A behind-the-scenes look at what happens when over 100 global educators and Googlers come together to explore AI, connection, and the future of learning.
GUEST COLUMN | by Alex Mayszak
I recently had the fortune of attending the Google for Education Champions Symposium held at the Chicago Google office from July 23-25. This event is one of four offered in 2025 across the globe, with the others taking place in Singapore; São Paulo, Brazil; and Madrid, Spain. In order to attend, attendees must hold Google Champion credentials, complete an application, and be accepted.
To obtain Google Champion status, one must hold at least one of four designations noted by Google for Education:
Certified Coach: Supporting personalized exploration of Google tools through one-to-one coaching and relationship building.
Certified GEG Leader: Empowering a community to transform education, while unlocking opportunities for professional growth.
Certified Innovator: Advocating for others to transform teaching & learning through Google tools, and lead progress towards the future of education.
Certified Trainer: Training groups of educators to transform teaching & learning with Google tools in one-to-many settings.
The excitement was palpable heading into one of Google’s offices to join over 100 champions from the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, the Philippines, and United Kingdom. Twenty Googlers also participated from across the world. We began day one by meeting our groups and coaches that we would be collaborating with, followed by a wonderful lunch. We were lucky to have access to one of Google’s micro-kitchens, stocked with snacks and beverages throughout the event as well.
The Keynote That Reframed Everything
Then the real fun began with a keynote from Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact. She shared information about the pedagogical underpinnings of Google for Education products, including Gemini for Education.
One of my greatest takeaways from the week also came from her message. She shared data from Sheridan & Verplank (1978) regarding submarine operations and human-machine interaction.
An image from the study drove home the potential interactions we can have today with artificial intelligence. With an interplay between humans and AI, we have the ability to extend the capabilities of what people can do or relieve them by sharing the load (Sheridan & Verplank, 1978). If we choose to use this technology as a back-up or complete replacement, we do not alleviate our work and in some cases do not function as effectively (Sheridan & Verplank, 1978). Of course, a critical eye when using AI is always key.
Roles of computer and distribution between human and machine (Sheridan & Verplank, 1978).
Champion Voices: Where Tech Meets Humanity
This need for a human-in-the-loop became ever more apparent through the built relationships and shared stories from the week. Each day included a Champion Voices segment. During these sessions, a select group of attendees shared stories that have shaped their lives. In some cases they were educational experiences, in others it was a moment of realization or the overcoming of a dark challenge.
These moments of humanness balanced our other technological conversations and solidified the importance of our relationships and connections in a deeply digital world. It caused me to ponder: Will the use of AI allow us to be even more human?
Tools, Teams, and the Power of Collaboration
The rest of the week was packed with other valuable experiences. We participated in masterclasses on Google Vids, Class Tools, Gemini, and NotebookLM. We heard about product updates and provided user experience (UX) feedback to Google product teams. I have to say the things they are working on and have on the upcoming product roadmap are incredibly exciting.
We had breakout sessions with our certification teams to dig deeper into principles of coaching, training, innovating, and sustaining GEG groups. We participated in team-based challenges. For example, we set out to create a Google Vid that could be used as a training resource with other educators. My team’s video was the first one selected and shared with the entire group the next day. There was also a playground session, which allowed attendees to share different resources and strategies that have elicited success in their work. One evening, we even had the opportunity to head onto Lake Michigan for a dinner cruise and continued networking.
It was a whirlwind of three days and I left feeling invigorated, with an expanded professional network, and full of ideas. The group Google Chat has not slowed down since the event ended. Collaborating with such a passionate group of individuals pushed me to be the best version of myself and I look forward to my next symposium and hopefully acceptance to the Innovator program one day.
For more information on how to become a Google Champion, check out the Google for Education Communities Page. Google Innovator Academies will be held in 2026 with Champions Symposiums returning in 2027. Fingers crossed I will see you there.
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Google for Education. (n.d.). Communities. Retrieved from https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/for-educators/communities/
Sheridan, T. B., & Verplank, W. L. (1978). Human and computer control of undersea teleoperators (Contract No. N00014-77-C-0256). Man-Machine Systems Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Office of Naval Research.
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Alex Mayszak is an award-winning edtech leader dedicated to preparing students for a digital future. As the Director of Digital Learning & Innovation for East Moline School District #37, he spearheads initiatives in AI literacy, design thinking, and digital citizenship, while also empowering teachers through targeted professional learning. He believes that as technology rapidly advances, being human remains more important than ever. In recognition of his work, he has been named the 2025 IDEA Educator of the Year-Tech Leader and one of the QCBJ’s Forty Under 40. A former teacher and principal, Alex is a Google Certified Trainer and is pursuing his doctorate at the University of Illinois. He is also a certified pizzaiolo, bringing the same passion for building something great from the classroom to the kitchen. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn
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Original Article Published at Edtech Digest
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