A group of Oak Knoll Upper School faculty explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education at the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools’ annual Innovation and Collaboration Conference.

Held earlier this month at the Morristown Beard School in Morristown, the event brought together educators to rethink pedagogy amid ongoing changes driven by AI, including how to use AI intentionally and develop responsible digital citizens in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

This focus on using AI intentionally, ethically, and in ways that support human connection is aligned with Oak Knoll’s emphasis on thoughtful, mission-driven teaching.

Theology teachers Lisa Durant, Coleen Bradley, and Brian Topping attended the conference, along with English teacher Dr. Sylvia McTague, Math Department chair Rosalie Intartaglia, and George Watson, who is joining the Upper School Math Department for the 2026-27 school year.

“The conference was an inspiring opportunity to explore how AI can enhance, rather than replace, original and creative thinking,” Durant said, noting she was especially interested in learning about vibe coding, which she hopes can open doors to creative problem-solving and innovation in ways she hadn’t considered previously.

“Just as valuable was the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other schools, exchange ideas and experiences, and begin building relationships that could lead to future collaboration,” she added.

McTague also highlighted the benefits of networking with fellow educators and said the conference gave her more “facility” in considering how educators can use AI.

Bradley described the conference as both “extremely informative and inspiring.”

“The conversations and presentations provided practical ideas that I can bring into my teaching to enhance both my instructional practices and my students’ learning experiences,” she said. “I left the conference with several new perspectives on how AI and emerging technologies can support meaningful, purposeful learning.”