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Are You That Teacher?! (The One Students Remember)
Published 10 days ago • 6 min read
I hope you had a chance to relax, refresh, and soak up some summer fun! As a new school year begins, students everywhere are discovering who their teachers will be. Some cheer with excitement, while others feel nervous or uncertain. That moment carries so much weight - it reminds us that we not only set the tone for a child’s whole school year, but sometimes their overall outlook on learning.
Our responsibility is to be the teacher every student is excited to have, the one who sparks a love of learning, builds trust, and keeps that energy alive all year long. It’s also important to remember: you may be the only positive thing a student encounters in their entire day. That is both a humbling responsibility and an incredible opportunity. When you choose to be that light - showing up with consistency, kindness, and high expectations - you give students a reason to believe in themselves and everything else becomes possible.
For leaders, the responsibility looks different but is just as vital. When you empower teachers to bring their full selves to the classroom, when you create the conditions for them to thrive, you’re multiplying that light across every hallway, every classroom, every student. Great leadership is about setting the tone, modeling joy and trust, and reminding educators that their impact is immeasurable. When teachers feel inspired, supported, and valued, they carry that same energy into their classrooms, and that’s how cultures of excellence and care are built.
Building on that foundation, I’m excited to share a few updates and initiatives for the year ahead:
Student-Facing AI: At our Superintendent’s Conference Days last week, we started with something incredible - students (as young as 8!) presenting to staff about how AI is shaping their learning. It was inspiring to see them leading the conversation. This marks Phase 3 of our AI journey: moving from teacher use and optional student exploration, to true student-facing AI. To help you start similar conversations in your school/classroom, check out:
Students for Innovation: Next week (Sept 8th @ 6pm EST), we’re hosting a special evening for educators and student leaders interested in starting their own Innovation Clubs. You’ll hear directly from students about what these clubs look like and how you can bring one to your school (see information below).
Digital Wellness: As technology becomes woven into every aspect of students’ lives, it’s more important than ever to help them (and ourselves) find balance, set healthy boundaries, and use tech in ways that foster creativity, connection, and well-being. That’s why we’re forming a formal committee around this work. I’ve already had the opportunity to publish and be featured in this space (linked below), and I’ll be sharing a deep dive soon. This is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m excited to continue building as a priority for our community.
Strengthening Communication: This year we’re rolling out ParentSquare, a tool that ensures families receive communication in their preferred language. Even more importantly, it helps us strengthen communication across all parts of a child’s school experience: from district-level announcements to school updates, classroom news, and even clubs and activities. This unified approach not only keeps families informed but also reinforces our PBIS initiative by building stronger, more inclusive connections throughout our community.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Spotlight 🔦
Check out my feature in The Journal News!
This week my dad opened the newspaper he’s read my entire life - and there I was on the front cover! Surreal & proud moment. Tech is everywhere, but helping schools, families & students build healthier, more balanced relationships with it is something I'm truly passionate about.
Check out my latest article in SAANYS Vanguard: Helping Students Thrive in a World That’s Always On. With cellphone bans gaining momentum, I explore why simply removing devices isn’t enough, and how schools can move beyond restriction to focus on digital wellness, student agency, and balance. You can read the full piece here.
Check out my latest article in NYSASCD's Impact: Instructional Innovation Without Initiative Fatigue. AI can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be “one more thing.” In this piece, I share how AI can actually help us do less, better, by embedding it into the awesome work we’re already doing to make learning and PD more intentional, inclusive, and sustainable. You can read the full article here.
Catch me if you can 🗓️
9/8: Students for Innovation: How to Launch your Own Chapter!
In my district, I’ve seen how powerful it is when students are trusted as leaders. Through our Innovation Club, they’ve taught peers and teachers new tools, designed creative solutions, and made a real impact in our school community. If you’d like to hear how you can bring this to your own school, join us for the Students for Innovation launch call on Monday, September 8 at 6:00 PM EST. Link to join: studentsforinnovation.org/launchcall
9/15-9/18: I’m so excited to be part of Book Creator’s AI Literacy Week 2025, a global event focused on advancing AI in K–12 education! Join me for these sessions:
9/15 @ 11:30 am EST – Empowering Education for the AI Era: I'll be sharing a roadmap for bringing AI into schools with intention and equity, followed by a live Students for Innovation panel.
9/17 @ 12:30 pm EST – AI Literacy in K–12 Education: A Panel Discussion: I'll be participating in a panel with Ken Shelton, Holly Clark, Matt Miller, Yaritza Villalba, and moderator David Hotler on equity, ethics, and practical strategies.
9/17 @ 7 pm EST – Author Talk: An informal conversation about AI’s role in schools + a chance to win a free copy of my book!
I’m so excited to share that my students have been accepted to present at the NYS School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Annual Conference! They’ll be showcasing the real change they’re leading. When we trust young people with a voice, they don’t just step up, they inspire us all to reimagine what education can be.
Earlier this year, I was honored to be named New York State Digital Leader of the Year, and now SAANYS has recognized me as a featured voice at their annual conference. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share and learn alongside such inspiring leaders.
I’m looking forward to connecting with educators from across New York to share ideas, spark conversations, and explore the future of learning together.
Catch up on recent episodes 🎙️
Exploring AI for Young Learners: An Authentic Conversation: What does it really look like to bring AI into an elementary classroom? Join me for an honest and authentic conversation with three inspiring educators: Nneka McGee, a national voice in AI and quantum computing; Marina Pisto, an award-winning classroom innovator; and Vicky Sedgwick, veteran tech integration specialist and elementary educator. We’re not just talking theory, we’re sharing real classroom experiences, challenges, and the practical ways AI is being introduced to our youngest learners. And to keep it truly grounded, we’re joined by some of those very students. These elementary kids are exploring AI firsthand, and their voices bring fresh insight into how this technology is being understood, experienced, and embraced in real time. This multigenerational conversation highlights the heart, the hurdles, and the hope of AI in early education - and why starting young might just be the key.
My book The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education is available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel! If you've already bought a copy, thank you! If you're interested in a bulk discount, reach out or reply to this email.
If you're interested in having me work with your teachers or administrative team, please reach out or reply to this email. Here are some of the topics I've been booked for recently:
Leading in the Age of AI: How school leaders can harness AI to streamline administrative tasks, strengthen instructional leadership, and evaluate classroom practice with confidence.
Teaching for Tomorrow: Rethinking instruction, learning, and assessment in a world transformed by AI.
Beyond the Ban: Rethinking Digital Wellness: Moving past cellphone bans to empower students, engage families, and help communities create healthier digital habits.
Empowering Student Voice: Building a Community of Leaders: Practical strategies for amplifying student leadership and giving learners authentic roles in shaping education.
Breaking Bias: Addressing (and teaching about) AI bias and discrimination.
Debugging Creativity and Imagination: The intersection of AI and creative writing.
...and much more!
Feel free to contact me to discuss how I can support you and your team!
I’m incredibly honored and humbled to share that I was recently named CoSN CTO of the Year, SAANYS NYS Digital Leader of the Year, and an ISTE/ASCD Featured Voice - it still feels surreal! These milestones are a reflection of the work we've done together. To everyone who has supported me along the way, thank you! Your encouragement has fueled my passion and drive to keep pushing for a better future in education. With that spirit, I'm excited to invite you to something very close to my heart:...
This Friday, March 28th, marks National AI Literacy Day - a day of learning and conversation around one big question: “What is AI?” Students, parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to join in, exploring how AI is transforming how we live, learn, and work. This year, I had the opportunity to serve on the advisory board, and I’ve been working behind the scenes to put together a few meaningful sessions and resources that are designed to help deepen your understanding of AI,...
Hi everyone, We’re just one day away from the NYSCATE Conference, and I couldn’t be more excited! This incredible event brings together educators, innovators, thought leaders, and even students—yes, I’m thrilled to share that I’m bringing along a student I mentor! If you’re attending, I’d love for you to join me at some of the amazing events I’m part of this year, from formal sessions to social gatherings. Check out the details below for all the information. Social Media TemplateIf you’re...
