4. AI Leadership and Strategy with Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer

Moving from exploring AI tools to leading AI strategy in education is one of the most important—and challenging—transitions for today’s school and district leaders. While many are excited about the possibilities of AI, few know how to transform that curiosity into a clear, actionable AI vision for their schools. In this episode, Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer shares practical insights into how leaders can shift from fragmented pilots to purposeful, values-driven AI implementation.

Julia dives into the major arc of AI adoption in K–12 education and what it takes to lead with purpose, ethics, and coherence. She explains why community engagement, strategic abandonment, and transparent communication are essential for successful AI leadership. Throughout the conversation, we explore the progression from AI literacy to AI leadership and long-term AI strategy, the power of authentic community engagement, and the vital role of leaders’ values in guiding future decisions.

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