The AI Shift: Moving from Reaction to Readiness in Your Classroom
Schools are racing to respond to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, yet most responses fall into two camps: fear-driven restriction or reactive policy-making. Meanwhile, students are already using AI tools every day, often without guidance, transparency, or critical skill-building. This session invites educators to move beyond panic, policing, or avoidance and toward a more intentional, future-ready approach that privileges AI readiness in the classroom. This conversation will highlight why simply trying to block or outmaneuver AI is a losing strategy. Instead, we’ll explore how AI can open powerful opportunities for student inquiry, creativity, differentiation, and media literacy when educators lead with purpose, ethics, and critical thinking.
Educators will leave with:
• A clear understanding of why students need critical AI literacy now
• Practical, low-barrier strategies for integrating AI tools into instruction
• Approaches to support ethical, equitable, and transparent use
Audience: This session is designed for any educator who feels overwhelmed by AI’s speed, concerned about misuse, or unsure how to begin, and who wants to take the first confident step toward preparing students for a world where AI is already shaping how they learn, communicate, and participate.
Speakers:
Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO & Founder @ AI for Education
Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
Christian Pinedo, VP of External Affairs @ aiEDU
Christian serves as the VP of External Affairs & Advocacy at aiEDU, leading the organization’s partnerships, communications, and advocacy work. He works closely with school districts, NGOs, and policymakers to drive meaningful change, ensuring AI readiness is prioritized at local, state, and federal levels.
Nicolas Potkalistsky, AI Literacy Specialist @ Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
Nick Potkalitsky is an AI Literacy Specialist at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO), where he supports member districts with AI implementation strategies and policy development. With over 15 years of secondary teaching experience and a Ph.D. in narrative, rhetoric, and media studies from OSU, he specializes in helping K-16 educators integrate AI effectively into their classrooms through research-based best practices.
Moderated By:
Bill Selak, Director of Technology @ Hillbrook School & Board Member @ NAMLE
Bill Selak (he/him) is Director of Technology at Hillbrook School, an independent JK-12 Apple Distinguished School. He also teaches at Concordia University Irvine in the M.A. Educational Technology program, and is NAMLE Board Member (National Association of Media Literacy Education). Be sure to check out his podcast Bill Selak Talks.