Critical AI: Protecting Brains and Boosting Productivity

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) for a thoughtful conversation about the real questions school leaders are asking about AI. We explored several frameworks from my book, AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways to Lighten Your Load and Focus on What Matters, with a focus on how leaders can use AI ethically to reduce overload while staying grounded in human-centered leadership.

What I appreciated most about the episode is that it doesn’t frame AI as a silver bullet. Instead, the conversation centers on clarity, discernment, and purpose—how leaders can decide when AI is helpful, where it can save time, and why ethical guardrails matter in schools.

The episode also features an excellent interview with Dr. Nancy Frey, whose insights add depth around instructional practice and learning. Together, the conversations offer practical ways to think about AI not as a replacement for professional judgment, but as a support for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more sustainable leadership.

If you listen, I’d genuinely love to hear what resonates with you—especially where you see opportunities (or concerns) for ethical AI use in your own context. And many thanks to Vicki for creating such a welcoming space for a meaningful and engaging conversation.

Transform Your School with Ethical AI: Insights from Experts