Think. Create. Augment: A Framework for Using AI

I do a lot of work with artificial intelligence in education.

From leading workshops on rethinking assessment and crafting policy to helping schools redefine the role of teachers and what they teach, my focus is on embracing AI as a tool to enhance HI—human intelligence.

But here’s what I don’t do:

• I don’t recommend “the five apps you need to use.”

• I don’t share prompt libraries.

• I don’t claim there’s one-size-fits-all advice for AI.

Why not?

Because using AI is deeply personal. The most effective way to leverage it is to identify your specific pain points and explore how AI can address them. And while I strongly advocate for incorporating AI into various tasks, I also believe in using a thoughtful framework—one that keeps you, the human, in the driver’s seat.

Leading a Jewish day school is an intricate dance of tradition, innovation, and the occasional unscheduled fire drill. With artificial intelligence weaving its way into every corner of our lives, leaders often wonder how to embrace this powerful tool without losing their unique voice—or their sanity.

The secret? Don’t start with AI. Start with YOU.

Here’s how:

Step 1: THINK

Begin with your remarkable, messy, human brain.

Before you dive into ChatGPT or your favorite AI platform, hit pause. 

What are you trying to achieve as a leader? Are you brainstorming next year’s PD focus? Writing a persuasive board report? Crafting an enrollment campaign that doesn’t make people roll their eyes?

This isn’t about neat bullet points or perfectly formatted slides. It’s about unfiltered creativity. Jot down thoughts on a napkin during lunch duty. Record voice memos while pacing your office. Give your brain permission to wander.

Because here’s the truth: the best solutions for your school aren’t going to come from AI—they’re going to come from your deep understanding of your community, your students, and your mission.

Step 2: CREATE

Let it all out.

Write the bad ideas alongside the brilliant ones. Sketch out that “crazy” plan for a student-led Shabbat program. Don’t judge yourself; there’s time for editing later.

When you start with YOUR ideas, AI becomes your assistant. You’re the conductor; AI’s just playing second violin. If you flip it—letting AI do the heavy lifting—you risk losing the authenticity that makes your leadership, and your school, special.

So whether it’s a rough draft of a new curriculum plan or the seed of an idea for a donor event, get your thoughts out there. It’s not about perfection; it’s about capturing your vision.

Step 3: AUGMENT

Now, bring in AI—but do it intentionally.

AI isn’t a magic wand. It’s a scalpel. Use it for precision, not miracles. Look at your draft and ask:

• Could this be clearer?

• Does this sound like me?

• What would this look like from a parent’s perspective?

• How can I make this more inspiring?

AI can help with punchier language, examples, or even generating alternative approaches. But remember: you’re in charge. If your vision gets blurry, hit undo.

Why This Framework Works

Jewish day school leaders juggle countless responsibilities. It’s tempting to offload tasks entirely to technology. But when you start with your ideas, you create something real, rooted in your school’s values and goals. AI becomes an enhancer, not a replacement.

So next time you sit down to tackle a daunting task, think first, create second, and augment last. You’ll find that this approach not only saves time but also preserves what makes your leadership—and your school—distinct.

After all, our schools thrive when we lead with our humanity first.

And AI? It’s just there to help polish the shine.