources.
Learning Outcomes:
– Utilize large language models (LLMs) to generate lesson plans, activities, and assessments
– Apply AI tools to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
– Design interactive presentations and formative assessments using specialized AI platforms.
– Understand the basic principles of “vibe coding” to create simple, no-code interactive tools for students.
– Develop a framework for integrating AI into their existing curriculum in an ethical and effective manner.
Key Takeaways:
– A toolkit of ready-to-use AI prompts for lesson planning and content creation.
– A completed, interactive micro-lesson built during the session.
– A strategic plan for a student-led project using no-code AI tools.
– Practical strategies to reduce planning time and administrative workload.
Intended Audience:
– K-12 Classroom Teachers
– Curriculum & Instructional Coaches
– School Administrators & Department Heads
– Technology Integration Specialists
What to Bring:
A laptop is required. This is a hands-on workshop, and you will be actively working with various web-based AI tools throughout the session.
A Google Account with access to Gemini. Participants will need to be logged into a Google account (a personal account is recommended) to use Gemini and other AI tools. Please ensure you can log in before the workshop begins.
Fee: $295.00 per person
Led by Mark Snow
Mark is a veteran Engineering & AI Educator teaching in NJ public schools for 18 years. He has developed and delivered advanced curriculum in Computer Science, AI, and engineering design, directly managing the end-user experience for hundreds of students annually.
Engaging Uses of Generative AI for Language Educators – Virtual
Virtual: 12/1/2025 1:00pm to 3:00pm
It‘s time to meet your new personal assistant! Maximizing productivity is essential, and artificial intelligence is here to help language teachers! Discover how AI-powered tools can revolutionize content creation, save valuable time, and enhance effectiveness in the language classroom through differentiation. Let’s unlock the potential of teacher-friendly AI tools to save time and positively impact students’ language learning journeys.Fee: $150.00 per person
Led by Noemí Rodríguez.
Noemí Rodríguez (@team_lologramos) is a veteran language educator who has been sharing and supporting teachers across the globe since 2005. She attended Rutgers University, where she earned her B.A. in Spanish and Ed.M. in Language Education. She obtained a second Ed.M as a Reading Specialist. Working with Rutgers University, The Graduate School of Education and Montclair State University, she has taught different teaching methodology courses to aspiring educators in graduate education programs. Presently a district supervisor, she also taught Spanish in the Freehold Township and Marlboro Township school districts in Monmouth County. As an award winning teacher, she specializes in language curriculum, assessment design, technology integration, reading and communication strategies. In 2014, FLENJ awarded her workshop “Best of NJ” and most recently, the 2023 President’s Award for her continued leadership in language education. She has presented at state, regional, national and international conferences over the past fifteen years. Noemi’s mission is to provide ongoing, customized support to ensure the best world language proficiency-based programs in our schools.
Integration & Policy in Education: District Approaches & Best Practices
In person at TCNJ: 12/5/25 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
This session is designed for educators and administrators seeking to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of AI integration in educational settings. Participants will explore frameworks, AI policies, PD strategies, coaching, and effective approaches for evaluating AI tools and their impact on teaching and learning. The goal is to foster a collaborative environment where attendees can connect with peers, learn best practices, and gain clarity on establishing responsible and effective AI integration at both individual and district levels.
Fee: $225.00 per person
Led by:
Brendan McIsaac – English supervisor with 28 years of teaching and administrative leadership experience. NJPSA Visionary Leadership Award winner and twelve years of Board of Education Experience.
Denise Spina – Media specialist and de facto edtech coach with 18 years of teaching experience. 2011 Teacher of the Year and Google Certified Trainer, Coach and Innovator
Using AI in the Classroom to Support Student Success: Tips, Tools and Tricky Topics
In person at TCNJ: 12/08/2025 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
Are you ready to explore how to use AI to enhance your students’ learning? This interactive session is designed to equip educators with key knowledge and tools necessary to use AI responsibly and effectively in your classroom. From understanding the principles and best practices for using AI to practical applications of curated sites, we’ll explore how AI can be harnessed to support your classroom activities, create engaging lessons and empower students to be both informed users and critical thinkers. Get ready to experiment with a variety of AI tools firsthand, both as a teacher and a student, to seamlessly integrate or address the use of AI in your teaching practices. Leave with a toolkit of ideas and techniques that will enrich your teaching and inspire your students to become innovative and ethical users of AI. Secondary 6 -12
Led by: Dr. Barbara McCarty has been teaching middle school for over 27 years, entering the profession as a 7th grade LA teacher and currently working as a middle school media specialist and adjunct professor in the Educational Technology department of New Jersey City University. With a focus on encouraging teachers to become effective curators and creators of digital content, Dr. McCarty not only provides ed. tech support and PD for the staff in her school, but she also collaborates with a variety of educational professionals presenting at state, national and international conferences like AMLE, NJASL, PETE&C and ISTE. Dr. McCarty has also been a faculty member of the 2021 Association of Middle Level Education’s Institute for Middle Level Leadership and a Mentor at the Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Because of her active contributions to her students and school community, Dr. McCarty has been honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey as a New Jersey Teacher of the Year as well as by Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles as an All-Pro teacher.
Fee: $225.00 per person
Truth, Tech & Teenagers: Research and Media Literacy in the Age of AI
In person at TCNJ: 01/07/26 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
Teaching research and media literacy in an AI-driven world requires a shift in focus to critical thinking, source evaluation, and ethical considerations related to AI-generated content. Learn how to equip your students with the skills to navigate this complex information landscape, including identifying misinformation, understanding AI’s role in content creation and distribution, fostering responsible AI use and approaches to support critical thinking in your students’ research. Walk away with ready-to-use lesson ideas and a curated list of useful sites and resources to bring these essential skills to life in your classroom. Secondary 6-12.
Led by: Dr. Barbara McCarty has been teaching middle school for over 27 years, entering the profession as a 7th grade LA teacher and currently working as a middle school media specialist and adjunct professor in the Educational Technology department of New Jersey City University. With a focus on encouraging teachers to become effective curators and creators of digital content, Dr. McCarty not only provides ed. tech support and PD for the staff in her school, but she also collaborates with a variety of educational professionals presenting at state, national and international conferences like AMLE, NJASL, PETE&C and ISTE. Dr. McCarty has also been a faculty member of the 2021 Association of Middle Level Education’s Institute for Middle Level Leadership and a Mentor at the Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Because of her active contributions to her students and school community, Dr. McCarty has been honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey as a New Jersey Teacher of the Year as well as by Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles as an All-Pro teacher.
Fee: $225.00 per person
Empowering Education with AI: An Overview of the Role of AI in Student Success and Teacher Support
In person at TCNJ: 01/21/26 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
Come explore the exciting, sometimes intimidating, world of generative AI and its impact on education. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack and demystify the potential and pitfalls of this groundbreaking innovation. From exploring how AI can enrich your teaching to tackling ethical concerns like academic integrity, misinformation and bias, we’ll examine how AI can support student success and save you time and effort. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of AI, practical assignment modifications, and a handy list of AI tools to enhance your teaching and students’ learning. For Secondary 6-12
Led by: Dr. Barbara McCarty has been teaching middle school for over 27 years, entering the profession as a 7th grade LA teacher and currently working as a middle school media specialist and adjunct professor in the Educational Technology department of New Jersey City University. With a focus on encouraging teachers to become effective curators and creators of digital content, Dr. McCarty not only provides ed. tech support and PD for the staff in her school, but she also collaborates with a variety of educational professionals presenting at state, national and international conferences like AMLE, NJASL, PETE&C and ISTE. Dr. McCarty has also been a faculty member of the 2021 Association of Middle Level Education’s Institute for Middle Level Leadership and a Mentor at the Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Because of her active contributions to her students and school community, Dr. McCarty has been honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey as a New Jersey Teacher of the Year as well as by Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles as an All-Pro teacher.
Fee: $225.00 per person
AI & Ethics: Guiding Students Through the Grey Areas
In person at TCNJ: 2/11/2026 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
AI is everywhere—writing essays, curating our news, creating videos—and with it comes a whole new set of ethical challenges for our students to navigate. This session will equip you to lead meaningful conversations about bias, privacy, intellectual property, and misinformation in an AI-driven world. Discover ways to integrate AI ethics into any subject area with engaging lesson ideas, a curated list of resources, and greater confidence to help your students not just use AI, but use it responsibly. Secondary 6 – 12
Led by: Dr. Barbara McCarty has been teaching middle school for over 27 years, entering the profession as a 7th grade LA teacher and currently working as a middle school media specialist and adjunct professor in the Educational Technology department of New Jersey City University. With a focus on encouraging teachers to become effective curators and creators of digital content, Dr. McCarty not only provides ed. tech support and PD for the staff in her school, but she also collaborates with a variety of educational professionals presenting at state, national and international conferences like AMLE, NJASL, PETE&C and ISTE. Dr. McCarty has also been a faculty member of the 2021 Association of Middle Level Education’s Institute for Middle Level Leadership and a Mentor at the Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Because of her active contributions to her students and school community, Dr. McCarty has been honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey as a New Jersey Teacher of the Year as well as by Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles as an All-Pro teacher.
Fee: $225.00 per person
AI-Infused Curriculum & Instruction Workshop: Designing for Balance & Deeper Learning
In person at TCNJ: 2/20/2026 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
This interactive workshop is designed for educators ready to transform their instruction by integrating artificial intelligence. Inspired by our successful AI curriculum work with teachers, this session provides hands-on opportunities to deepen understanding of relevant AI tools, resources, and strategies while preserving and fostering deeper learning, critical thinking, and student engagement. Participants will collaborate and leverage AI to enhance and create activities, assessments, and even units and courses. The focus will be on practical application, collaborative development, and sharing innovative instructional approaches.
Fee: $225.00 per person
Led by:
Brendan McIsaac – English supervisor with 28 years of teaching and administrative leadership experience. NJPSA Visionary Leadership Award winner and twelve years of Board of Education Experience.
Denise Spina – Media specialist and de facto edtech coach with 18 years of teaching experience. 2011 Teacher of the Year and Google Certified Trainer, Coach and Innovator
Intentional AI Design for Teaching and Learning: Core Principles & Practical Application
In person at TCNJ: 4/20/2026 11:00am – 2:00pm, lite lunch provided
This session is dedicated to developing and exploring foundational principles of designing AI-integrated lessons that prioritize student voice, creativity, and critical thinking. Building upon established guidelines for AI instructional design, participants will delve into ethical considerations, cultivate metacognitive opportunities for students, and engage in practical strategies for applying AI effectively across diverse school contexts and disciplines. The workshop emphasizes leading with intention, expertise, and best practice when selecting AI tools and their use.
Fee: $225.00 per person
Led by:
Brendan McIsaac – English supervisor with 28 years of teaching and administrative leadership experience. NJPSA Visionary Leadership Award winner and twelve years of Board of Education Experience.
Denise Spina – Media specialist and de facto edtech coach with 18 years of teaching experience. 2011 Teacher of the Year and Google Certified Trainer, Coach and Innovator
Learn about Dr. Barbara McCarty. She instructs all our AI PD
Barbara has been teaching middle school for over 27 years, entering the profession as a 7th grade LA teacher and currently working as a middle school media specialist and adjunct professor in the Educational Technology department of New Jersey City University. With a focus on encouraging teachers to become effective curators and creators of digital content, Dr. McCarty not only provides ed. tech support and PD for the staff in her school, but she also collaborates with a variety of educational professionals presenting at state, national and international conferences like AMLE, NJASL, PETE&C and ISTE. Dr. McCarty has also been a faculty member of the 2021 Association of Middle Level Education’s Institute for Middle Level Leadership and a Mentor at the Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Because of her active contributions to her students and school community, Dr. McCarty has been honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey as a New Jersey Teacher of the Year as well as by Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles as an All-Pro teacher.
Empowering Education with AI: An Overview of the Role of AI in Student Success and Teacher Support
Come explore the exciting, sometimes intimidating, world of generative AI and its impact on education. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack and demystify the potential and pitfalls of this groundbreaking innovation. From exploring how AI can enrich your teaching to tackling ethical concerns like academic integrity, misinformation and bias, we’ll examine how AI can support student success and save you time and effort. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of AI, practical assignment modifications, and a handy list of AI tools to enhance your teaching and students’ learning. For Secondary 6-12
Using AI in the Classroom to Support Student Success: Tips, Tools and Tricky Topics
Are you ready to explore how to use AI to enhance your students’ learning? This interactive session is designed to equip educators with key knowledge and tools necessary to use AI responsibly and effectively in your classroom. From understanding the principles and best practices for using AI to practical applications of curated sites, we’ll explore how AI can be harnessed to support your classroom activities, create engaging lessons and empower students to be both informed users and critical thinkers. Get ready to experiment with a variety of AI tools firsthand, both as a teacher and a student, to seamlessly integrate or address the use of AI in your teaching practices. Leave with a toolkit of ideas and techniques that will enrich your teaching and inspire your students to become innovative and ethical users of AI. Secondary 6 -12
Streamlined Teaching: Using AI to Save Time and Energy
In this session, we’ll explore how AI can change your teaching experience by automating some of your teaching tasks and enhancing efficiency. We’ll delve into what AI can realistically achieve and what it can’t, ensuring a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. Leave with a curated list of AI sites tailored to educators, designed to save you valuable time and effort. From grading assistance to lesson planning tools to creation of teaching materials, these resources will empower you to streamline your workflow and focus more on what matters—engaging with your students. Come prepared to test out several AI tools and gain practical skills and newfound confidence in integrating AI effectively into your own teaching practice. For all levels