Thank you NCCE!
It was a pleasure getting to spend time with you all at NCCE! I hope you found the information I shared to be useful and thought provoking. Know I’m here to support you and your district on your journey into the future.
Human Still Required
Human Still Required is a practical, no-nonsense guide for leaders navigating the age of Artificial Intelligence in schools. Written specifically for educators and system leaders, the book cuts through the hype and focuses on what actually matters: judgment, relationships, ethics, and leadership.
For WALA participants, this book serves as both a compass and a playbook. It challenges leaders to think deeply about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and decision-making—while reinforcing a powerful truth: technology may evolve, but strong leadership, clear vision, and human connection remain non-negotiable.
If you are responsible for shaping the future of your district, your staff, or your students, this book will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose in a world where the tools are changing fast—but the mission has not.
PrivatEdu.ai is a fully private, locally hosted AI server built specifically for school districts that want the power of artificial intelligence without giving up control of student and staff data. Installed inside your own IT environment, it keeps everything behind your firewall—no data harvesting, no third-party cloud dependence, no subscription creep. Your district owns the hardware, the models, and the governance. Build custom AI tools aligned to your curriculum, support teachers with secure AI assistants, and scale on your terms. This is AI done the right way for K–12: compliant, controlled, and built for the long haul.
Keynote and Conferences
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Together we will explore the critical intersection of generational leadership and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of education. As we stand at the cusp of a technological revolution, school leaders must navigate the diverse perspectives and strengths of multiple generations while harnessing the transformative power of AI. This presentation dives into strategies for bridging generational gaps, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture of innovation within our educational institutions. We’ll examine how to leverage the wisdom of experienced educators alongside the tech-savvy insights of younger generations, all while preparing our students for an AI-driven world. By embracing this multi-generational approach and adapting to the rapid pace of technological change, we can create a robust, forward-thinking educational system that empowers all learners and educators alike.
Audience: School Boards, School Leaders, Educators
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Technology has had a significant influence on the current generation of students in our schools. Understanding their culture and how technology has influenced them is something that every educator needs to know and understand. Why are they hanging out in their phones? How do they talk today? What are the impacts the technology is having on the way this generation learns and expects to be taught? It is a new digitally connected world and “I’m not good at technology” is no longer an excuse educators can afford to hide behind. We need to meet them where they are at…and increasingly that place is in devices.
Audience: School Leaders, Educators
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It’s not just our schools that are changing, it’s society as a whole. A new learning landscape is emerging. A landscape of global education. What does this mean for our schools, our students, and communities? This presentation looks towards the future and what awaits today’s students.
Audience: School Boards, School Leaders, Educators
Trainings and PD Days
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Leveraging AI as a School Leader (The basics)
This hands-on session aims to get you started understanding the world of Generative AI. If you are new to AI (ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc) then this is the session for you! Will break down and explain what Generative AI is, how you can leverage it as a school leader and how it is saving school leaders and educators 3+ hours a week in their jobs. (Computer and AI account needed)AI for Student Learning
In this interactive session, uncover the transformative potential of AI in student learning. We’ll share practical strategies to help students harness this powerful technology, empowering them in their academic journeys. Learn why it’s vital to equip students with these skills for their learning and their future. (Computer and AI account required)Beyond the Basics: Taking AI to the Next Level
This hands-on session is for school leaders who are already paying for a ChatGPT Pro or ChatGPT Teams account and are ready to take their AI skills to the next level (or maybe you’re wondering why pay for ChatGPT?). We will focus on creating custom GPTs, uploading and analyzing large data sets and using the advanced features of ChatGPT-Pro/Teams accounts to be even more productive and explore the future of Generative AI in leadership and district wide initiatives. (Computer and ChatGPT Pro/Teams account)Preparing to Implement AI Next School Year
Join this interactive session to explore a framework for AI in education, focusing on the 2024-25 school year. We’ll unpack guidelines, provide conversation starters, and share staff activities to foster the thoughtful integration of AI in schools and classrooms. Let’s build a comprehensive system to set the stage for the successful implementation of AI, starting now. (Computer and AI account required)Audience: School Boards, School Leaders, Educators
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Leveraging Generative AI in the Classroom
Take a deep dive with us as we spend three months learning and implementing Generative AI in our classrooms.Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT
(3 hours)
As the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education continues to grow, it is crucial for educators to be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively use AI tools such as ChatGPT. This training will focus on exploring the various applications of ChatGPT in the classroom.Equity and AI
Equity and AI is an interactive 90-minute virtual training session aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). This condensed, yet comprehensive, webinar-style program explores the intersection of societal dynamics and AI, stressing the importance of equitable outcomes for diverse demographic groups. Participants will delve into potential biases that can permeate AI systems, from data gathering stages to algorithmic decision-making, and will be equipped with strategies to spot, mitigate, and prevent these biases. This digital classroom experience seamlessly weaves technical proficiency with social responsibility, empowering attendees to ethically harness AI technology, fostering a digitally inclusive future for all.Creating Skill-Based Assessments in the Era of ChatGPT
A specialized training program tailored for 6-12 educators, designed to empower them with the knowledge and skills to leverage the capabilities of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in crafting skill-based assessments. The training provides educators with a solid understanding of how AI can enhance the assessment process, focusing on the creation of engaging, adaptive, and effective evaluations that accurately measure a student’s skill level. Teachers will learn how to integrate ChatGPT into their curriculum to facilitate personalized learning, offering instant feedback and promoting student engagement. The program emphasizes a balanced approach, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human element of teaching, thereby creating a more dynamic and enriched educational experience. -
The Intersection of SEL and Technology in our Students Lives
If we are talking about SEL and focusing on SEL in schools then we must also focus on the impact technology is having on our students. This session will dive deep into why and how we engage our students in SEL and Tech related discussions in our classroom.The Changing Nature of Communication
Being a leader in the 21st Century means going beyond e-mail and newsletters into the new digital world of communicating with parents and students. Understanding that society today wants information in short and more frequent bursts is the first step in utilizing tools that allow you to communicate using the new web. This presentation demonstrates and discusses the different ways schools and school leaders can harness the power of the Internet to communicate with their school communities.Moving from Consumers to Producers of Knowledge
Content is free, production of knowledge is at an all-time high. How do schools take advantage of the productive power of the web? How can schools engage students in meaningful projects that focus on creativity and apply the content students are learning? This session will be a discussion on how to move schools, classrooms, and students from consumers to producers of knowledge.Digital Citizenship: Moving from Private to Public
Technology is part of our everyday lives and it is for our students as well. It is time we stop treating digital citizenship as 30-minute lessons and instead help prepare students for the workspaces of the future. Come be part of a conversation of how we help students move from private to public in safe and meaningful ways that prepare them for their future.
Virtual Sessions
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Leveraging AI as a School Leader
(90 minutes)
This hands-on session aims to get you started understanding the world of Generative AI. If you are new to AI (ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc) then this is the session for you! Will break down and explain what Generative AI is, how you can leverage it as a school leader and how it is saving school leaders and educators 3+ hours a week in their jobs. (Computer and AI account needed)AI for Student Learning
(90 minutes)
In this interactive session, uncover the transformative potential of AI in student learning. We’ll share practical strategies to help students harness this powerful technology, empowering them in their academic journeys. Learn why it’s vital to equip students with these skills for their learning and their future. (Computer and AI account required)Beyond the Basics: Taking AI to the Next Level
(90 minutes)
This hands-on session is for school leaders who are already paying for a ChatGPT Pro or ChatGPT Teams account and are ready to take their AI skills to the next level (or maybe you’re wondering why pay for ChatGPT?). We will focus on creating custom GPTs, uploading and analyzing large data sets and using the advanced features of ChatGPT-Pro/Teams accounts to be even more productive and explore the future of Generative AI in leadership and district wide initiatives. (Computer and ChatGPT Pro/Teams account)Preparing to Implement AI Next School Year
(90 minutes)
Join this interactive session to explore a framework for AI in education, focusing on the 2024-25 school year. We’ll unpack guidelines, provide conversation starters, and share staff activities to foster the thoughtful integration of AI in schools and classrooms. Let’s build a comprehensive system to set the stage for the successful implementation of AI, starting now. (Computer and AI account required)Audience: School Boards, School Leaders, Educators
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5 90-minute Generative AI Sessions (Virtual)
Take a deep dive with us as we spend three months learning and implementing Generative AI in our classrooms. Schools and districts can sign up with a minimum 10 participants. To learn more click here.Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT
(3 hours)
As the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education continues to grow, it is crucial for educators to be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively use AI tools such as ChatGPT. This training will focus on exploring the various applications of ChatGPT in the classroom.Equity and AI
(90 minutes)
Equity and AI is an interactive 90-minute virtual training session aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). This condensed, yet comprehensive, webinar-style program explores the intersection of societal dynamics and AI, stressing the importance of equitable outcomes for diverse demographic groups. Participants will delve into potential biases that can permeate AI systems, from data gathering stages to algorithmic decision-making, and will be equipped with strategies to spot, mitigate, and prevent these biases. This digital classroom experience seamlessly weaves technical proficiency with social responsibility, empowering attendees to ethically harness AI technology, fostering a digitally inclusive future for all.Creating Skill-Based Assessments in the Era of ChatGPT
(90 minutes)
A specialized training program tailored for 6-12 educators, designed to empower them with the knowledge and skills to leverage the capabilities of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in crafting skill-based assessments. The training provides educators with a solid understanding of how AI can enhance the assessment process, focusing on the creation of engaging, adaptive, and effective evaluations that accurately measure a student’s skill level. Teachers will learn how to integrate ChatGPT into their curriculum to facilitate personalized learning, offering instant feedback and promoting student engagement. The program emphasizes a balanced approach, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human element of teaching, thereby creating a more dynamic and enriched educational experience. -
The Intersection of SEL and Technology in our Students Lives
(90 minutes)
If we are talking about SEL and focusing on SEL in schools then we must also focus on the impact technology is having on our students. This session will dive deep into why and how we engage our students in SEL and Tech related discussions in our classroom.The Changing Nature of Communication
(90 minutes)
Being a leader in the 21st Century means going beyond e-mail and newsletters into the new digital world of communicating with parents and students. Understanding that society today wants information in short and more frequent bursts is the first step in utilizing tools that allow you to communicate using the new web. This presentation demonstrates and discusses the different ways schools and school leaders can harness the power of the Internet to communicate with their school communities.Moving from Consumers to Producers of Knowledge
(90 minutes)
Content is free, production of knowledge is at an all-time high. How do schools take advantage of the productive power of the web? How can schools engage students in meaningful projects that focus on creativity and apply the content students are learning? This session will be a discussion on how to move schools, classrooms, and students from consumers to producers of knowledge.Digital Citizenship: Moving from Private to Public
(90 minutes)
Technology is part of our everyday lives and it is for our students as well. It is time we stop treating digital citizenship as 30-minute lessons and instead help prepare students for the workspaces of the future. Come be part of a conversation of how we help students move from private to public in safe and meaningful ways that prepare them for their future.
Current and Past Partners
Lake Stevens SD, WA
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Marysville SD, WA
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Washington Association of School Administrators
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Pasco SD, WA
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Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration
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Alaska Council of School Administration
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Piper SD, KS
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Iditarod SD, AK
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Lee Summit SD
Lake Stevens SD, WA • Marysville SD, WA • Washington Association of School Administrators • Pasco SD, WA • Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration • Alaska Council of School Administration • Piper SD, KS • Iditarod SD, AK • Lee Summit SD
Join the Shifting Schools Community
Every Monday join Tricia Friedman and I as we bring you voices from around the education landscape. From authors of the latest educational books, to researchers and teachers in the classroom we cover it all on Shifting Schools.
Videos and Presentations
To see an example of presentations I have given through the year from UN conferences in Dubai to parent nights in a rural school district. From in-person to virtual you can find a host of video examples of me in action.
