Hundreds of educators gathered for the district’s largest Tech Connect conference to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance learning, not replace teachers.

ROBSTOWN, Texas — More than 350 educators gathered at Robstown ISD’s largest Tech Connect conference yet to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms while keeping teachers at the center of learning. 

RELATED: Robstown ISD to host Tech Connect 2026, bringing AI and education experts together

Now in its fifth year, the conference featured more than 75 breakout sessions and 18 vendors, giving teachers and education professionals hands-on opportunities to explore AI tools, technology and new teaching strategies they can take back to their classrooms.



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Rachel Medrano, Robstown ISD’s assistant director of academic services and one of the organizers of the conference, said the goal is to help educators see how AI can elevate student learning.

“We’re helping send a message about AI, artificial intelligence, and how it can truly help elevate the learning that’s happening in the classroom,” Medrano said. “We get to be at the forefront of that.”

The conference focused on connecting educators with new ideas, classroom resources and one another. Medrano said seeing attendees leave sessions inspired by what they learned is one of the event’s biggest rewards.

“I had someone walk out of a session earlier today and say, ‘I learned something new today,'” she said. “That’s what drives me to continue elevating this conference.”

Keynote speaker and education technology advocate Carl Hooker encouraged educators to embrace innovation while remembering that relationships remain the foundation of teaching.

“Technology is great. It’s always going to change, but it’s always about the human,” Hooker said. Hooker urged educators not to fear artificial intelligence but instead learn how to use it responsibly in the classroom.

“The job market is changing. The workforce is changing,” he said. “How do we change as educators to adapt for that change with our students?”

While some worry AI could eventually replace teachers, Hooker said he doesn’t believe that’s the future of education.

“They’ve tried to have robots teach kids. It never ends well,” Hooker said. “A teacher equipped with the right AI tools can be a powerful teacher. AI won’t replace teachers, but a teacher who uses AI may replace one who doesn’t.”

Medrano said Tech Connect is designed to ensure educators leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms, helping prepare students for an evolving workforce while keeping meaningful human connections at the center of learning.