Artificial Intelligence is Sending Shockwaves Throughout our Educational System
In these transformative times, Vermont educators need the knowledge to use AI effectively in their practice and to empower students, their families and communities to navigate these technologies safely, responsibly, and productively.
"AI is the most powerful technology humanity has ever created and it’s being deployed faster than any other tech in history."
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology
from ON with Kara Swisher June 2, 2023
aiVermont was founded in November 2023 as a nonprofit focused on AI literacy. Its mission is to help fill gaps in the support of education professionals, students and decision makers regarding the use of artificial intelligence for teaching and learning.
70% of teens say they have used at least one type of generative AI tool
Common Sense Media 2024 Report, The Dawn of the AI Era
97% of school leaders agree AI can positively impact education but only 35% say they have a generative AI initiative in place
Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) EdTech 2024 Report
58% of students do not feel that they have sufficient AI knowledge and skills, and 48% do not feel adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workplace
Digital Education Council Global AI Student Survey July 2024
Our Support Strategy
01
Education + AI Annual Summits
Explore AI in Education with our June flagship program, which offers educators networking and professional learning opportunities facilitated by renowned experts.
02
Regional Meetings and Professional Development
Between our larger gatherings, aiVermont will offer more targeted PD and discussions to delve deeper into issues with AI’s use specific to content area, educator roles, and student and local needs.
03
Online Collaborative Platform
Share and discuss experiences and research within a virtual community to help crowdsource the most effective uses of AI at the classroom, system, and policy levels.
What’s Next?
SECOND ANNUAL SUMMIT
ON EDUCATION + AI
All Disciplines, PreK - College
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025, 9am-3pm
HULA, BURLINGTON
Next Steps 2.0 for AI and Education
All Disciplines, PreK - College
OCTOBER 2, 2025
Generator Makerspace, Burlington
Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and AI
Open to the entire community
JANUARY 15, 2026
Generator Makerspace, Burlington
Questions or suggestions? Want to connect with us? Send us an email.
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Our team
aiVermont is working at the forefront of educational leadership and innovation, with a collective history that includes eight successful AI events attended by hundreds of participants over the past two years, a decade of pioneering K-12 STEAM programming through Burlington’s Generator makerspace, and nearly forty years of award-winning pre-K to college teaching, administration, and professional development.
Chris Thompson
Co-Director
Denise Shekerjian
Co-Director
Marc Natanagara
Facilitator and K-12 Educator
Advisory Board
Katharine Shepherd
Dean of the College of Education & Social Services University of Vermont
Josiah Raiche
Director of AI
State of Vermont
Michael Metz
Board Trustee
Champlain College and
Vermont Academy of Science & Engineering
Veronica Newton
Senior Director Programs & Partnerships Generator
Formerly, Program Manager
Vermont Agency of Education
Dan Harvey
Director of Operations
University of Vermont
Office of the VP of Research
Laurel Butler
Startup Business Advisor & Student/Educator Entrepreneur Specialist
Vermont Small Business Development Center
Laurie Quinn
President of
The Stern Center for Language and Learning
Formerly, President of
Champlain College
Ron Yara
Formerly, General Partner
Tallwood Venture Capital, Sonic Blue, Intel
Michelle LaFrancis
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Spaulding High School, Barre
Our Sponsors
The Ruth & Peter Metz Family Foundation • David and L.J. Stiller • Maggie Eaton & Ron Yara