Central Kentucky EDUCON: Full Schedule

EDUCON is a premier educational showcase and learning opportunity for teachers, principals, and district leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to choose breakout sessions led by school districts from across the Central Kentucky region and beyond. You will not just come away with a good idea or two; you will gain an abundance of great ideas and best practices that you can immediately apply in your classroom, school, or district.

Breakout Session Strands: Your chance to focus on a particular area of interest throughout the conference or explore a broader span!
1. Academics & Instructional Best Practices
2. Communications & Outreach
3. Developing & Empowering Staff
4. Innovation & Technology
5. Safety & School Culture
6. Student Supports & Opportunities

Participants will hear from two distinguished keynote speakers. The Day 1 starting line-up will be led by two-time national champion for the University of Kentucky basketball team, Jeff Sheppard, who will take the "court" and share his insight. On Day 2, Artificial Intelligence and EdTech expert, Brian Buffington will rock the stage with mega hits to inspire you.

Daily Schedule
7:45 am Registration and Vendor Hall opens
8:30 am Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:30 am -11:30 am Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!
11:30 am -12:00 pm Vendor Hall & Networking
12:00 pm -1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch on own)
1:15 pm -2:15 pm Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!
2:30 pm -3:30 pm Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!

1:15pm EDT

Embracing AI Tools in the Classroom (Pulaski)

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

This interactive session will equip teachers and administrators with the knowledge and strategies to integrate AI tools into their classrooms effectively. Instead of resisting AI, educators will guide students in using these tools responsibly to enhance learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. We will explore practical ways to incorporate AI for personalized learning, lesson planning, and student engagement. Participants will leave with resources to empower students to use AI for growth rather than a shortcut.

Speakers

TERESA NICHOLAS

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Technology, Pulaski County Schools

Mike Braun

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Innovation & Technology

2:30pm EDT

Bringing Learning to Life: Integrating the Learner Profile and Vibrant Learning into Everyday Instruction (Powell)

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

How can we create vibrant learning experiences that engage students in meaningful, real-world learning while building essential skills?

In this session, Powell County’s Deeper Learning Team will share how we are integrating our Learner Profile—which emphasizes Collaborator, Communicator, Contributor, and Critical Thinker—into daily instruction to make learning more engaging and impactful.

We will highlight practical strategies, real classroom examples, and teacher insights on fostering these competencies in ways that align with academic standards. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to transform everyday lessons into dynamic learning experiences that cultivate both academic growth and essential life skills.

Speakers

Alicia Wasson

Teacher, Powell County Middle School

Claire Charles

Teacher, Powell County High School

High School Social Studies Teacher

Steve Colwell

Teacher, Powell County High School

I am a high school science teacher in KY

Pleasant Marsee

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Innovation & Technology

8:30am EDT

Buff Nuggets: Why Come to Class?

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am EDT

Main Room (Quad A-D)

Students have more learning options, attendance rates are down, and compliance is no longer a given. So why should students attend class?

The king of quirk, Brian Buffington provides a blueprint on creating better learning experiences that maximize humanity, creativity, and collaboration. Named one of "EdTech K12's Top 30" and author of the beloved weekly EdTech newsletter Buff Nuggets, Brian Buffington is passionate about helping teachers and leaders make a meaningful impact—both with and without technology

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Brian Buffington is an EDU pioneer, paving the way, bringing the Buff Magic, seeking and searching, always sniffing out better ways to increase student engagement and learning through technology. Year after year, he inspires thousands of teachers, admins, and students by highlighting... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am EDT
Main Room (Quad A-D) 4440 Kit Carson Dr. Richmond, KY 40475

Innovation & Technology

10:30am EDT

Buff Nuggets: Top 10 Ways to Use AI to Engage and Create Impactful Learning Experiences

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Main Room (Quad A-D)

Sir Buff-a-Lot, Brian Buffington, shares powerful and practical ways to use AI to enhance learning experiences - making them more engaging while keeping human interaction at the heart of education. Drawing from his experience with audiences of all sizes across the country, he presents his most current and impactful use cases.

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Main Room (Quad A-D) 4440 Kit Carson Dr. Richmond, KY 40475

Innovation & Technology

10:30am EDT

Podcasting in the Elementary Classroom (Bardstown)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

This session will explore my experience with student-led podcasting in a third-grade classroom. We will discuss tools, strategies, how to engage students in the writing and planning process, and share some work samples.

Speakers

Melissa Kyser

Bardstown City Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Innovation & Technology

1:15pm EDT

Time-Saving AI Tools for Teachers (CKEC)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Discover how AI can be your teaching assistant! This session will spotlight easy-to-use, time-saving AI tools that help you personalize instruction, boost student engagement, and meet diverse learner needs—without adding hours to your workload. Walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use examples that make teaching smarter, not harder.

Speakers

Holly Lawrence

Consultant, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Innovation & Technology