Dr. John Spencer

In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, teachers face a dual challenge: leveraging AI to support diverse learner needs while ensuring students still engage in deep, focused thinking. This high-impact webinar serves as the ultimate "next steps" synthesis of our popular summer sessions, Using AI to Reach All Learners and The Depth Advantage. Whether you are building on what you learned this summer or joining us for the very first time, this session will bridge the gap between smart technology and deep pedagogy. Together, we’ll explore how to use generative AI as a time-saving partner to quickly build personalized student scaffolds, while keeping our primary focus on cultivating core human habits like curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking.

Ready to turn these insights into everyday classroom success? Over the course of this interactive two-hour session, you will move from theory to action with practical, classroom-ready strategies designed to help your students cut through digital distractions and achieve true mastery. We will dive into workflows that balance the efficiency of AI-driven differentiation with the rigor of sustained, deeper learning across content areas. You’ll walk away with a concrete toolkit to design meaningful learning experiences that empower all students to bypass shortcuts, conquer complex material, and thrive in the age of smart machines.

*Participation in the summer program is not a prerequisite.

Our Presenter:

We are thrilled to introduce Dr. John Spencer, to our region, an advocate of student empowerment. His work directly aligns with teacher practices and offers profound insights into student learning, the influence of technology in education, and strategies for leveraging technology to enhance student engagement and critical thinking.

Dr. Spencer’s career spans from middle school educator to esteemed college professor, showcasing his commitment to unlocking students’ creative potential and equipping them for future success.

Career Highlights

• In 2013, Dr. Spencer presented at the White House, sharing his vision for student empowerment and deeper learning.
• He is the acclaimed author of books such as Launch, Empower, Vintage Innovation, The A.I. Roadmap, and The Depth Advantage.
• Dr. Spencer's expertise is recognized globally, having delivered keynote speeches and conducted workshops in all 50 states and internationally.

Dr. Spencer is author of several books including The Depth Advantage, The A.I. Roadmap, Empowered at a Distance, Vintage Innovation, and Empower, Launch Check out Dr. Spencer's Website: https://leadinggreatlearning.com as well as this YouTube video The Artificial Intelligence Revolution is Here.

Audience?

NYS Educators, preference given to Greater Rochester Teacher Center Network Districts.

When?

Monday, October 5 2026 (4PM- 6PM)

Where?

Virtual- link will be emailed the morning of October 5th.

Cost?

No cost to NYS Educators, registration required.

CTLE hours?

Earn 2 CTLE hours per day. Greece Central SD teachers are eligible to earn PL hours.

This program is sponsored by the Greater Rochester Teacher Center Network. For registration questions, please email marguerite.dimgba@greececsd.org or call 585.966.2130.

*Participation in the summer program is not a prerequisite.