The 2025 AI Innovation Summit
By Erica Crane, EdD
TL;DR:
We took part in the 2025 AI Innovation Summit in Seattle and connected with hundreds of K–12 educators, leaders, and decision-makers who are actively exploring how AI fits into their schools.
Our team shared practical insights on staying current with AI, supporting special education, and using AI to update classroom practices.
We heard both excitement and hesitation from teachers and students, which showed how real and layered this shift is.
The biggest theme was support. Educators want space, guidance, and community as they figure out how to use AI in ways that truly support learning.
At Sideby, we are focused on walking alongside schools as they explore, experiment, and build thoughtful AI practices.
It was great connecting with fellow AI explorers at the 2025 AI in Innovation Summit! Through our relationship with the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), we were able to join and present about our excitement and expertise in the AI in education space. the conference hosted over 500 teachers and education leaders in Seattle, Washington to explore the future of k-12 education through the lens of AI. We met great nerds and launched educators into our sideby network. Mike, our CTO and co-founder, and Jeff, our Senior Director of Community Success, brought their wild enthusiasm and knowledge to the space. (They were just trying to match the amazing energy of the conference MC and fearless leader, Scott Friedman from the AWSP.)
Our sideby team presented on:
Keeping Up with AI Over the Next Decade: How to Learn AI
Building AI Tools for Special Education (with Dale Berry from One City Schools)
How AI Enables Modern Pedagogy
Building Your Own Engineering Team (with Dan McAulay from Stealth Startup)
We learned about how teachers are navigating this emerging technology. We listened when education leaders shared that their schools and school systems are grappling with how best to support teachers in engaging with AI. The student-led closing session had young people voicing their concerns and hopes for how we can support them to learn and lead in this space. We know the importance of listening as we learn and centering the people closest to the innovation. We’re here to support educators and position them as the leaders they can be in shaping how AI will or won’t impact education moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What made the AI Innovation Summit different from other education events?
This summit focused heavily on practical, real-world use of AI in schools. The conversations leaned heavily on how teachers and students are already interacting with AI in everyday learning settings.
2. What stood out the most from conversations with educators?
Many educators were genuinely curious and open to experimenting with AI. At the same time, they shared concerns about support, consistency, and how to use AI in ways that strengthen learning instead of replacing core teaching moments.
3. Why is community becoming so important in AI adoption for schools?
Teachers don’t want to figure this out alone. Being able to learn from peers, share experiences, and exchange ideas helps them feel more confident. A strong community turns uncertainty into collaboration and momentum.
4. How can AI support students with different learning needs?
AI tools can help personalize instruction, offer alternate ways to process information, and support accessibility. When used intentionally, AI has potential to better meet students where they are without adding more workload to teachers.
5. What was the overall message sideby took away from the event?
Schools don’t want a quick fix or a trendy solution. They want thoughtful guidance, flexible tools, and real partnership. The focus is on using AI responsibly, creatively, and in a way that keeps humans at the center.