Continuing the Push for AI Readiness in Northwest Ohio
TOLEDO — aiEDU: The AI Education Project continued its statewide, Ohio AI Summit series with a powerful second gathering, this time in Toledo, Ohio.
Held in Toledo’s Glass City Center, the event brought together hundreds of educators, system leaders, and policy advocates from across the region to advance the conversation around K–12 AI literacy and readiness.
“This is about empowering every student in every district to thrive in a future shaped by AI,” said Brett Roer, Ohio Regional Director at aiEDU. “We’re proud to work with local leaders to make sure that readiness isn’t a luxury—it’s a right.”
The event featured remarks from Andrea Smith, Superintendent of North Point Educational Service Center, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and educator support in making AI implementation sustainable.
Craig Burford, Executive Director of OESCA, highlighted the critical role of ESCs in bridging statewide strategy with local delivery.
And Chris Woolard, the Chief Integration Officer at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, spoke about how AI readiness fits into Ohio’s broader workforce and learning priorities.
The program also included talks and presentations that support teacher and school district leaders’ efforts to build AI readiness:
Eric Curts, a nationally recognized EdTech coach and consultant, delivered a keynote with practical strategies for integrating AI into classroom instruction.
LeNard Pitts, Senior Programs Lead for aiEDU’s East Coast team, shared insights on scalable approaches to building AI literacy.
Dawn Mericle and students from Maumee City Schools shared a student-led presentation that showcased real-world AI learning experiences and the impact of hands-on education
Dominic Helmstetter of Perrysburg Schools led a session exploring district-level strategies for building sustainable AI readiness across curriculum and leadership teams.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions and panels focused on implementation, equity, professional learning, and the future of curriculum.
With continued support from state, regional, and local partners, aiEDU is proud to help catalyze a movement where readiness meets reality.
Stay tuned as the Ohio AI Summit series continues to gain ground across the state.
