November 10, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. - Energy, collaboration, and innovation filled the air as educators from across Indiana gathered at Vincennes University for the Innovative Teaching Summit on Friday, Nov. 7.

Hosted by the College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication, the ITS brings together K-12 and higher education faculty, staff, community educators, and VU Education majors to share ideas, explore new technologies, and discover creative strategies for improving teaching and learning. The annual summit also fosters strategy development, focusing on supporting underserved populations, STEM education, virtual and blended learning, and more.

One of the day’s highlights was keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Shore, a nationally recognized voice for autism education and inclusion. An associate professor at Adelphi University, Shore uses his own life experiences to advocate for neurodiverse individuals and guide educators in understanding how to support all learners. His work on the PBS KIDS animated series, “Carl the Collector,” ensures an authentic and accurate representation of neurodiversity in its characters and stories for young audiences.

Shore’s keynote resonated deeply with the audience gathered in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center. He shared practical, research-based strategies for creating classrooms that value different ways of thinking and learning.

“Dr. Shore’s message reminds educators of the power of understanding and empathy in creating learning environments where every student can thrive,” ITS Coordinator Jamie Singleton said.

The summit offered various sessions, including several focused on artificial intelligence, such as "The ABCs of AI Literacy" and "Human Input Required: How Teachers and AI Can Coexist in the Classroom." Other sessions focused on "Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Students" and "Senses and Sensibilities: An Inside View on Recognizing and Supporting Individuals with Sensory Issues." During the "Mindful Movement for the Modern Workplace" session, a yoga instructor taught attendees about interactive desk yoga sessions.

The individuals who attended the summit also had the opportunity to tour VU’s Center for Applied Robotics and Automation as well as the Design and Innovation Studio on the Vincennes Campus, two spaces where technology and innovation intersect.

Since its founding in 2017, the ITS has celebrated the legacy of the late VU President Dr. Phillip M. Summers as an inspiration to the educational community that innovation and collaboration are the cornerstones of transformative teaching.

For more information about the VU Education Department, visit https://www.vinu.edu/college-of-social-science-performing-arts-and-communication/education.html

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