Generative AI has created unique challenges for Academic Leaders in independent schools. On the one hand, you are thinking deeply about the impact of Generative AI on teaching and learning; and, on the other hand, you are wondering how to effectively use Generative AI to create space to do the work of supporting, coaching, and mentoring teachers, building and evolving a strong academic program, and ensuring your school is able to meet its mission.
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Throughout the past year, the Association for Academic Leaders has been a steadfast partner, helping our members navigate the complexities of not just understanding Generative AI now, but recognizing the implications for the future so you can be at your best.

Peer Learning Opportunities

One-Week Online Courses:

• AI for YOU, Academic Leader: Discover how Generative AI can help school leaders navigate their workday more efficiently and enhance thought leadership.​ 
  
• Building the GPT Your School Needs (No Programming): Learn to create custom GPTs or agents for academic leadership. This course covers effective prompts, use cases, and practical applications in school administration.
  
• Leading Your Department/Team in Understanding Generative AI: Learn to guide your team in exploring Generative AI and considering the implications for teaching and learning in alignment with school mission and values. 
  
• Assessing Your Assessments in the Age of AI:  Examine current assessment practices and consider strategies better aligning your school's assessment practices with your mission and values.

Live Programming:

• ​Monthly Meetups on AI in Policy and Practice: ​The group will alternate between discussions on policies and practical applications. Connect with peers and insightful practitioners to stay caught up in the evolving landscape of Generative AI.
• Live Programming:
• Academic Leader Cohorts: This popular member benefit, which is included with schools' membership, offers Academic Leaders the chance to gather for informal conversations on topics they have in common with peers in similar roles in schools across the country.

Association Research Assistant

When you ask the Association Research Assistant a question, you’ll get a brief answer with the big ideas to consider. Plus, you’ll get links to the top Association courses, articles, and videos for a deeper dive into the topic. Here are a few questions to get you started on this topic:

• How can Academic Leaders address the potential biases and inequities associated with AI in educational settings?
• What resources and tools can Academic Leaders provide to support faculty in integrating generative AI into their teaching? 
• What policies should I put in place to discourage cheating and Generative AI? 
• What policies might a school need to adjust or adapt in response to Generative AI?

Resources & Insights

Teacher Expertise Will Always Still Matter More than Generative AI
Sarah Hanawald, Senior Director, Association for Academic Leaders, "Something that never changed in my 20+ years of working with faculty towards the effective use of classroom technology was that the teacher always brought far more to the table in crafting the student learning experience than the technology ever did."

Let’s Figure Out How to Take the Temperature Down on Cheating and Generative AI
Brad Rathgeber, President & CEO of One Schoolhouse writes, “We need to lower the temperature on academic honesty and Generative AI, and uphold cultures of honesty in our schools.”

Generative AI's Impact on the Student Experience
The capacity of Generative AI is growing exponentially; the current availability of Generative AI is the least amount our students will have access to in their lifetimes. Academic Leaders are well-equipped to guide students as Generative AI use becomes ubiquitous. Our infographic has the key information and discussion questions to lead your community in crucial conversations about Generative AI. 

Online Discussion Board & Resources:

• Generative AI Knowledge Center: There’s more helpful insights from members and the Association in our member library.
• Generative AI & Academic Leadership Discussion Board

Association programming and resources provide new ways of thinking about Generative AI at your school. Everything is included in a school's membership and all Academic Leaders are able to participate.​

Learn from Academic Leaders in Roles Like Yours

Leading Your Department or Team in Exploring Generative AI
​ilana saxe, The John C. Wellemeyer '55 P'18 Teaching Chair for Science at The Lawrenceville School, shared how she led her department through a deep dive examination into generative AI and the work of the department, with a focus on how she honed her effective leadership strategies in the process. ilana shared her strategies for engaging with the diverse perspectives within her department.

​School-Wide Policy Development on the Use of Generative AI
Bob Weiman, Associate Head of School at St Stephen and St Agnes’s School, is leading his school towards an AI-empowered future, aligned with the school's mission, and integrated across the school's classrooms, departments, and offices. In a Meetup, he shared his process for developing school-wide policies around the use of Generative AI. 

Exploring the Potential of Generative AI in Education: Personal Insights and Experiences of a School Leader
​Andrea Shurley, Ed.D., Principal, Ursuline Academy of Dallas and Association for Academic Leaders Advisory Council Member, "Recently, I have been exploring the potential of Generative AI tools and the potential for it to have an impact on my work. I thought it might be interesting to share my personal experiences and insights as I delve into the world of generative AI, using only free and widely available tools, and its applications in my role as a school leader."

Want to learn about the programming and resources that can help you further explore and develop your understanding and use of Generative AI? Join our mailing list now by filling out the quick form below:

Become a Member

Not a member school yet? Join the Association today!

Get in Touch

Have any questions? Email our Senior Director, Sarah Hanawald, to learn more. ​