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Workshop

Family & Community Connections

Translating Trust: Not a Tech Issue; a Human Connection Crisis

SESSION DATES & TIMES COMING IN AUGUST 2026
Audience Classification: Digital Learning
Audience Expertise: Cutting-Edge - Future-focused innovators exploring bold, experimental, and emerging ideas shaping digital learning.
Grade Level Focus: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
Primary Audience: District Leader, Teacher, Researcher / Higher Ed
Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.

    Presenter(s)

  • Jean Hess, EdD

    Educational AI Strategist
    brAInwave consulting, United States

Abstract Description : In districts where dozens of languages are spoken, family communication isn’t just about translation—it’s about trust. Non-English-speaking families consistently face layered challenges: language barriers, cultural disconnects, unclear policies, and limited access to resources. This 110-minute workshop reframes multilingual communication as the foundation of equity and belonging. Participants will explore how AI can help bridge—not replace—human connection by building systems grounded in empathy, access, and care. Through collaborative design and guided creation, attendees will build and customize an AI communication GPT tailored to their school or district. Along the way, they’ll identify strategies for developing culturally sustaining practices, strengthening relationships with multilingual families, and crafting communication policies that reflect transparency and inclusion. Participants leave with a 50-scenario use list and a framework for trust-centered, AI-assisted communication that turns every message into an act of belonging.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the end of this session, participants will be able to evaluate current school-family communication practices for barriers to equity, access, and authenticity.
  • At the end of this session, participants will be able to design an AI-augmented communication plan that improves multilingual engagement while preserving human tone, empathy, and trust.