The Winston School San Antonio Presents
37th Annual Learning Symposium
THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON Friday, January 29, 2027
With Keynote Speaker
TURREY TRUST, Ph.D.
Professor of Learning Technology at
the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Presenting
AI as a Learning Ally: Coaching Kids with Differences and Smart Support.
As classrooms become increasingly diverse, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a transformative tool for personalized education. AI as a Learning Ally explores how neurodivergent students and those with learning differences can use AI as a "cognitive prosthetic" to bridge gaps in executive function, reading, and communication. This session will demonstrate practical strategies for using smart support to move beyond one-size-fits-all instruction, empowering students to build confidence and independence through customized AI coaching.
Participants will return to their schools, programs, and organizations with some fresh perspectives and "next-day" strategies and principles for beginning or elevating ways students learn and create, and how teachers consider and apply their "right-time" use of AI tools.
Torrey Trust, Ph.D., is a Professor of Learning Technology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research, teaching, and service center on the critical examination of the relationship between teaching, learning, and technology, with a specific focus on how technology can enhance both teacher and student outcomes.
Specifically, they study how educators engage with digitally enhanced professional learning networks (PLNs) and how emerging pedagogical tools (e.g., HyperDocs), practices (e.g., Making), and technologies—such as 3D printers, augmented reality, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT—influence the learning process. Additionally, their work explores the design and utility of Open Educational Resources (OERs), as well as strategies for finding, critically evaluating, and teaching with various digital tools and applications.
Registration will open on November 1, 2026.
The Symposium is an affordable, engaging opportunity for parents, teachers, and counselors to earn professional development hours while acquiring valuable education tools targeted for all students—not only those with learning differences.
37th Annual Learning Symposium
Friday, January 29, 2027
For more information, contact us at outreach@winston-sa.org
or call (210) 615-6544
After the keynote presentation, there will be 6 Breakout Sessions on different topics for you to choose 3 Breakout sessions to attend
Each year, the Winston School San Antonio and EMSAC (Winston's Education, Medical, Scientific Advisory Council) work diligently to plan Winston's Learning Symposium — an educational event that provides the community with access to cutting-edge research and tools to help educate students with learning differences.
The Symposium allows us to extend Winston’s reach by providing important information to parents, education professionals, and others from across the state. Each year, the event features nationally renowned professionals and breakout sessions hosted by a select group of local professionals.