Workshop on Generative AI in K-12 Education

Professor, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo. Co- Director, Waterloo Data & Artificial Intelligence Institute

Bio: Jimmy Lin is a professor and the Chair of the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, previously from the University of Maryland. He completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT in 2004, and his research aims to build tools that help users make sense of large amounts of data, through information retrieval, natural language processing, and infrastructure for data analytics.

Director, Office of Academic Integrity, University of Waterloo

Bio: Amanda McKenzie, M.A., is the Director of Office of Academic Integrity at the University of Waterloo. She has been at the forefront of academic integrity initiatives on a provincial, national, and international level. Amanda is a subject matter expert in this area and has spoken around the world. She has also published a number of articles and book chapters in this field. In addition, she has created several learning modules on academic integrity for undergraduates and graduate students. Her current areas of interest are the intersection of academic integrity and quality assurance and the impacts of GenAI on education.

Amanda served as part of the International Center for Academic Integrity since 2014, founding the Canadian branch of ICAI, and was an Officer on the Board of Directors from 2018-2023. She is an active member of the Academic Integrity Council of Ontario (AICO) and served as the past Chair and Secretary/outreach Coordinator. She currently sits on the Editorial Board of Canadian Perspectives on Academic Integrity and the Business Ethics and Leadership Journal.

Associate Director, Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo

Bio: A full-time faculty developer with over 25 years' experience in multiple roles across six Southwestern Ontario universities, Dr. Trevor Holmes  is currently Acting Director at Waterloo’s Centre for Teaching Excellence. He has also taught university undergraduates in humanities disciplines since 1994, with an emphasis on experiential learning and new technologies.

Modern Education Platform Lead, Microsoft 

Bio: For the past 27 years, Steven has been a driving force in transforming educational experiences through cutting-edge technologies. His passion and expertise have established him as a trusted advisor and a dynamic advocate for innovation in education. Known for his ability to demystify complex technological concepts, Steven is celebrated as a compelling speaker and a visionary leader in educational technology. Today, he leads the charge in integrating advanced Microsoft AI into the education sector, empowering both students and teachers to reach new heights.

Director of Education, Upper Grand District School Board

Bio: Peter Sovran’s career portfolio over the past 30+ years has included a variety of high profile, extensive and demanding senior leadership positions with the Upper Grand District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth, York Region and Toronto District School Boards, and the Ontario Ministry of Education.

He has a proven track-record of strategic, transformative leadership that has resulted in impactful changes to public education in Ontario with a particular focus on improving student achievement, well-being and equity of outcomes as well as innovation.

Prior to becoming Director of Education/CEO in 2021, Peter held a series of senior roles including Associate Director, Chief Information Officer, and Superintendent of Student Achievement. He has also played a pivotal role in advancing Ontario's eLearning programs and Early Reading/Early Math initiatives across the province. Peter is currently the Chair-Elect for the Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education (PCODE) and serves on various K-12+ education working tables. Peter is committed to regularly visiting classrooms and engaging with students and staff across the district.

A lifelong learner, Peter is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy at OISE/UofT with a focus on Artificial Intelligence in education. He holds a Master of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience from McGill University, a Bachelor of Education (Science and Math) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biomedical Ethics from the University of Toronto

JK PYP Teacher, St. John's Kilmarnock School

Bio: Denise Mouton is a passionate, enthusiastic, and experienced professional educator with 10 years of international experience teaching in a variety of educational settings and systems. Mouton has thoroughly enjoyed designing and delivering innovative as well as established curricula, along with  developing creative, play-based environments for young learners. She is comfortable leading and working within diverse teams, as a means of providing authentic, engaging, and educational experiences that inspire and motivate children.

Senior Manager, IT Wellington Catholic DSB

Bio: Luis Gomes is the Sr, Manager IT Services with the Wellington Catholic District School Board where he is responsible for computing services, security, and privacy. He is also a member of the Ministry of Education Cyber Protection Framework group, the OSBIE Advisory Committee, the Joint OASBO ICT/PIM working group, and the ECNO VASP Steering Committee which developed standards for the vetting of free apps and web services for privacy and security. Prior to joining the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Luis worked in the Defense, Forestry, Telecommunications, Industrial Manufacturing, Transportation and Consulting Industries, where he held senior IT and Executive positions, and specialized in M&A, Logistics, Procurement, Security, Privacy and Operational Effectiveness. Luis is a 3rd Dan and teaches taekwondo and weapons, is a board member of the local community theatre and a stage and improv actor.

CEO and Founder, Fair Chance Learning

Bio: Martha Jez, the Founder and CEO of Fair Chance Learning, is the driving force behind the organization, dedicated to fostering growth and education. With a Master's in Critical Disability Studies from York University, Martha champions inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all, and has had the opportunity to lead the development of learning and skills programs in Canada, the US, Algeria, and Kenya. Her recent focus has been on the development of FCL's learning experience platform, Achieva, aimed at removing barriers to learning, growth, and development for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Martha understands the importance of community and global engagement, actively contributing her time to the Canadian Accessibility Network, the OISE Curriculum and Review Committee for Continued Professional Learning, the Town of Newmarket Accessibility Advisory Committee, and serving as a Board Member of Inn from the Cold. Martha is currently serving as an Expert in Residence for a Professional Fellowship with OISE CPL. With her signature motto, "LET'S DO THIS!" Martha is enthusiastic about making a significant impact in the realm of learning and development, ensuring opportunity and education for all.

Intermediate Teacher, Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School

Bio: Jennifer Scotchmer is in her tenth year of teaching, with most of her time spent teaching English, science, and drama in the Intermediate grades. Beyond the classroom, she serves on the YouthTech Labs advisory board for a second year.  

Scotchmer firmly believes in the importance of lifelong learning, and the potential of AI both fascinates and terrifies her. Jennifer’s goal is to harness the power of AI to enhance teaching methods and empower learning while advocating for its responsible and ethical use in the classroom for both her and students. 

Founder and Lead Organizer, Youth Tech Lab

Bio: Aasha Khan, a Grade 11 student from Kitchener-Waterloo, is a passionate and dedicated advocate for social justice and AI literacy. She serves as the United Nations Girl Up Teen Advisor for Canada, committed to advancing gender equality. Aasha has also delivered a TED Talk titled "How to Have a Constructive Conversation", focused on bridging divides through meaningful dialogue. Additionally, Aasha founded Youth Tech Labs, Canada’s first AI literacy organization for youth, which provides young people with essential AI knowledge and skills and has received endorsement from the Prime Minister of Canada.
 

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, University of Waterloo

Bio: Janice Aurini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo. She received her Ph.D. at McMaster University and was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University. Her research primarily examines education policy, education inequality, and parenting.  Her projects include a province-wide study on summer learning inequality (or ‘summer-setback’), a three-country comparison of parenting, and a Canada-wide project examining remote teaching and health.