The Leading and Learning with AI Podcast

Welcome to the Leading and Learning with AI Podcast! This is the podcast where top K-12 education leaders and experts explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and school leadership—one real story at a time. Hosted by Aaron Feuer, CEO and Co-Founder of Panorama Education, each episode offers a roadmap for implementing AI in your school or district, along with tools, lessons learned, and practical strategies you can bring to your team. You’ll hear directly from leaders applying AI to solve big challenges like chronic absenteeism, literacy gaps, and teacher burnout in ways that are safe and secure, personalized, and anchored in driving student outcomes. Wherever you are in your school or district’s AI journey, this show is your guide to impactful AI in K-12.

For many district and school leaders, the first step in implementing AI in their buildings is often the hardest. There’s so much curiosity about how it can be used to improve student experience and learning but how do we turn that curiosity into momentum in our schools and districts? Our guest today, Dr. Marcey Sorensen, is sharing how her district began the journey of implementing the use of AI throughout her district in an effective and intentional way.In this episode, Dr. Marcey Sorensen, superintendent of La Joya ISD in Texas, is giving us an inside look at how she began utilizing AI throughout her district. She shares why identifying the pain points that AI can help solve within the district is a great starting point, how she got her staff to buy-in to utilizing AI at the beginning, and why she ensures that the AI tools that are used are in alignment with the needs and concerns within her district and classrooms. Dr. Sorensen is a wonderful example of how great leadership can help tackle real challenges in education by finding ways AI can support educators and improve the education for so many students. 🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

What does it really mean to make AI literacy engaging and practical for every teacher and student? As schools look for ways to integrate new technology, it’s easy to turn AI education into another add-on in the classroom, but when it’s truly embedded into each subject area, the impact is transformative. Today’s guest, Marty Creel from Code.org, shares how the right approach to AI can turn something “boring” into exciting, hands-on learning that helps students build essential knowledge and understanding.In this episode, Marty Creel joins us to share his insight into what AI literacy should look like in today’s classrooms and why embedding it within content areas matters. He discusses the value of subject-specific AI, ways to make learning more engaging for students, the importance of accessible tools for all learners, and practical steps for system leaders to support responsible and effective AI adoption. He shares real feedback from teachers utilizing the Hour of AI activities, classroom stories like using Minecraft to teach the importance of training AI, and advice for school and district leaders who want to encourage thoughtful integration without overwhelming staff. 🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

How can school districts embrace AI in education while keeping students and teachers at the center? In this episode, Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez of Belén Consolidated Schools (NM) shares how his district is building an AI-positive culture that improves teacher efficiency, strengthens student support systems, and helps staff use data more effectively.Lawrence shares insight into how Panorama Education’s AI-powered tools are helping educators reclaim valuable time, streamline student data, and collaborate more efficiently across classrooms and campuses. He explains how his team uses AI ethically and responsibly, supporting student surveys, streamlining paperwork, implementing targeted attendance interventions. Lawerence emphasizes the importance of building systems focused on student outcomes, transparency, and community engagement.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/ 

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.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

Driving real impact with AI in schools starts with student outcomes and a clear, sustainable vision, not chasing the newest tools. In this episode, Dr. Casey Bardin, Director of Pupil Services at North Colonie Central Schools, shares how district leaders can implement AI in K–12 education in ways that meaningfully support teaching, learning, and student success.Casey shares how his district moved from early curiosity about AI to a responsible, goal-aligned strategy rooted in academic excellence and instructional priorities. He explains how North Colonie began by using surveys to better understand student experiences and evolved into leveraging Panorama Education’s AI tools to strengthen MTSS processes, improve instructional consistency, and measure progress with real-time data. The conversation highlights how thoughtful AI integration can boost instructional rigor, increase engagement, and create more consistent, student-centered experiences across schools.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

AI is transforming classrooms at every level, but what does meaningful learning look like when technology can easily generate student work? In this episode, guest host Brittany Blackwell sits down with high school Spanish teacher and “AI for Educators” author Matt Miller to explore the evolving role of teachers in an AI-driven classroom. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities educators face, from redefining student engagement and meaningful assignments to ensuring critical thinking remains central in an ever-changing learning environment. Matt shares how AI is impacting day-to-day classroom practice, why focusing on the learning process over the final product matters more than ever, and how assignments must evolve to keep students actively involved in their learning. This conversation also explores practical strategies for keeping the “human in the loop,” scaffolding rigor without leaving students behind, and using AI to support—not replace—essential teaching skills.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

Leaders in education are feeling the pressure and the possibilities as AI continues to move into classrooms, campuses, and central offices. In this episode, Brittany Blackwell welcomes education strategist and author Dan Fitzpatrick to explore how artificial intelligence is exposing long-ignored challenges in school systems—sparking uncertainty while also creating opportunities for courageous leadership and decision-making. Together, they dig into why districts are experiencing decision-making paralysis around AI adoption, how teachers and school leaders at every level can influence positive change, and the mindset shifts educational leadership needs to navigate an AI-driven future.Dan breaks down actionable frameworks for AI leadership and shares practical guidance for superintendents, principals, and classroom educators. Listeners will learn how to build an AI strategy before writing policy, foster a culture that balances innovation with trust, and empower leadership even when resources are limited. Dan also offers insights on sustainable change, authentic assessment in the age of AI, and the adaptability required to shape the future of education in an AI-powered world.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

School districts across the country are navigating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with safety as they rethink teaching and learning.In this episode, Panorama Education’s Rich Henderson sits down with AI expert Adam Garry to explore district-level innovation in K-12 AI adoption. Together, they break down where most districts are on their AI journey, from setting guiding principles and building effective AI literacy plans, to piloting classroom AI tools and responding to ever-changing technology.Adam shares practical insights into how curriculum teams are using AI to enhance instructional materials and personalize student learning. He also explains how districts can leverage AI for curriculum feedback, interdisciplinary unit design, and streamlining supplemental resources. In addition, Adam highlights the importance of strong data, context, and clear rubrics to generate high-quality AI outputs. This conversation also explores how AI supports emerging areas like Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and individualized graduation planning, empowering educators and administrators to focus on high-quality instruction while keeping student needs at the center.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

School districts face mounting pressures to boost student achievement and strengthen  instructional coherence, all while navigating the accelerating adoption of AI in education. In this episode, Georgia Bambrick, Senior Director of Product Engagement at Panorama Education, sits down with Sarah Jay, Executive Director of Equitable Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at Boston Public Schools. Together, they explore how Boston Public Schools is leading instructional change transforming AI integration from a challenge into an opportunity. Sarah shares how Boston is thoughtfully implementing AI tools, such as Panorama Solara, to reinforce strong instructional practices, support educators, and keep student learning at the heart of every decision.Additionally, Sarah explains how her team prioritized inclusivity and instructional rigor by embedding clear pedagogical guardrails into Boston’s AI-powered tools. She shares how Boston intentionally piloted and refined AI use cases, partnered across departments, and focused professional development on meaningful educator workflows to ensure strong implementation.Through this approached, the district  integrated AI into core MTSS and instructional systems  while staying focused on long-term learning outcomes, rather than just adopting the latest technology.🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

Educators are embracing AI in schools to streamline instructional planning and support student achievement, but the real impact happens when teams move from data to action. In this episode, guest host Georgia Bambrick welcomes Amelia Gorman, Instructional Leader at Boston Public Schools, and Dr. Chantei Alves, Inclusion Teacher and Learning Specialist at Boston Public Schools. Together, they explore the practical ways educators are using AI tools, including Panorama Solara, to support daily workflows like strategic math and literacy intervention planning, and building collaborative systems that accelerate student outcomes. Amelia and Chantei provide practical insight into how teachers in Boston Public Schools are leveraging AI to drive more effective teaching, create actionable and impactful small group instruction, and foster stronger partnerships between schools and families. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI in classrooms, including how technology can help educators synthesize complex information, align instructional goals, and support progress monitoring. Finally, they highlight how AI tools like Panorama Solara help school teams analyze multiple data sources more efficiently,, generate tailored instructional plans, and collaborate more effectively, all while keeping a human-first, human-last mindset at the center of their work. 🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/

More and more teachers are utilizing AI to change how classrooms operate and give students a stronger voice in their learning. Stephanie Clinise, a 9th grade English language arts teacher and AI coach at Hatboro-Horsham High School, joins guest host Brittany Blackwell to unpack how educators can lead instructional change from within, using AI as a practical tool for critical thinking, feedback, and closing learning gaps.. They explore the rapid evolution of technology in education and how Stephanie proactively embraced AI to support students and create more impactful learning opportunities in order to improve student outcomes.Together, Stephanie and Brittany dive into actionable strategies for integrating AI tools, such as Panorama’s Class Companion, to enhance student feedback, foster creativity, and individualize instruction to meet all learners where they are at. Stephanie shares her journey from being one of the first adopters of AI in her district to becoming an AI coach, leading both her classroom and fellow educators through effective AI adoption. She also provides practical tips for teachers looking to lead from within, along with valuable advice for school leaders aiming to leverage teacher expertise in the age of AI.  🎧Check out the full shownotes: http://www.panoramaed.com/podcastConnect with Panorama Education:Visit our websiteFollow us on Instagram @panorama_educationFollow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panoramaeducation3485/podcastsFollow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/panorama-education/