Summer Sync: Ignite Learning Fueled by AI
August 5th, 2026 | 8:00 am to 3:30 pm | Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Attendance is Free!
The Summer Sync Summit is designed to connect emerging AI technologies with the power of human intuition. Our goal is to ensure that technology never outpaces intent and focus. We are bringing together the "architects of learning" to explore how AI can amplify our capacity to see, reach, and inspire every student while keeping the "Human in the Loop."
This event is sponsored by the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) in collaboration with CESA 2.
Vision Statement
Our vision for Summer Sync is to harmonize the power of emerging technology with the irreplaceable pulse of human intuition. As we stand at the threshold of the AI era, we gather not to celebrate tools, but to empower the architects who use them. This summit is a space for educators to pause, recharge, and intentionally align digital innovation with pedagogical purpose. We believe that technology should never outpace our intent; instead, it should amplify our capacity to see, reach, and inspire every student. At Summer Sync, we aren't just learning the software; we are igniting the human spark that makes learning meaningful.
Core Pillars of the Vision
Sync with Purpose
Moving beyond 'apps for apps’ sake' to ensure every digital tool serves a specific instructional goal.
Sync with Humanity
Keeping the "Human in the Loop" by prioritizing social-emotional connection, deeper learning, and teacher-led mentorship over automated instruction.
Sync with Equity
Leveraging AI and EdTech to close opportunity gaps and provide personalized, high-quality learning across our entire community.
Call for Presenters
We are looking for presenters who can show our community how to bridge the gap between emerging tech and intentional pedagogy. If you have championed human-centered learning in your work and align with one of our Session Pillars, we’d love to have you present at our summit!
Meet Our Presenters
Tammy Lind
Morning Keynote
Prior to joining CDW, Tammy Lind was an Instructional Coach based in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a background as a former special education teacher, Tammy is dedicated to incorporating innovative technologies to create inclusive and engaging learning environments for all students. As a Google Education Trainer and Certified Innovator, Tammy is recognized for her leadership in educational technology with her expertise showcasing her commitment to leveraging digital tools for enhanced educational experiences. Tammy's impact reached beyond her immediate school district and she is the founder of the Southeast Wisconsin Google Educator Group and the Southeast Wisconsin Instructional Coaching Network. As a result of that impact, In 2017, Tammy received the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) "Making IT Happen" award, acknowledging her contributions to education through thoughtful and intentional technology use. Tammy shares the role of AI in personalizing learning experiences and in creating inclusive learning for all students. Her insights into utilizing AI to enrich education are currently a focal point in her presentations at national conferences. Follow along with Tammy's educational journey: @TamL17
Samantha Reeder
Afternoon Keynote
Samantha Reeder is a K12 Program Manager at Google, where she is passionate about education. She is dedicated to supporting K12 leadership teams, teachers, and students to ensure a positive experience across all Google products that impact classrooms and IT teams.
Beth Clarke
Beth Clarke is an innovative educator with over 25 years of experience who is an advocate to ignite the learning experience. Her passion lies in learner-centered pedagogy while partnering with educators to leverage digital tools and resources. Currently, Beth’s role is the Senior Director of the Digital Leadership and Learning Center at CESA 2 where she has the opportunity to support educators across southern WI. Also, Beth facilitates the integration of Universal Design for Learning to promote conditions for inclusive education, the New Teacher Mentor program to support educator induction and sustainability, as well as the ISTE Educator Certification program which builds modern educators world-wide. Most importantly, equity is a priority in every facet of her work.
Frank Devereaux
Frank Devereaux is an Innovative Deeper Learning Designer from the Madison area and works as a consultant for CESA 2 in the Strategic Innovation for Learning Center of Excellence. His experience centers on the integration of technology in creative and innovative ways to support student learning in the classroom. Over the past few years, he has been diving into the realm of AI integration, inclusivity and equity in STEAM curriculum, and Design Thinking Projects for the Makerspace that are culturally relevant.
Kim Stieber-White
Kim Stieber-White joins CESA 2 with deep knowledge and experience in Social Justice, Technology and Literacy. Her experience in schools spans urban, suburban, and rural settings and includes classroom English Language Arts, Reading Specialist, Library Media Specialist, Technology Integrator, and Instructional Coach. Kim recently completed a Ph.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with a focus on Literacy and Equity.
Valerie Schmitz
Valerie Schmitz, PhD, EdD is the Senior Director of Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis at CESA 2, where she leads regional efforts in educator development including the New Teacher Center, data analysis, and school and district improvement planning. In this role, Valerie supports districts with the implementation of the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness System, continuous improvement frameworks, and the use of data for equity-focused decision-making. She brings deep expertise in instructional design, systems analysis, and educational leadership, guiding schools and districts through meaningful, sustainable improvement processes. Valerie holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and dual M.Ed. degrees in Technology Education and Educational Leadership.
Eric Benedict
Eric Benedict: Empowering Educators, Igniting Student Engagement
Eric Benedict is a passionate edtech leader driven by the mission of transforming classrooms into hubs of 21st-century learning. He believes technology, when wielded effectively, can spark student engagement and foster critical skills like collaboration, communication, and creation.
Eric's expertise lies in empowering educators to become confident and creative technology integrators. He champions professional development initiatives that equip teachers with the tools and strategies to seamlessly weave technology into their curriculum, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
His ultimate goal is to see students actively collaborating, communicating their ideas with clarity and purpose, and taking ownership of their learning journeys through creation.