RISE-AI Educator Panel: “AI in the Classroom: Ethical Frontiers and Practical Implications”

Co-Sponsored by the Center for European Studies (CES), the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS), the Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC), the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSAS), the Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS), and the African Studies Program.  Register Panel Details: AI in the Classroom: Ethical Frontiers and Practical Implications Date/Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 8:00–9:00 AM Location: Room 102 C, Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI Format: Breakout Session (60 minutes) Focus: Participants will gain insight into key ethical issues surrounding AI in education, analyze real-world scenarios, identify risks and benefits of AI in K–12 contexts, and apply an ethical decision-making framework to guide school practices. Attendees must be registered for the 2026 Wisconsin State Education Convention. *************** Panelists: Shamya Karumbiah, Assistant Professor, Learning Sciences Area, Educational Psychology, UW–Madison John Martin, Senior Teaching & Learning Developer, UW–Madison John Surdyk, Teaching Faculty & Director of Initiative Studies, School of Business, UW–Madison John Thomsen, Director of Engagement and Policy and a Wisconsin Associate for Neola, Inc. Moderated by: Kevin McCormick, Superintendent/Principal, Washington-Caldwell School District Sarah K. Ripp, Asst. Director, Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies, UW–Madison Participants will receive a resource guide full of dozens of panelist-recommended resources.