Let’s be real for a second: AI is everywhere right now. Every time you open your laptop, there’s a new tool, a new update, and a new buzzword. It can feel completely overwhelming.

• Which AI tool should I be using?
• Is using AI safe and ethical?
• Should my students be using AI? What if they cheat?
• Am I missing out by not using AI professionally?
• What if I don’t want to use AI for certain things?
• Will AI help or hurt education?

These are some of the things that I ponder on a regular basis. They aren’t easy questions to answer, but I’d like to work on them with you!

I am excited to announce the 2026 Gemini Academy for Teachers Summer Tour. Whether you want to join me in person for some hands-on learning (and lunch!) or hang out in your pajamas for a virtual session, this workshop is designed to help you tackle the tough questions and figure out how to effectively incorporate AI into your teaching practice.

What is the Gemini Academy for Teachers?

This isn’t a sit-and-get lecture where I just talk at you about the future of technology. The Gemini Academy is a fun, highly interactive, hands-on workshop. We are going to roll up our sleeves and actually build things you can use in your classroom the very next day.

This isn’t an AI hype session either. I’d like to help you thoughtfully consider where AI can help you and which areas of your classroom require your personal touch. AI has an appropriate role in the classroom, and you get to decide what that means for you.

The focus of the Gemini Academy for Teachers is Google Gemini and NotebookLM, two free AI resources that are part of Google Workspace for education. We’re not discussing dozens of tools, we’re going DEEP into these two widely useful AI products.

By the end of our time together, you’ll not only have a toolkit of AI resources, but you will also be fully prepared to take and pass the official Google Gemini Certified Educator exam! Earning this credential is the ultimate way to verify your expertise in the next frontier of educational technology.

Related Post: How to Pass the Gemini Certified Educator Exam (2026 Guide)

The Fun Stuff We’ll Cover

We are going to dive deep into Google’s latest tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM. Here is a sneak peek at what we’ll explore:

• Build Your Own “Gemini Gems”: Imagine having a custom AI assistant trained specifically to draft your parent newsletters, write IEP goal ideas, or grade essays based on your specific rubrics. We’re going to build them together!
• Deep Dive into NotebookLM: This tool is a game-changer. We’ll take your existing PDFs, Drive files, and resources and instantly transform them into study guides, interactive FAQs, and incredibly cool podcast-style “Audio Overviews” for your students.
• “Vibe Coding” for Teachers: Want to create functional, interactive learning games and web tools for your kids? I’ll show you how to do it using Gemini Canvas—without you needing to write a single line of code!
• Real Talk on Policy & Plagiarism: We will cut through the noise and talk about the truth regarding AI plagiarism detection, critical privacy policies, and how to create an actionable AI policy for your K-12 classroom.
• Multimedia Magic: We’ll move beyond text and learn how to generate custom, copyright-free images and music snippets to skyrocket student engagement.

2026 Summer Tour Dates & Locations

I’ve partnered with six school districts across the country who have agreed to host me for a day of in-person learning. The cost is $249 per person, which includes immersive instruction, exclusive prompt libraries, exam readiness prep, 6 hours of continuing education credit, lunch and snacks! You can register using a credit card or a school PO.

Gemini Academy for Teachers: In-Person Stops:

• June 3: Washington Court House, Ohio
• June 10: St. Petersburg, Florida
• June 11: Lafayette, Louisiana
• June 17: Clarkston, Michigan
• June 24: Dallas, Texas
• July 15: Faucett, Missouri

2026 Virtual Academy

Unfortunately, I can’t visit every city and state, but I do have a virtual academy for you! The Google Certification Academy + Gemini is a LIVE virtual workshop with me that goes DEEP into the latest AI integrations for Google Workspace.

Each virtual session features practical ideas you can use in your classroom immediately. You’ll get organized, feel more confident using Google tools, and create some fun activities for your students!

At the end of our time together you will be ready to pass the L1, L2, AND Gemini educator exams! That’s three certifications in one course! 🤯

Don’t Just Take My Word For It…

I’ve had the privilege of helping over 4,000 teachers earn their Google Certifications, and the feedback on the AI tools has been amazing:

“Excellent course! Learning about the value of NotebookLM and the many tips for using Gems and Gemini have been extremely helpful!” – Karen Durham, Middle School Teacher

“This was the best targeted technology seminar I have ever attended. I wasn’t planning on getting my Google Certification when I walked in the door, but now I can’t imagine not having it.” – Erin Dennis, Technology Teacher

As AI transforms the classroom, certified educators are leading the way as innovators and instructional leaders. I would love to help you become one of them this summer.

Grab your spot, tell a teacher friend, and I will see you this summer!