AI for Education
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
BCC Koussevitzky Arts Center, Room K111
Fee: $75
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AI for Education summit overview
The We in AI: Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI
AI is already shaping our classrooms, but how do we shape it together?
Join educators, leaders, researchers, and workforce partners from across Massachusetts for a half-day, hands-on summit exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance teaching, empower learning, and strengthen our shared educational community.
From practical classroom tools and digital literacy frameworks to ethics, policy, and student voice, this summit moves beyond hype to real conversations that matter, rooted in Massachusetts guidance and local experience.
What to expect:
- A keynote on the evolving relationship between teaching, learning and AI
- State-level guidance from MA DESE leaders
- Interactive workshops for K-12, higher ed, CTE and STEM educators
- Research-driven insights and community college perspectives
- A closing panel tackling the good and concerning uses of AI in education—Berkshire-style
Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this summit is designed to meet you where you are and help chart where we go next.
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AI for Education summit speakers
Torrey Trust
Professor of Learning Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dr. Torrey Trust, Professor of Learning Technology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an acclaimed educator and one of the most important voices in AI and education today.
Dr. Trust's work centers on empowering educators and students to critically explore emerging technologies and make thoughtful, informed choices about their role in teaching and learning. She's been featured in Educational Leadership, WIRED, U.S. News and World Report, Ed Week, and more, and her teaching has been recognized at every level:
- UMass Amherst Distinguished Teaching Award (2023), College of Education Outstanding Teaching Award (2020), ISTE Making IT Happen Award (2018)
She'll open our summit with her keynote: Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI.
Grounded. Ethical. Deeply practical. Exactly what Berkshire educators need right now.
Alva Laster
Digital Literacy and Computer Science Content Specialist, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
When it comes to AI in Massachusetts schools, the policy framework matters, and no one knows it better than Alva Laster.
Alva Laster, M.Ed., Ed.S., is the Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Content Specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she leads statewide efforts to expand equitable access to high-quality digital literacy, computer science, and emerging AI learning opportunities.
With more than 25 years in education, Alva’s work focuses on helping schools move from AI as a tool to AI as a discipline, ensuring students and educators understand how data, algorithms, and human decision-making shape the technologies that influence teaching and learning today.
AI Summit: AI in Massachusetts Education: DESE Perspective
Matt Mervis
Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance
Matt is the Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, a PBL-focused AI speaker, builder, and co-host of the ChatEDU podcast. He cuts through the noise and helps schools build AI ecosystems that actually work. Matt works with schools, higher education, workforce organizations, and corporate partners to support the responsible adoption of generative AI. Matt brings experience as a teacher, district technology director, professional development leader, and product developer, and is a frequent national speaker to diverse audiences on AI and the future of education and work.
AI Summit: Beyond the Hype! Building a Practical AI Ecosystem for Your School, College, or Organization
Rachel Slama
Associate Director of the Future of Learning Lab, Cornell's Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
Dr. Rachel Slama supports an extraordinary team of students, faculty, and postdocs to build, deploy, and evaluate cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of learning and workforce development. She leads strategic partnerships, research initiatives, and global collaborations at the intersection of education, workforce development, technology, and AI.
AI Summit: AI-Enhanced Tutoring: Research and Best Practices
Carrie Wihbey
Director of Strategy and Innovation, WPS Institute
Carrie Wihbey works at the intersection of learning, community, and systems, helping strong, student-centered practice move beyond individual programs into durable partnerships and shared infrastructure.
Laura Tavares
Educator and Consultant
Laura Tavares is an educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience in schools and non-profits. She is a leader of transformative learning experiences for teachers, students, and organizations.
AI Summit: Centering Student Voice: Designing AI Experiences That Support Student Agency and Belonging
AI for Hospitality and Tourism
Register for AI for Hospitality and Tourism
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
BCC Koussevitzky Arts Center, Room K111
Fee: $75
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AI for Hospitality and Tourism summit overview
Practical AI Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience, Strengthen Operations and Drive Innovation and Efficiency
This half-day summit exploring how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the hospitality and tourism industry. As the Berkshires continue to thrive as a premier destination, renowned for world-class arts and culture, wellness retreats, outdoor recreation, farm-to-table dining, boutique lodging, and luxury spa experiences, this event will explore how Artificial Intelligence can help local businesses elevate guest service, strengthen operations, and remain competitive in an evolving marketplace.
Contact Us
workforce@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-2115
BCC is committed to providing universal access to our events. Contact workforce@berkshirecc.edu to request disability accommodations.