Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 | From Curiosity to Leadership: Reimagining Learning with AI

From Curiosity to Leadership: Reimagining Learning with AI
Transform curiosity into action. Empower teaching with innovation.

What if curiosity wasn't just a classroom strategy—but the foundation of ethical leadership, innovation, and school transformation? Join 150+ visionary educators for three transformative days where AI meets inquiry, action research meets creativity, and fearless teaching becomes fearless leadership.

📍 Location Cambria Hotel Austin
Austin, Texas
🗓️ Dates July 31–August 2
2026
🎟️ Early Bird $299
Limited Time

🎵 Hear the Sound of Spark Curiosity EDU 2026

Listen to our conference theme song: "Reimagine Learning (Spark the Future)"

🎧 More Music for the Educator's Soul – Fearless Educator Radio

Why Attend

Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 is designed for educators ready to move beyond the basics and step into leadership—leading with AI, leading with inquiry, and leading with integrity. You'll leave with tools you can teach immediately, research frameworks you can implement Monday morning, and a network of innovators who believe curiosity changes everything.

Spark Curiosity Educator Speaking

🎯 AI-Powered Lessons Ready to Teach

Walk away with an AI-powered lesson ready to teach using the Spark Curiosity AI Coach

🔥 Lead Action Research Cycles

Learn to lead inquiry cycles that transform teaching teams and deepen student learning

⚖️ Navigate AI Ethics with Confidence

A decision-making framework you can share with your school leaders

Experience Spark Curiosity EDU

See what made Spark Curiosity EDU 2025 unforgettable. Watch educators discover new strategies, connect with peers, and leave inspired to transform their classrooms.

Join educators who transformed their practice in 2025

From hands-on AI workshops to powerful keynotes and authentic connections—this is what happens when curiosity meets community.

Be Part of 2026

About Spark Curiosity EDU

From Classroom Curiosity to School-Wide Leadership

For years, Kampus Insights has helped thousands of educators ignite student engagement through curiosity-driven instruction. But 2026 marks a bold evolution: we're not just teaching teachers how to spark curiosity—we're equipping them to lead with it.

Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 brings together the proven Spark Curiosity Model with cutting-edge AI integration, action research, and leadership development. Whether you're a classroom teacher designing your first inquiry-based unit or a school leader reimagining professional learning, this conference meets you where you are—and elevates where you're going.

This year, curiosity becomes strategy. Innovation becomes culture. And educators become the fearless leaders our schools need most.

Conference Planning Chair

We are honored to introduce the leader behind Spark Curiosity EDU 2026's strategic direction and planning. With exceptional expertise in education leadership and partnership development, our Conference Planning Chair brings a wealth of experience in creating transformative learning experiences that drive real impact for educators and students alike.

Jamal Robinson

Jamal Robinson

Conference Planning Chair | Strategic Partnerships Executive

Jamal D. Robinson is an accomplished education and communications executive with more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives across K–12 public education, government, and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as a senior consultant and public relations strategist, specializing in district communications, community partnerships, and organizational leadership. A doctoral candidate (ABD) in Business Administration with a focus on Social Impact Management, Jamal is a proud graduate of Leadership Houston Cohort XLIV and an active member of NABSE and TALAS. Recognized for his servant leadership and results-driven approach, he is committed to advancing equity, engagement, and excellence in education.

Conference Tracks

Three pathways. One transformative experience.

Spark Classroom

🎓 Spark Classroom

For teachers who want to ignite deeper learning through AI-powered inquiry, creativity, and engagement strategies that work in any subject, any grade level.

LeadSpark Team

🔥 LeadSpark Team

For instructional coaches, department leads, and teacher-leaders ready to facilitate collaborative action research and build curiosity-driven professional learning communities.

AI + Ethics

🤖 AI + Ethics

For school leaders, administrators, and tech coordinators navigating responsible AI adoption, data privacy, and ethical decision-making in rapidly changing educational landscapes.

Featured Speakers & Leadership Panel

Learn from Visionary Leaders Transforming Education

Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 brings together some of Texas's most innovative superintendents, legal experts, and instructional leaders for an afternoon panel that bridges policy, practice, and classroom reality. Meet the voices who will guide our conversation on AI, ethics, and leadership.

Panel Moderator

Olivia Odileke

Olivia Odileke

Founder & CEO, Kampus Insights | Conference Host

Olivia Odileke is the visionary behind Spark Curiosity EDU, Fearless Educator Radio and the author of Unleashing Curiosity. Blending her background in Industrial Engineering and Instructional Technology, Olivia has trained over 25,000 educators worldwide in curiosity-driven instruction. As CEO of Kampus Insights, she designs transformative professional learning experiences that help teachers ignite wonder, deepen engagement, and lead with fearless innovation. Olivia's mission: make curiosity-driven learning accessible to every classroom.

Afternoon Leadership Panel

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 3:15–4:30 PM

Dr. Darryl J. Henson

Interim Superintendent
Hitchcock ISD

Dr. Darryl J. Henson is a transformational leader who led Marlin ISD from state oversight to full accreditation, achieving a 30-point accountability increase and the highest student growth in Texas since 2015. Named 2024-2025 Region 12 Superintendent of the Year and a top-five finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Henson is a third-generation Galveston County native committed to equity, excellence, and community-driven leadership. He holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston.

Dr. Carnelius D. Gilder

Superintendent
West Sabine ISD

Dr. Carnelius D. Gilder is an access advocate and seventh-generation Texan leading one of East Texas's most thriving rural districts. Since 2020, he has championed innovative, student-centered leadership while serving on the Texas Association of Rural Schools Regional Board and TASA's Executive Committee. Honored as Sam Houston State's 2025 Distinguished Educator of the Year and named to Texas's Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs, Dr. Gilder is a proud West Sabine alum ('02) dedicated to creating pathways for all students. He holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from Sam Houston State University.

Marcia Narine Weldon, JD

Law Professor & AI Governance Strategist
University of Miami School of Law

Marcia Narine Weldon is a nationally recognized expert in AI governance, compliance, and ethical risk management. As Director of the Transactional Skills Program at the University of Miami School of Law and a former Fortune 500 Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, she bridges corporate governance and education. Marcia designs AI governance frameworks and responsible use policies for organizations navigating emerging technologies. Her insights have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, and she has testified before Congress on corporate compliance.

Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce

Chief Education Officer
Stephanie Boyce & Associates, LLC

Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is a nationally recognized expert in culturally responsive teaching and AI integration in K-12 education. As Chief Education Officer of Stephanie Boyce & Associates, LLC and Managing Director of Sector Partnerships at Dallas College, she bridges equity, innovation, and industry to transform learning for historically marginalized students. Dr. Boyce designs professional development frameworks that help educators leverage AI as a teaching assistant while maintaining human-centered, culturally relevant classrooms. Her work in racial justice and educational innovation has equipped thousands of educators nationwide with strategies that make learning Fun, Relevant, Engaging, Standards-Based, and Higher-Order (FRESH).

Join Us for the Afternoon Leadership Panel

Leading with AI and Curiosity: Perspectives from the Boardroom to the Classroom
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 3:15–4:30 PM

This interactive panel brings together two superintendents, a legal expert, and a classroom leader for honest dialogue about AI adoption, ethics, and transformation. We'll poll the audience live, address YOUR biggest concerns, and ensure every voice in the room is heard.

Register Now to Attend This Panel

Featured Signature Sessions

Hands-on workshops, breakthrough strategies, and tools you can use Monday morning

Spark Curiosity AI Coach (Signature Demo Workshop)

Led by: Olivia Odileke

Learn to use our proprietary AI Coach to design an interactive, inquiry-based PowerPoint or digital lesson in under 90 minutes. Walk out with a ready-to-teach resource and a replicable process for AI-enhanced lesson design. This signature workshop gives you immediate, practical tools to transform your classroom instruction with AI while maintaining the curiosity-driven approach that makes learning stick.

Beyond the Buzz: Leveraging A.I. for Culturally Relevant Differentiation

Led by: Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce

Stop fighting against AI and start making it work for you. Learn a practical 3-step strategy for leveraging AI to increase engagement with diverse learners—from station activities to weekly lessons and everything in between. Walk away with culturally responsive lesson plans and activities created in real time, designed around your students' interests and needs. This workshop bridges equity and innovation, showing you how to use AI as a teaching assistant while keeping instruction human-centered and relevant.

Creating Music with AI to Inspire Learning (Fearless Educator Radio Experience)

Led by: Olivia Odileke

Music fuels movement. Experience original songs from Fearless Educator Radio throughout the conference, then join our special session where you'll compose a class anthem using AI tools. Leave with a soundtrack for resilient, joyful teaching. This unique workshop combines creativity, technology, and emotional connection to help you energize your classroom in ways you never imagined.

Action Research for LeadSpark Team

Led by: Olivia Odileke

Discover how to lead inquiry cycles that use AI to support teacher reflection, collaboration, and measurable classroom change. Perfect for coaches and teacher-leaders ready to scale curiosity beyond their own classrooms. This workshop provides you with protocols, templates, and real-world examples of action research in practice, so you can facilitate meaningful professional learning that transforms teaching teams.

AI Governance for Educational Leaders (Ethics of AI in Decision-Making)

Led by: Marcia Narine Weldon, JD

A focused 60-minute workshop for school leaders. Walk through real-world scenarios involving data privacy, transparency, and responsible AI adoption—and leave with a framework your team can use immediately. This session bridges legal compliance and ethical leadership, helping you make confident decisions about AI tools, vendor contracts, and student data protection in an era of rapid technological change.

Plus 3 More Breakout Sessions

Our program features 8 concurrent breakout workshops across three tracks: Spark Classroom, LeadSpark Team, and AI + Ethics. We're finalizing our guest presenter lineup and will announce additional sessions soon.

Apply to Present a Session

Affiliate Partner Invitation

Build the Future of Education—Together

Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 is powered by partnership. We're seeking mission-aligned organizations to co-promote this event and bring 150+ educators to Austin.

As an affiliate partner, you'll:

  • Earn referral commissions for every attendee you bring
  • Amplify your impact by connecting your community to transformative, AI-forward professional learning
  • Co-create the program by nominating presenters, hosting breakout sessions, or sponsoring networking events

This is more than a conference. It's a movement. And we'd love for you to lead it with us.

Conference Sponsors

Powering Innovation in Education

Interested in Sponsoring?

Partner with us to reach 150+ visionary educators and demonstrate your commitment to innovation in education.

Schedule Snapshot

Two transformative days of learning, connection, and leadership development

Friday, July 31, 2026

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Kickoff Networking Event

Rooftop Bar, Cambria Hotel Austin

Mix, mingle, and spark connections under the Austin skyline.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 — Main Conference Day

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

8:00–9:30 AM

Morning Keynote: "From Curiosity to Leadership: Why Inquiry Is the New Instructional Equity"

9:30–10:00 AM

Hands-On Practice Session

10:00–11:00 AM

Breakout Session 1 (2 concurrent workshops)

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Breakout Session 2 (2 concurrent workshops)

12:00–1:00 PM

Lunch + Fearless Educator Radio Listening Session

1:00–2:00 PM

Breakout Session 3 (2 concurrent workshops)

2:00–3:00 PM

Breakout Session 4 (2 concurrent workshops)

3:15–4:30 PM

Afternoon Leadership Panel: "Leading with AI and Curiosity: Perspectives from the Boardroom to the Classroom"

4:30–6:00 PM

Applied Practice + Closing Reflection

Sunday, August 2, 2026

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Closing Breakfast

Hotel Restaurant, Cambria Hotel Austin

Reflect, connect, and commit to leading with curiosity.

Total Program: 1 Keynote + 8 Breakout Workshops + 1 Expert Panel Discussion = 10 Core Learning Experiences

Registration & Pricing

Secure your spot at the most transformative education conference of 2026

REGULAR
$375
April 1 - July 10, 2026
  • ✓ Full conference access
  • ✓ All meals included
  • ✓ Conference materials
  • ✓ Networking events
Register Now
LATE & AT DOOR
$475
After July 10, 2026
  • ✓ Full conference access
  • ✓ All meals included
  • ✓ Conference materials
  • ✓ Networking events
Register Now
SPEAKER DISCOUNT
$100
For Selected Presenters
  • ✓ All regular benefits
  • ✓ Speaker recognition
  • ✓ Platform to share expertise
  • ✓ Networking opportunities
Apply to Present

🏨 Accommodations

Cambria Hotel Austin

Room Block Rate: $139/night

Cambria Hotel Lobby
Cambria Hotel Building

Book your room early! Room block is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Testimonials / Legacy Impact

Hear from educators who attended Spark Curiosity EDU 2025

"The Spark Curiosity Conference didn't just give me strategies—it gave me back my why. I left Austin feeling like a brand-new teacher, ready to lead with curiosity and courage."

— Yolando J., Math Teacher

"This wasn't your typical PD. It was a movement. The energy, the tools, the people—I've never felt more connected to a community of educators who truly get it."

— James F., Chemistry Teacher

"The practical nature of Spark Curiosity's quick inquiry tasks means I can use them spontaneously to energize my class. It's remarkable how a simple 5-minute activity can transform the entire learning atmosphere."

— Alisha P., 7th Grade English Teacher

Since our inaugural event in 2025, Spark Curiosity EDU has empowered hundreds of educators to transform their classrooms into ecosystems of wonder, engagement, and fearless learning. In 2026, we're taking it further—from classroom to culture, from curiosity to leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers.

Will I receive professional development hours or CEU credits?

Yes! All attendees will receive a certificate of completion for 8 hours of professional development. This conference meets the requirements for continuing education credits in Texas and can be submitted for reimbursement in most districts. You'll receive your certificate via email within one week of the conference closing.

What's included in my registration?

Your registration includes:

  • Full access to all conference sessions (keynotes, workshops, leadership panel)
  • Friday evening kickoff networking event
  • Saturday breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
  • Sunday closing breakfast
  • All conference materials and resources
  • Access to Spark Curiosity AI Coach (90-day trial)
  • Conference swag bag

Not included: Hotel accommodations and transportation (but we've secured a special rate of $139/night at Cambria Hotel Austin)

Can my district purchase tickets for multiple educators?

Absolutely! We offer group discounts for district purchases:

  • 5-9 tickets: 10% discount per person
  • 10+ tickets: 15% discount per person

Contact us at [email protected] to arrange group registration and receive an invoice for your district.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Cancellation Policy:

  • Before May 31, 2026: Full refund minus $25 processing fee
  • After June 1, 2026: No refund, but you may transfer your registration to another educator

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected]

I'm new to AI in education. Is this conference right for me?

Yes! We designed this conference for educators at ALL levels of AI comfort—from "I'm curious but cautious" to "I'm already experimenting." Our sessions are clearly labeled by experience level, and the Spark Curiosity AI Coach workshop is specifically designed for beginners. You'll never feel lost or left behind.

Will sessions be recorded?

Keynote and Panel Discussion session will be recorded and made available to all attendees for 90 days post-conference. Breakout workshops will not be recorded to encourage authentic participation and discussion, but all workshop materials and resources will be provided digitally.

Can I attend virtually?

Spark Curiosity EDU 2026 is designed as an in-person, immersive experience to maximize networking, hands-on learning, and community building. We do not offer a virtual attendance option. However, keynote recordings will be available to registered attendees post-conference.

The Countdown to Curiosity Starts Now

Educators High Five

Early Bird Registration: $299
Room Block Rate: $139/night at Cambria Hotel Austin
Space is Limited to 150 Educators

July 31, 2026 is closer than you think. Don't wait to secure your spot at the most transformative education conference of the year. Join the movement. Lead with curiosity. Reimagine what's possible.

Register Now Before Prices Increase