
Let’s address the robot in the room: Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction.
It’s here, it’s everywhere, and it’s shaking things up. As educators, we’re not just bystanders to this revolution—we’re center stage.
Recent reports from OpenAI and the World Economic Forum paint a vivid picture of how AI is transforming industries, including education. The good news? AI isn’t coming to replace us. The better news? It’s coming to make us indispensable (if we are strategic in using our power).
Here’s what educational leaders need to know—and how we can lead this AI revolution with confidence, creativity, and just the right dose of skepticism.
1. AI as a Tool for Educational Equity (Or, How to Give Every Kid a Genius in Their Pocket)
Picture this: A classroom where every student has their own personal tutor, one that never gets tired, frustrated, or has a mid-afternoon coffee crash. That’s the promise of AI-powered adaptive learning tools.
OpenAI’s Economic Blueprint highlights the potential for AI to bridge gaps in education, particularly in under-resourced communities. By personalizing learning experiences and automating administrative tasks, AI could finally free teachers to focus on what they do best—connecting with students.
In my work with schools, I’ve seen how even small steps—like introducing adaptive learning platforms or AI-powered grading tools—can make a big difference. The key is making these tools work with your team, not overwhelm them.
What can you do?
Start by identifying one pain point—grading overload, differentiated instruction, or administrative bottlenecks—and explore how AI can help. But don’t just introduce a tool and walk away; pair it with training to ensure teachers feel supported and empowered.
2. The Evolving Role of the Teacher (Spoiler: Human Connection > Algorithms)
Here’s the thing: AI can process data faster than we can blink, but it doesn’t know how to comfort a crying 7th grader or inspire a room full of kindergartners to care about the environment.
The World Economic Forum’s reports confirm what we’ve always known: Teachers are irreplaceable because they bring emotional intelligence, active listening, and real-world judgment to the table. AI might handle the paperwork, but only humans can build relationships.
In my consulting work, I help schools create professional development programs that highlight this balance. The focus? Let AI handle the grunt work so teachers can double down on what makes them irreplaceable: mentorship, creativity, and connection.
What can you do?
Encourage teachers to think of AI as their new assistant, not their replacement. Offer professional development sessions that help them integrate AI tools into their workflows while reinforcing the value of their uniquely human skills.
3. Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Workforce (Hint: Coding Isn’t the Only Skill They Need)
By 2030, nearly 8 in 10 employers plan to upskill their workers to collaborate with AI. That means schools need to be thinking now about what skills today’s students will need to thrive tomorrow.
It’s not just about coding (though that’s important); it’s also about critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and adaptability. OpenAI envisions a future where AI education is local and tailored to community needs—a goal that aligns perfectly with the mission of Jewish day schools.
I’ve partnered with schools to design curricula that introduce students to AI in a thoughtful, values-driven way. From exploring ethical dilemmas to hands-on AI tools, we make sure students leave prepared not just to navigate the future but to lead it.
What can you do?
Start small. Consider offering a workshop or elective that introduces students to AI basics—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Pair this with conversations about ethics and decision-making to round out their understanding.
4. Leading the AI Revolution in Education (Aka, Why Leadership Is Your Superpower)
The 2025 Future of Jobs Report makes one thing crystal clear: The most important role in the AI era is leadership. AI can process numbers, but it can’t process nuance. It can make predictions, but it can’t make values-driven decisions. That’s where you come in.
Your expertise—your deep understanding of your school, your community, and your values—is your greatest asset. AI might handle the repetitive stuff, but it still needs a human captain to steer the ship.
This is where I thrive in my work: helping leaders like you build policy and systems that integrate AI tools without losing sight of your school’s mission. Together, we can craft strategies that amplify your strengths and set your school apart as a leader in innovation.
What can you do?
Pick one area of your school’s operations to test AI—be it scheduling, communication, or data analysis. Lead by example, showing your team how AI can enhance, not disrupt, their work.
This Is Your Moment
AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to make your job more impactful. The question isn’t whether AI will change education; it’s whether we’ll rise to the occasion and lead the change.
Let’s embrace this moment to create schools that are innovative, equitable, and deeply human. Because at the end of the day, no algorithm can replace the power of a great leader who knows how to bring people together.
If you’re ready to explore how AI can transform your school, let’s connect. Whether it’s integrating AI into your professional development, curriculum, or operations, I’m here to help you lead with purpose and clarity.
What excites—or worries—you most about AI in education? Let’s start the conversation.
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