From Cincinnati to Toledo: Summits rally educators to build AI readiness

CINCINNATI — Over the past few weeks, educators across Ohio — from the hills of Appalachia to the edge of Lake Erie — came together to get a hands-on look at what AI readiness really means for schools, students, and the future of learning.

The AI Education Project (aiEDU) partnered with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Innovate Ohio, and the Ohio Educational Service Center Association on five summits, touching each major region of the state.

Hundreds of educators, administrators, and local leaders across Ohio came together at Ohio AI Summits From Cincinnati to Wintersville, Mansfield to Toledo. And one thing was clear: Ohio is serious about preparing students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

The series kicked off at Xavier University in Cincinnati, where aiEDU CEO Alex Kotran set the tone: “We’re building toward a world where every student can thrive in a world where AI is everywhere.” Sessions tackled urgent topics like academic integrity, AI-powered special education tools, and reimagining leadership in the age of automation.

In Toledo, the summit emphasized sustainability and collaboration. Superintendents, state leaders, and classroom educators came together to build a shared vision for district-wide readiness. Educators like LeNard Pitts and Dominic Helmstetter offered strategies for making AI implementation both scalable and equitable.

Up north in Mansfield, the Mid-Ohio ESC hosted a day of hands-on learning and big-picture conversations. Keynote speaker Winston Roberts pushed attendees to think beyond tools and toward transformation. The event highlighted AI’s role in everything from progress monitoring to career exploration.

In southeast Ohio, back-to-back events in Wintersville and St. Clairsville brought together voices like Rebecca Bultsma, Eric Curts, and Pati Ruiz. Breakout sessions focused on practical tools, ethical AI use, and student-led projects. A standout moment came from local students sharing how they’re leading AI literacy efforts in their own schools.

As the Ohio AI Summit series continues, one thing is clear: readiness isn’t optional — it’s urgent. And across Ohio, education leaders are rising to meet the moment.