Generation Next: Inside the 12th Annual Innovation Institute

Each spring, the Pine Crest Innovation Institute becomes an innovation hub for educators—a place where curiosity meets creativity and ideas turn into action. The energy is unmistakable: teachers testing prototypes with colleagues, school leaders sharing strategies in hallways and teams are sketching bold new possibilities for teaching and learning.

Now in its 12th year, the Innovation Institute continues to bring together educators across grade levels and disciplines, administrators, technologists, instructional coaches and teacher leaders who all share a passion for innovating the future of learning. This boutique conference is designed to fully integrate educators into the learning experience, offering hands-on opportunities to explore and apply new strategies in real time. The 2026 theme, “Generation Next: Teaching in the New Era of Education,” invites participants to consider how we prepare learners for a world shaped by innovation, connection and constant change.

This year’s keynote speaker, Matt Britton, author of “Generation AI,” explores the mindset of a generation growing up with artificial intelligence (AI)—challenging educators to nurture curiosity, adaptability and purpose in an AI-driven era. His message sets the tone for two days grounded in exploration and collaboration.

Throughout the Institute, hands-on workshops buzz with creativity and collaboration. Educators engage in project-based learning experiences that connect directly to core curriculum goals, explore design thinking processes and integrate innovative tools such as AI and virtual reality (VR). Sessions focus on designing authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in every classroom. Conversations flow easily around how to translate ideas into practice, design learning that lasts and lead change with intention.

Beyond the sessions, some of the most meaningful moments happen in the in-between spaces over coffee, during reflection or while testing a new tool together. These spontaneous exchanges often spark partnerships and insights that continue long after the event ends.

What sets the Innovation Institute apart is its spirit of collaborative innovation. Every participant is both a learner and a leader, contributing to a shared pursuit of meaningful innovation in education. By the final reflection, educators leave not only inspired but equipped with practical strategies to bring what’s next back to their own schools and classrooms.