Grounds for Innovation Conference Invites School District Leaders and Educators to Percolate New Ideas for Teaching and Learning with Artificial Intelligence

MENIFEE – Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly prevalent component of K-12 classrooms, and its growing prominence requires guidance. The Riverside County Office of Education, in partnership with Menifee Union School District, is working to ensure AI supports student creativity, thought, and ethical usage.

More than 150 educators and school leaders are invited to elevate their understanding of emerging AI technologies at the Grounds for Innovation Conference: Brewing Ideas, Stirring Innovation on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The event will be held at Hans Christensen Academy (27625 Sherman Road, Menifee, CA).

The one-day conference theme, inspired by coffee culture, reflects the event’s goal to “percolate ideas”—creating space for meaningful dialogue, shared expertise, and the development of approaches that guide educators and leaders in using AI thoughtfully and purposefully in school settings. Event activities will explore what it means to teach and lead in the current technology landscape, using AI to strengthen instruction, increase engagement, and support deeper learning.

Headlining the event as keynote speaker is Dr. Heather Collins, a nationally recognized cognitive neuroscientist with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has been featured in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Collins will translate neuroscience research into actionable practices that support teaching, learning, and organizational effectiveness.

Breakout sessions will focus on classroom applications and leadership strategies that position AI as a partner in teaching, not a replacement. Educators will learn how to maintain focus on what matters most: relationships, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences, while exploring how AI can:

• Reduce cognitive load
• Personalize learning
• Amplify creativity

“Preparing students to succeed in college and the workplace requires a robust understanding of the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The Grounds for Innovation Conference is one of many outstanding opportunities offered by RCOE for educators to enhance their knowledge and elevate their service to students.” 

“In the Menifee Union School District, our vision statement is ‘Engaging Young Minds for Limitless Futures.’ Ensuring that our educators are well-prepared to integrate AI technologies into their teaching will guarantee that our students are truly ready for those limitless futures,” said Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root. “Partnering with RCOE for the Grounds for Innovation Conference allows us to learn fresh perspectives and explore how AI can meaningfully enhance the classroom experience."

For additional information on the conference and all of RCOE’s opportunities in the area of artificial intelligence, visit www.rcoe.us/ai or contact Dr. Jeff Oldfield at joldfield@rcoe.us.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us. 

About Menifee Union School District (MUSD)

With schools dating back to the 1880s, Menifee Union School District serves over 12,600 students across 17 physical campuses and 1 virtual campus. MUSD innovatively serves students from preschool through 8th grade. MUSD is led by its 12th Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Root, and is governed by a Board of Education composed of five publicly elected officials who serve their respective trustee areas.