Video
Meetup

Quarterly AI Meetup

Aligning Institutional Goals with Classroom Realities

As schools explore AI, many tech leaders notice a tension between institutional priorities and classroom realities. This informal meet-up will be a chance to share candid experiences and ideas, not a formal presentation. Kelly Enright of Vail Mountain School will guide the discussion, inviting participants to reflect on where objectives align, where they diverge, and how tech leaders can help bridge the gap.
This meet-up will open space for candid conversation about:

Where institutional and teacher objectives align (and where they don’t)
How tech leaders can bridge the gap when rolling out AI initiatives
Practical strategies to foster collaboration, shared understanding, and trust
Examples of successes and pitfalls from schools tackling AI adoption

Participants will leave with new insights and peer-tested approaches for balancing big-picture goals with classroom realities.

Transcript

Takeaways

  • Involve Student Voice

    Student experiences and expectations regarding AI can be a powerful driver for school policy, as seen with student committees influencing early AI adoption and curriculum development.

  • Bridge Teacher Concerns

    Effective strategies for addressing teacher concerns include opening up a safe space for discussion and flipping resistance into engagement by empowering hesitant teachers to pilot new tools or solutions.

  • Facilitate Hands-On PD

    Providing intentional, hands-on professional development with user-friendly tools allows faculty to dip their toes into AI adoption without the pressure of mastering complex prompting.

  • Rethink Assignments

    The rise of AI necessitates redesigning assignments to focus on critical thinking and defensible work, moving away from easily-generated papers and into deeper class discussions or project-based learning.

About the presenter

Kelly Enright

Director of Technology
Vail Mountain School

Director of Technology at a K-12 independent school, leading initiatives that balance innovation with safe, ethical use of technology. Experienced in developing AI policies, guiding student and teacher tech integration, and managing SIS/LMS platforms. Former teacher and student support team member with a passion for empowering students, educators, and families through critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance.