Session Access

Speakers

Dr. Matthew Marino

Professor

University of Central Florida

Dr. Matthew Marino is a Professor of Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida and Co-Director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. His research focuses on the intersection of technology, learning sciences, and special education, with an emphasis on using innovative digital tools to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. He has led and collaborated on numerous federally funded projects exploring technology-enhanced learning, digital assessment systems, and professional preparation programs for educators.

Dr. Marino is widely recognized for his contributions to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), STEM accessibility, and the design of technology-rich learning environments. He has published extensively in leading journals, served on national advisory boards, and partnered with schools and organizations to translate research into practice. His work continues to shape the future of technology integration in K–20 education, ensuring that advances in AI, digital learning, and assessment promote meaningful access and engagement for all learners.

Dr. Angelica Fulchini

Operations Director & Co-Principal Investigator

University of Kansas

Dr. Angelica Fulchini Scruggs is the Operations Director and Co-Principal Investigator of the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL) at the University of Kansas, Achievement & Assessment Institute. Her work focuses on advancing responsible and meaningful integration of artificial intelligence and educational technologies in PK–20 settings, with an emphasis on special education. She has extensive experience leading large-scale federal grants, managing multi-institutional collaborations, and building technical assistance frameworks that bridge research, practice, and policy. She works closely with faculty developers, service providers, and school leaders to design resources that support decision-making, professional learning, and system-level innovation. Dr. Scruggs continues to shape the national conversation on how AI can empower educators, improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities, and prepare institutions for the future of technology in society.

Dr. Eleazer "Trey" Vasquez III

Operating Officer

Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI)

Dr. Eleazar "Trey" Vasquez III is an Operating Officer with the Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI). Prior to joining AAI's leadership team, Vasquez was director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute and Professor in the Exceptional Education program within the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. His current research focuses on the evaluation of academic and behavioral outcomes for students with disabilities and for students from cultural linguistic diverse backgrounds utilizing technology to enhance instruction. He has published several articles in the area of special education, rural education, technology, and teacher preparation. Further, he submitted and received external funding to support his research activities and has presented in state, national, and international conferences. Currently, he is collaborating with several faculty to develop innovative technologies for navigating issues related to disability.

James “Jamie” D. Basham

Professor

University of Kansas

James “Jamie” D. Basham, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His work is focused on developing future-ready learning environments that are beneficial and meaningful for all learners. His research is focused on the implementation of UDL, AI, STEM education, learner-centered design, innovation, and technology in human learning. He has received and managed over $27 million in federally and privately funded research and technical assistance projects, including the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL). He is well-published, has given hundreds of talks, and serves on various national and international boards for journals, companies, and education organizations.

Sean J. Smith

Professor

University of Kansas

Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He is also the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and the President of the National Down syndrome Congress. Dr. Smith’s research interests focus on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. At present, Dr. Smith is the Principal Investigator on three federally funded projects: 1) exploring the impact of mixed reality in social skill development, 2) improving writing outcomes through virtual coaching, and 3) automatic scoring through AI to engage and support student writing outcomes.

Sean has authored over 150 books and articles, given hundreds of scholarly presentations both nationally and internationally, and developed a number of technology-based solutions for educators. Dr. Smith, with a variety of collaborators, has received and managed over $30M of external research and development funds. He also received from the CEC’s divisions the Outstanding Service Award from Teacher Education Division (TED) and the Outstanding Journal Article Award from ISET. 

Dr. Lisa Dieker

Professor

University of Kansas

Dr. Lisa Dieker, is the Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas (KU) and is the parent and sibling of individuals with disabilities.  Dr. Dieker’s research focuses on harnessing the power of teachers working across a variety of settings, with her work focusing on teacher education, special education, and innovative uses of technology. Before KU, she was a Pegasus Professor at the University of Central Florida, serving as the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar, producing over 500 teacher leaders in STEM. She also coordinated the Ph.D. program in special education, advising over 100 students, 22  students with disabilities, and 34  from culturally diverse backgrounds. She has managed over 60 grants amounting to more than $30M. She has provided over 150 keynotes, produced seven books and over 100 articles and chapters, and served as an editor for four journals in the field. She holds six patents in simulation and education.  She has served as the national conference Co-Chair for the Council for Exceptional Children and in an elected position on the Innovation and Technology Committee for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and on eight journal review boards. She has been awarded the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): the Children Advocacy Network Advocate of the Year Award; the Romaine P. Mackie Award from the Division of Legacy and Leadership (DLL); the Outstanding Service Award and the Outstanding Journal Article Award from Teacher Education Division (TED), the UCF Graduate Student Mentor of the Year Award, and the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University Outstanding Alumni of the Year Awards.

Dr. Olivia Fudge Coleman

Assistant Professor

University of Central Florida

Dr. Olivia Fudge Coleman is an assistant professor of Exceptional Student Education in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. She began her educational career as a teacher of middle school students with extensive support needs, and then transitioned to teaching third-grade students with and without disabilities. Her work focuses on improving educational programs and outcomes for students with extensive support needs through inclusive practices and technology-driven solutions, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). She has served as co-principal investigator on two U.S. Department of Education–funded grants that explore how AI can support teachers in delivering evidence-based multimedia instruction. She works closely with educators, school leaders, and researchers to design approaches that strengthen instructional quality, expand access to inclusive learning environments, and prepare students with disabilities for meaningful postsecondary opportunities. 

Samantha R. Goldman

Assistant Research Professor

University of Kansas

Samantha R. Goldman is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas and Co-Principal Investigator for Project AI SCORE. This project, which focuses on improving writing outcomes for middle schoolers with learning disabilities, explores how AI can be used to provide immediate feedback to students. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with a specialization in instructional design, technology, and innovation from the University of Kansas. Before entering academia, Dr. Goldman spent nine years as a special education teacher, with extensive experience in a wide variety of PK–12 service delivery models. Her research centers on integrating technology, specifically AI, with evidence-based practices to support struggling learners. She brings deep classroom experience, national leadership, and a commitment to practical, scalable solutions for inclusive instruction.

FAQ

Can international individuals attend this event?

Yes absolutely! We would love to have you at our event! Please use the Registration tab and email us at ceconlinelearning@exceptionalchildren.org if you have any additional questions.

How do I register a group?

Click the tab above named "Registration," then in the options outlined, click "Register someone else or a group online." The link will take you to a form where you will indicate a registration type of "group," your payment method (purchase order or credit card), and then your primary contact information. The form will walk you through the remaining steps in registering a group of individuals. If you need support, please contact Member Services at service@exceptionalchildren.org OR give them a call at (888) 232-7733 and they will be happy to assist you. 

Can multiple people watch from one registration?

If you are interested in obtaining a group rate in partnership with a university, please contact the Senior Manager of Online Learning at ceconlinelearning@exceptionalchildren.org. Currently, we do not offer any other group learning opportunities, but we are exploring options for future online PD offerings.

How long do I have access to the recordings?

Registrants will have access to all session recordings from the product Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Summit until March 28, 2026.

What happens after I register?

You will receive an email confirmation that will contain the direct link to this learning library product. The email also includes information to support you in accessing your product.

Where will I find the Zoom Links?

Go to the Session Access tab to find the sessions and the Zoom links. The link for each session will go live 10 minutes before the session start time. At this time, you can then enter the waiting room until the session begins.

Where do I obtain my certificate of completion?

When you finish attending a session, your certificate will automatically unlock. Find your certificate for each quick take session you attend under the "Session Access" tab and below each session you attend. Expand each section and you will see certificates for any session that you attended the full session for. If your certificate is not unlocked, you may not have viewed the entire session. Don't worry! You can still view it in the same location on-demand if you missed the live event. Then, after watching the entire session, your certificate will be available to download. 

Will there be closed captioning or accessibility options?

Yes, Zoom allows for closed captioning to be on and available to every registrant for the live sessions. Simply turn them on in your Zoom control panel and you're all set! If viewing this on-demand, closed captioning will be available in the recording as well.  On the registration form is an indicated for accessibility requests. If you missed this or if you need an additional accessibility request, no worries, just contact ceconlinelearning@exceptionalchildren.org so we may assist you.

Registration

Join us for CEC's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Summit! This online event features five 45-minute sessions and one end keynote speaker session with content from one of our partners, the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL).

Check out the Overview and Speakers tabs to learn about this event. All sessions will air live and will also be recorded for registrants to view until March 28, 2026.

Registration Rates

CEC Pre-Service Student Members: $40

CEC members: $99

CEC Non-Members - $129

Registration Options 

• Register yourself online with a credit card
• Register yourself online with a purchase order 
• Register someone else or a group online

Sessions Overview

Each webinar session for this live event will deliver a focused look at how artificial intelligence is shaping education and what it means for your classroom or professional practice. From foundational AI concepts to hands-on tools and responsible implementation, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply right away. 

Session 1 | 11:00-11:45am ET

Artificial Intelligence 101: A Foundational Understanding of AI and It's Implications for Special Education 

This session introduces the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on what educators and education leaders need to know about this emerging field. Tracing AI’s roots from practical theories to today’s classroom-ready tools, participants will see how the history of AI connects to practical applications in teaching and learning. We’ll highlight key milestones and breakthroughs while grounding the discussion in the realities of schools and special education. By the end, educators will have a clearer understanding of how AI has evolved, why it matters for their students, and how it may impact the future of teaching.

Session 2 | 12:00 - 12:45pm ET

Practical AI Literacy That Can Be Applied Tomorrow

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s embedded in the classroom tools, learning platforms, and professional decisions educators engage with every day. This session equips researchers, educators, school leaders, and service providers with a clear understanding of what it means to be AI literate in practice, with a strong emphasis on strategies that can be implemented immediately in educational settings. Together, we will explore how to recognize both the opportunities and challenges of AI, develop habits of asking critical and informed questions, and identify practical steps for responsible use in teaching, planning, and decision-making. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a toolkit of actionable strategies to apply AI literacy skills in their own practice and to guide students and colleagues in navigating the growing presence of AI.

Session 3 | 1:00 - 1:45pm ET

Hand-On with AI: Tools You'll Actually Use

Researchers, educators, and practitioners don’t just need to hear about AI—they need to see how it works and experience how it can support their daily practice. This session highlights some of today’s most exciting and practical AI tools. From writing assistants and image generators to data analysis and classroom supports, participants will see how AI can streamline work, spark creativity, and solve real problems. Through live demonstrations and examples, you’ll walk away with a toolkit of resources you can try right away. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a curated set of resources and the confidence to integrate AI tools into their own work immediately—tools that go beyond theory and can be put to use the very next day.

Session 4 | 2:00 - 2:45pm ET

Strategic Planning with AI: Turning Data into Direction

Strategic planning in education requires balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, all while making sense of complex and ever-changing data. This session demonstrates how artificial intelligence can support researchers, practitioners, and administrators in moving from information overload to actionable insight. We will explore how AI tools can support day-to-day decision-making, whether it involves monitoring student progress, adapting instruction, or identifying opportunities for targeted interventions. By the end, participants will walk away with strategies and tools tailored to their role—equipping them to use AI not just as a data processor, but as a partner in shaping educational futures.

Session 5 | 3:00 - 3:45pm ET

AI and the Future: What's Next for Technology and Society

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a pace that is reshaping how we live, learn, and work. This session examines the innovations and societal shifts that will define the next era of AI, with a particular focus on their impact on education. For practitioners, the focus will be on how AI can change instructional practices, curriculum design, and student engagement, while also underscoring the need for thoughtful and responsible integration into daily work. For administrators, the session will explore how AI can influence strategic planning, policy development, and resource allocation, as well as the responsibility leaders hold in ensuring institutions remain adaptive and trusted by their communities. Beyond education, participants will also consider the broader societal implications of AI—including issues of privacy, ethics, and human connection—and leave with both a visionary perspective on what lies ahead and grounded insights to prepare their work, institutions, and communities for what’s next.

Endnote | 4:00 - 4:45pm ET

Bringing It All Together: The Future of AI in Education and Beyond

This closing session ties together the key themes from the series: AI fundamentals, literacy, hands-on tools, strategic planning, and future directions. Participants will reflect on how their understanding of AI has grown and how it connects to their roles as researchers, practitioners, and administrators. The session emphasizes how AI can advance evidence-based research, streamline instructional practices, and inform leadership decisions. Attendees will also consider how AI is reshaping broader areas of society, from healthcare to the workplace. Practical strategies will be highlighted to support meaningful and responsible application. The session provides space for discussion and reflection on next steps. Participants will leave with both a recap of what they’ve learned and a vision for where AI is headed. Ultimately, this endnote serves as a call to action, equipping attendees with the direction and inspiration they need for their AI journey.

Want To Attend? Register Below!

• Register yourself online with a credit card
• Register yourself online with a purchase order 
• Register someone else or a group online