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More than 60 educators from across the region gathered at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Carl P. Onken Conference Center for "Teaching in the Age of AI: A Regional Conference for Educators."
The event, held Dec. 8, 2025, opened with a keynote presentation titled “Navigating AI’s Jagged Frontier in Education” by Patrick Moyle and Becah Busselle, from WestEd, which grounded participants in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for teaching, learning, and professional practice. Throughout the morning and afternoon, attendees engaged in hands-on breakout sessions that explored topics such as building a vision for AI integration, developing stronger reasoning and information literacy skills, designing AI-informed learning experiences, and ensuring safe, responsible use of AI tools.
The conference also served as the official launch of the OUB Micro-Credentials in Teaching and Leading with Generative AI. This professional learning initiative includes six role-specific pathways for leaders, elementary educators, secondary educators, service providers, teaching assistants and paraprofessionals, and clerical staff. Each pathway is designed to help educators build practical, job-embedded skills with AI while maintaining a strong focus on authentic learning and student engagement. Participants who complete five courses within their selected pathway, along with a regional conference or catch-up session, will earn an OUB micro-credential recognizing their expertise in using AI effectively and responsibly in schools.
Educators who attended the conference expressed excitement about the opportunity to collaborate, experiment, and envision a future in which AI strengthens the essential human work of teaching and learning. The pathways continue this momentum by offering sustained, differentiated learning experiences tailored to the diverse roles that support students every day.
The Division of Instructional Support Services at OUB looks forward to partnering with districts as they embark on this next phase of professional learning, empowering educators to navigate emerging technologies with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
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