Written by the Atlanta Public Schools Department of Instructional Technology
Atlanta Public Schools 2026 AI Conference, APS ©
More than 130 Atlanta Public Schools (APS) educators, school leaders, and central office staff gathered at Microsoft for the district’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference, a day dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. The event was hosted by the APS Department of Instructional Technology and worked to ensure that the attendees felt like superheroes on a mission!
Held during the second week of summer break, the conference brought together professionals from across the district who voluntarily invested their time to deepen their understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on teaching, learning, and leadership. The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among educators to thoughtfully and responsibly integrate AI into classrooms and schools.
“This conference was born out of the curiosity, excitement, and genuine desire to learn that we’ve been hearing from educators across Atlanta Public Schools,” said Dr. Natasha Rachell, APS director of Instructional Technology. “Our teachers and leaders aren’t asking if AI will impact education. They’re asking how to use it thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively to support student learning. We created this experience to provide a space for exploration, collaboration, and practical learning, and the incredible turnout confirmed that our educators are eager to lead the way in shaping the future of teaching and learning.”
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a keynote presentation, interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative learning experiences focused on practical applications of AI. Sessions explored topics including instructional planning, personalized learning, student creativity, generative AI tools, responsible AI use, and innovative approaches to classroom engagement.
The conference was designed to align with the Atlanta Public Schools K-12 Instructional Framework by helping educators leverage technology to enhance learning experiences, support student achievement, and create opportunities for deeper engagement and creativity.
Feedback from participants highlighted the conference’s impact on professional growth and instructional practice. Many attendees reported increased confidence in using AI to support teaching, learning, and leadership. Educators shared that they appreciated the practical examples, opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, and the chance to explore tools that can save time while enhancing student learning.
Enjoy the self-advancing photo slideshow of the 2026 APS AI Conference. APS ©
Several participants noted that the most valuable aspect of the conference was seeing real-world classroom applications of AI and learning strategies they could implement immediately.
Kariemah Gibson, a kindergarten teacher at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, learned how to enhance time management in the classroom.
“AI can save teachers time while still supporting creativity, student engagement, and personalized learning,” said Gibson.
Similarly, David T. Howard Middle School CTE teacher Nichole Jones is excited to apply her key takeaways from the conference.
“I’m excited to put the new practices and tools in place when I get back to my classroom,” said Jones.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback has already sparked interest in future learning opportunities. Many attendees expressed a desire for additional AI-focused professional learning, including full-day conferences, school-based coaching, virtual learning opportunities, and deeper dives into advanced applications of AI in education.
The success of the inaugural APS AI Conference would not have been possible without the partnership and hospitality of Microsoft, the contributions of presenters and panelists who shared their expertise, and the dedication of the APS Department of Instructional Technology team, whose vision and planning brought the event to life.
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of education, Atlanta Public Schools remains committed to equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to harness these tools responsibly and effectively. The conference served as an important step in that journey, reinforcing the district’s commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
Based on participant feedback and enthusiasm, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of the AI learning journey in Atlanta Public Schools.