Navigating AI: Strategies for statewide education transformation

Julia Fischer is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft with a background in instructional design, content development, and online learning. She has also served as a middle school educator and technology integration specialist in K-12 schools in addition to instructing in higher education.

Susan Lathrop is the Assistant Superintendent of Educator Growth and Development for the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Her work is focused on ensuring districts have access to high-quality professional learning opportunities to support teachers, principals, and other school leaders throughout the career continuum. Susan has over twenty years of education experience in classrooms, schools, districts, Educational Service Districts and with the state.

Patrick O'Steen leads the Teacher Skills team at Microsoft Philanthropies. In this role he oversees the TEALS (Technology Education and Learning Support) Program globally as well as partnerships with nonprofit organizations supporting computer science education and teacher skilling, especially related to AI and education. A former high school teacher and coach, he has dedicated his career to supporting inclusive education for all students, with a focus on groups that have been historically excluded.

Travis Rush currently serves as the EdTech Lead for the AESD. Throughout his career, he has held roles in Washington State, including teacher, librarian, technology education lead, and director of education technology. He holds a degree from Western Washington University and obtained his library information endorsement from the University of Washington Information School and his administrative certification from PLU. Travis has actively contributed to curriculum development and EdTech training at district and state levels. His current focus is on extending EdTech and learning opportunities to every student in Washington State by developing programs within the ESDs.