Seizing the Moment: How SAS is Shaping the Future of Learning

Shanghai American School inspires not only students but also teachers to be lifelong learners. We believe effective teaching and curriculum must evolve alongside advancements in science, human development, and technology. To empower this continuous growth, SAS provides teachers substantial resources and funding annually, enabling them to attend global workshops, collaborate with instructional coaches, and learn from visiting experts.

This year, SAS’s Department of Educational Programs wanted to do something different. Recognizing the transformative impact of generative AI on education, a groundbreaking two-day educator conference titled Seizing the Moment: Inspiring Learners Today to Transform Tomorrow was held. The event gathered all SAS teachers, staff, and leaders to explore how emerging technologies reshape learning and teaching, prompting reflection on what it truly means to be human in an AI-driven world.

“Our vision for this conference has been over a year in the making," said Renée Couturier, Head of Educational Programs. "We wanted to create a unique professional learning experience where educators could explore cutting-edge technologies while reaffirming the fundamental principles that make teaching transformative. It's about empowering our teachers to confidently embrace change and inspire their students.”

The conference featured powerful keynote speakers and interactive workshops. Renowned educational thought leader Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas, delivered an inspiring presentation emphasizing personalized learning. He challenged educators with his provocative assertion, “nothing works for everyone,” highlighting the necessity of tailoring education to each student's unique strengths and needs.

Mathematician and Carnegie Mellon University Professor Po-Shen Loh captivated participants by highlighting kindness over intelligence. He introduced the compelling idea of being “Thought-Full”— the practice of being compassionate at the same time as developing critical thinking skills. He also shared how students can benefit from the deep learning that comes from cooperation and cross-disciplinary experiences. Teachers were inspired to use strategies that will help students to engage with topics on a deeper level and to explore innovative and personable teaching methods that combine cutting edge technology and tools with a human-centered approach.

John Nash, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky and school innovation expert, took advantage of modern digital communication to present a keynote address and participate in a discussion panel virtually. He discussed the importance of using data to support decisions about implementing AI tools and the implications for higher education.

Breakout sessions provided hands-on experiences with emerging AI tools. Teachers explored virtual reality, discovering new ways to enrich learning environments. Engaging discussions allowed educators to thoughtfully consider the implications of technology on teaching practices. Visiting Apple Distinguished Educator Cora Yang addressed critical topics like AI’s impact on academic integrity, while many SAS teachers and leaders led workshops sharing their own experience and expertise. Additionally, high school students shared insightful perspectives, offering firsthand accounts of how emerging technologies shape their educational experiences.