IES & IB Co-organize: AI Conference on May 17 in Shanghai!
Our New Global Partnership
We are pleased to announce that the International Baccalaureate and International Education Services have entered into a new partnership that leverages the IB’s globally-respected educational framework with IES’s deep connections to high-quality international schools and educators.
Why This Partnership Matters
The IB has long been a leader in international education, empowering over two million students in more than 5,900 schools across 160 countries. With a mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people, the IB equips students with essential tools for success: critical thinking, global awareness, and a drive to learn.
Meanwhile, IES has rapidly become a trusted name in education recruitment and professional development. With connections to over 80,000 educators and partnerships with more than 200 schools, IES specializes in placing the right talent in the right schools. In addition, they strengthen schools and educators even further with tailored professional development.
Together, IB and IES are committed to:
Expanding access to IB programmes
Hosting impactful seminars and conferences
Connecting schools in China with world-class educators
Fostering a culture of lifelong learning in the region
“AI in Action: The Future of K–12 Education” invites educators to reimagine their classrooms with artificial intelligence as a central tool in shaping how we teach and learn. This event offers a platform for exploring the role of AI in curriculum design, personalized learning, and school leadership.
Conference Goals:
Showcase real-world AI applications in teaching and learning
Explore how AI is transforming administration and student support
Share best practices from educators on the frontlines
Build community among educators, school leaders, and tech experts
The event includes keynotes, panel discussions, concurrent sessions, and networking opportunities, all designed to help educators adapt and guide students in the digital age.
Featured Keynote Speaker :
Jessica Zhu brings nearly 20 years of experience in international education to her role as the IB’s Development and Recognition Manager for the Asia-Pacific region. Ms. Zhu has served as an academic principal and education group leader, playing a pivotal role in developing IB schools across China.
Her keynote will focus on how educational leaders can embrace AI while nurturing student curiosity, self-motivation, and collaboration. Jessica advocates for co-creative learning environments where AI has a role in supporting, rather than replacing, human connection and exploration.
Ms. Zhu is deeply passionate about helping students access high-quality education that prepares them for a rapidly changing world, and her insights will be a valued highlight of the conference.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Shannon H. Doak brings over 20 years of international school experience across Asia and the United States. He is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and mentor in the EdTech sphere, currently serving as Director of Technology at Nanjing International School. Dr. Doak uses his innovative, ethical, and human-centered approach to AI integration in education to lead initiatives in 1:1 device learning, data-driven decision-making, and whole-school digital strategy.
Dr. Doak is a creator of the “Poe” custom chatbots, which has gained global attention for its ability to support inquiry-based learning and personalized student support in international schools. His leadership has helped shape how AI tools are rolled out across teaching, learning, and school operations, ensuring that they enhance rather than automate the educator’s role.
At “AI in Action,” Dr. Doak will guide school leaders and teachers in understanding not just what AI can do, but how to implement it sustainably, equitably, and impactfully across the whole school ecosystem.
Speaker & Session Line-Up
Here’s a glimpse at the line-up of concurrent sessions and speakers shaping this year’s event:
Alex McMillan
Technology Coach
Shanghai American School
Session topic: AI + Creativity
Allen McInnis
Director of Learning & Assessment
Canadian International School of Beijing
Session topic: Beyond Translation: Using AI to Design Thoughtful, Standards-Based Learning for EAL Success
Amelia King
Director of EdTech & Innovation
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Session topic: Thinking with AI: Hands on tools to support metacognition in the AI era
Dr.Candice Zhang
TOK Teacher/Coordinator
Adcote School Shanghai
Session topic: GenAI as a Consciousness Disruptor: Navigating the Impact of AI-Assisted Feedback on Student Learning and Cognitive Independence
Christopher Hoddinott
Secondary School Principal
Canadian International School Kunshan
Session topic: The importance of Digital Citizenship in the AI world
Chris Hayden
Capstone Coordinator
Western Academy of Beijing
Session topic: Curriculum Design 2.0: New Ambitions for Learning
Damir Odobasic
Head of Digital Integration
Shanghai United International School(HongQiao Campus)
Session topic: The Teacher’s Role in a Changing Educational Landscape
Juliana Zhu
Language and Literature PLCL / Chinese teacher
American International School of Guangzhou
Session topic: Harmonizing AI and Academia: Empowering LanLit Research Methodology with Integrity
人工智能与学术的共荣：在语言文学的教学中，AI如何更有效地助力研究方法及学术诚信
Justine Tizzard
Robotics Coordinator & lBDP Design Technology/STEM & Innovation Teacher
Stamford American School Hong Kong
Session topic: Is Your Teaching AI-fficient?
Leda Cedo
Primary School Principal
Shekou International School
Session topic: Framing AI Policy for Schools
Nishant Sharma
Director of Technology and Innovations
Changchun American International School
Session topic: AI as an Inquiry Tool: Integrating AI into the IB Curriculum
Penny Ma
Dual Language Enrichment Teacher
International School of Beijing
Session topic: Harness AI for Teaching and Learning
Robynne Esther
Grade 6 PBL Facilitator & Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher
Dalton School of Hong Kong
Session topic: PBL & AI: Question Action!
Sandra Chow
Director of Learning
Nanjing International School
Session topic: AI: A thought partner for innovative learning
Simon McRoberts
Vice Principal
Adcote School Shanghai
Session topic: Leveraging AI to enhance (not replace) human leadership, by an AI skeptic
Slava Matvejevs
Computer Science/Design teacher&EduTech Coach
Dalian American International School
Session topic: Sharpening Your Digital Toolkit: Simplifying Education with TEAMS and Copilot
Steven Varty
Head of Biology
YK Pao School
Session topic: Reimagining Assessment in an AI world
Tania Mansfield & Tim Evans
Upper Elementary Assistant Principal/G4-5 PYP Coordinator
Learning Technology & Data Coordinator
American International School of Guangzhou
Session topic: Where is the 'I' in AI?
Tianliang Yang
Principal
Funan Qinqing High School
Session topic: 基于第一性原理推动教育变革
Tim Evans
Learning Technology & Data Coordinator
American International School of Guangzhou
Session topic: Break and Remake: Transformative Teaching
Come Join the Conversation
Join us as we share ways to not only keep up with the times, but to take a leading role in shaping the future of education.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Shanghai in two short weeks.
Please note that registration is free, but meal vouchers are required for lunch and refreshments. Please sign up soon to secure your spot.
Register for FREE now！
"The future of education isn't about replacing teachers with technology—it's about empowering teachers through technology to reach every learner more meaningfully."
— Dr. Shannon H. Doak
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Recruitment · Workshop
See You There!
The IES Workshop Team