In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with education leader and author Al Kingsley to explore AI in education, AI in schools, and what it really means to be AI literate today.

While many conversations about artificial intelligence in the classroom focus on tools, prompting, or policies, this episode takes a different angle. Together, Cindy and Al unpack AI literacy as a thinking discipline. One grounded in judgment, critical thinking, and teacher expertise.

They dive into some of the biggest questions school leaders and educators are asking right now:

• What is AI literacy, really?
• How should schools approach AI in the classroom?
• Do teachers need to learn AI before students?
• What skills matter most in an AI-driven world?
• And can AI ever be unbiased?

One of the most powerful moments in this conversation centers on AI bias in education. As AI tools become more embedded in teaching and learning, Al challenges a common assumption: that avoiding AI is the safest path. Instead, he raises a critical question: If schools and communities don’t actively shape these systems, how can we expect them to reflect our students?

This episode is especially relevant for:

• School leaders and administrators navigating AI strategy
• Teachers exploring AI in the classroom
• Educators thinking about the future of learning and curriculum
• Anyone interested in AI literacy, bias, and equity in education

Topics covered include:
AI in education, AI in schools, AI literacy, artificial intelligence in the classroom, teacher AI use, AI bias, bias in AI systems, education technology, EdTech, digital strategy in schools, future of education, skills vs knowledge, critical thinking, and teacher readiness.

If you’re thinking about how to bring AI into your school in a way that is thoughtful, ethical, and impactful, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn is joined by Denise Pope, Jay McTighe, and Eric Hudson, the founding panelists of The 100.

The 100 is a new national initiative designed to recognize and connect 100 educators who are advancing some of the most meaningful, innovative, and sustainable work happening in independent schools today. More than an award, it is an effort to surface powerful ideas, celebrate the people behind them, and create a community where innovation can be shared, strengthened, and sustained.

Organized around the three focus areas of The 100, AI, curriculum innovation, and leadership, the conversation explores what it takes for new ideas to move beyond isolated initiatives and become meaningful, sustainable change within schools. Along the way, the panel discusses the future of AI in education, the evolution of curriculum and assessment, student well being, leadership, and the systems that help great ideas take root and endure.

Denise, Jay, and Eric also share their hopes for The 100, reflecting on the importance of elevating practitioner voices, creating stronger networks of innovators, and building a future where great work is more visible, connected, and impactful.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or educational changemaker, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how innovation is recognized, supported, and sustained across schools.

In this episode, Cindy Blackburn sits down with Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics at Gilman School, to explore how schools can actually use data to drive meaningful change.

They unpack what institutional research looks like in K–12 independent schools, how to move from vague questions to actionable insights, and why combining qualitative and quantitative data is essential for understanding school culture.

Rachel shares her process for analyzing school climate surveys, navigating sensitive topics, and turning complex data into findings that leaders can actually use. The conversation also dives into a real research project on women’s experiences in boys’ schools, offering a powerful example of how data can surface hidden patterns and inform leadership decisions.

They also explore the ethical challenges of working with sensitive data, how to build trust through transparency, and why sharing findings is often the hardest part of the process.

If you're a school leader, educator, or anyone interested in data-informed decision-making in education, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.