PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE
2026 LEA NATIONAL ADMINISTRATORS CONFERENCE
Thoughtful AI for School Leaders
February 11, 2026
Location: Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport
4300 E. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ
Special One-Day Event Prior to Best Practices in Ministry Conference
Presenters:
David Black
Parker, CO
Dennis Grice
Las Vegas, NV
Jonathan Orr
Houston, TX
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support Lutheran school leadership through practical tools, pointed insights, and faith-based reflection.
This one-day conference will include hands-on workshops, giving you time to explore AI tools under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Learn how AI can enhance administrative tasks, teaching strategies, and student learning while networking with peers. Special attention will be given to school improvement, differentiation, and personal productivity.
Ongoing support for participants will be provided.
FAQs
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Early childhood administrators
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Elementary school administrators
- Technology Leaders and Educators
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Pastors of congregations with schools
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Aspiring administrators
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District and national leaders
Attending Thoughtful AI for School Leaders provides information on how AI can enhance administrative tasks, teaching strategies, and student learning, while also offering networking opportunities with peers.
Special attention will be given to school improvement, differentiation, and personal productivity.
Ongoing support for participants will be provided..
Your day will include the following:
AI Overview
> What is it and what can it do?
Faith & Ethics in the AI Era
> Christian perspective, stewardship, discussion
HANDS ON #1: Personal Use Cases
> AI for email, reports, presentations, graphics
HANDS ON #2: Admin & Teacher Support Tools
> Syllabi, communication drafts, data insights
Lunch (informal networking) Optional: AI image generation corner
Student Considerations
> Student use, safeguards
HANDS ON #3: Choice Breakouts with Coaches
> Track 1: Admin Tasks
> Track 2: Teacher Tools
> Track 3: Student Projects
What’s Coming Next?
> Future Trends
HANDS ON #4: Image Generation & Creative Tools
Creating a Growth Community
> Ongoing collaboration, discussion & resource sharing
Next Steps: Your AI Action Plan
> Reflection + action planning
David Black
David Black is a displaced Chicago Cubs fan who has now taught in Lutheran schools in Colorado for over 26 years of his 38 years as an educator. He currently serves at Lutheran High School in Parker, CO, where he is a teacher and the Director of Lights Academy, an innovative, accelerated, personalized learning program within the existing school. David also serves Lutheran schools at large through facilitating leadership and training sessions, writing, teaching online for Concordia University Nebraska, and saying “yes” to far too many things.
Dennis Grice
Dennis Grice is a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience in K-12 schools and technology education. He has taught internationally at Concordia International School in Shanghai and now serves as Assistant Director of Innovation at Faith Lutheran Middle & High School in Las Vegas. In this role, he equips teachers to integrate technology and research into their classrooms, promotes collaboration, and provides practical tools and strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Passionate about reframing technology as an opportunity rather than a burden, Dennis empowers educators to inspire meaningful change in their schools.
Jonathan Orr
Jonathan Orr serves as the Chief Academic and Innovation Officer for the Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH), supporting Lutheran South Academy and Westlake Lutheran Academy. Before joining LEAH, he served for 21 years at Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, where he held multiple leadership roles focused on curriculum, instruction, and school advancement. With a deep passion for Christ-centered education and thoughtful innovation, Jonathan works to strengthen academic excellence while keeping the Gospel at the heart of all learning. He is dedicated to equipping teachers and leaders to connect faith formation with academic rigor so that students are prepared to live out their God-given vocations with confidence, purpose, and service to Christ.
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 East Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 - immediately across from Phoenix International Airport (PHX)
$179.00 Room Rate (plus tax)
This rate includes:
- Complimentary wireless Internet
- Complimentary use of the fitness room
- Complimentary airport transportation
- Complimentary parking for all guests and commuting attendees
Reservations may be by telephone. Call 855-729-6011 and reference the LEA National Administrators Conference to get the conference rate.
Please be aware that the cut-off date for the special rate is January 20, 2026, after which time the hotel will release our room block to the public.