2026 AI Educator Summer Institute

Is Social Studies in danger of being left behind in an ever-expanding AI world? As institutions push for rapid adoption, both educators and students are becoming wary of "AI slop"—generic, uncritical content that threatens to water down deep learning. This "boots-on-the-ground" session for Grade 6-12 educators moves beyond the hype to ask the hard questions: Do we actually need these tools, and how do we keep them from becoming a permanent crutch?

We will explore practical, guardrailed methods that use AI to spark historical inquiry and civil discourse without replacing the vital work of reading, writing, and analysis. Participants will discover strategies to maintain student critical thinking and traditional learning techniques while navigating modern technology. Learn how to implement ethical "human-in-the-loop" workflows that treat AI as a starting point, not the final word. Join us to ensure that in an age of automation, the human heart of Social Studies remains protected, rigorous, and relevant.