The PEAK Journey Begins:
Districts Leading AI With Intention

On January 8, 2026, educators and district leaders from across Massachusetts came together at UMass Lowell for the PEAK Summit, officially launching the Partnership for Educators Advancing AI Knowledge (PEAK ) Cohort 1. The day marked an exciting milestone rooted in collaboration, shared learning, and a collective commitment to shaping the future of AI in education with intention and care.

The  PEAK Cohort empowers district teams to thoughtfully and equitably integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. Led by MassCUE and Throughline Learning, with support from EdTechTeacher and UMass Lowell’s AI Teach Co-Design Lab, PEAK moves beyond tools to focus on shared vision, strategic planning, and human-centered implementation aligned with DESE guidance.

Through this work, 14 districts will develop AI visions, draft guidelines, professional learning plans, classroom look-fors, and clear implementation roadmaps—while building a strong peer network across the Commonwealth.

The Summit featured powerful keynotes from Shawn Rubin, Throughline Learning, and Justin Reich, MIT Teaching Systems Lab, along with engaging sessions on digital wellness, student voice, futures thinking, literacy, instructional design, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

Equally important was dedicated district team time, giving teams space to reflect, connect, and begin shaping their district-specific AI goals and next steps. Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions that reflected the depth and range of the work ahead, including:

• Futures Thinking: Mapping AI Scenarios by Impact and Probability – Cathy Sanford, Throughline Learning
• Digital Wellness in an Age of AI and Engaging the Community in AI Implementation– Kerry Gallagher, St. John’s Preparatory School / ConnectSafely
• Centering Student Voice in District AI Strategy – Carrie Wihbey, WPS Institute, and Laura Tavares, WPS Institute
• CTE/STEM in the Age of AI: Trends, Shifts, and Classroom Implications – Julie Foss, Throughline Learning
• What Is Literacy in the Age of AI? – Ann C. Dean, UMass Lowell
• AI as an Instructional Design Assistant – Tom Driscoll, EdTechTeacher
• Seesaw + AI: Enhancing Reading Instruction and AI Literacy Through Hands-On Play – Nili Bartley
• From Prompt to Product: Bringing Ideas to Life with Canva AI – Nili Bartley
• Elevating Learning for All: AI-Powered Differentiation and Personalized Engagement – Heather Sweet, Brisk Teaching
• Conversation with DESE: AI in K–12 Schools – AJ Coté, Massachusetts DESE

A dedicated district team time allowed participants to pause, reflect, and begin shaping shared goals, priorities, and next steps—turning inspiration into action and setting the foundation for the year ahead. 

District feedback highlighted the impact of the day:

• “The opening keynotes were thought-provoking and really set the tone for the work ahead.”
• “Futures Thinking helped us clarify big-picture challenges and gave us a tool we can bring back to our district.”
• “All of the sessions were incredibly relevant and helpful—we’re already organizing next steps.”
• “Building bots challenged my thinking and gave me the confidence to try.”
• “Great conversations, practical takeaways, and a strong start to this important work.”

With Gratidude

This work is made possible through strong partnerships and support. We extend heartfelt thanks to Throughline Learning, EdTechTeacher, UMass Lowell’s AI Teach Co-Design Lab, and our sponsors Brisk Teaching and Seesaw, as well as the many speakers and facilitators who brought this important work to life.

Looking Ahead

The PEAK Summit was just the beginning. As cohort districts continue their work throughout 2026, we look forward to learning alongside them and sharing insights, progress, and celebrations along the way.

Stay tuned as the 2026 PEAK Cohort continues its journey across Massachusetts.