Over the past decade as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Apple Teacher, and Apple Learning Coach, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how technology, especially iPad, can transform classrooms when we put creation tools directly into students’ hands.
In my own work, the principles that Apple champions have become the foundation for how I approach AI integration:
- Innovative learning environments where students create, not just consume.
- Meeting educators where they are by building relationships and coaching without judgment.
- Designing systems that empower teachers to experiment, reflect, and share—because sustainable change isn’t a one-off PD, it’s a culture.
Some of you may have read my earlier post on making in-roads with new technology. The same strategies that work for introducing iPad creativity and collaborative workflows also work for rolling out AI in ways that stick.
That’s why I wrote AI Blueprint for Schools, a guide for instructional coaches, edtech leaders, and innovative educators who want to lead AI adoption with intention, equity, and impact. It’s not theory, it’s the systems, frameworks, and relationship-based strategies I’m using right now in schools to build AI capacity.
Here’s a short excerpt from the book that reflects how I blend Apple-inspired creativity with AI integration:
Spotlight Story: Starting with Trust at the Lunch Table
Before any real innovation can take root, you have to start with relationships. That truth has followed me through every role I’ve held in education, from teacher to coach to tech leader. Nowhere was it more evident than a visit I made to the Special Education department at one of the buildings where I used to work.
Because I had already built strong relationships with several of the teachers there, the invitation wasn’t formal, it was organic. I simply set up shop at the lunch table, connected my laptop to the TV in their shared space, and started with something small: organizing Gmail inboxes. Nothing flashy, just something helpful.
From there, I casually introduced Gemini Premium, which our district was piloting for staff who opted in. When I showed them how effortlessly it could help generate and respond to emails, their curiosity turned into enthusiasm. Every single one of them wanted access to the premium version. That one moment of connection opened the door to so much more.
With their attention captured, I took the opportunity to demonstrate how Gemini could be used across Google Workspace—embedded directly into Docs, Slides, and other familiar tools. That’s when the questions started flowing.
One teacher asked about differentiating assignments more efficiently. Another wondered if AI could help reduce the time spent drafting IEPs. Someone else needed support translating documents for students who were new to the country. The ideas, and the impact, began snowballing.
What started as a casual lunch visit quickly turned into a catalyst for change. I kept a running list of their individual questions and circled back to each teacher in the following days to ensure they felt supported. Eventually, the department lead reached out and asked me to schedule monthly follow-ups to continue supporting her staff. That’s how a spontaneous conversation over lunch turned into a standing partnership.
This experience reaffirmed something I’ve seen time and time again: the biggest shifts often start with the smallest, most relational moves. Sitting down. Listening. Offering value. And then gently saying, “Hey—have you seen what this can do?”
Trust first. Tech second. That’s how change really happens.”
If you’re guiding your staff through the early stages of AI integration, or want a practical roadmap to do so, this resource may be the bridge between your vision and your team’s daily practice.
📘 Check out my book
I’d love to hear from other coaches and leaders here! How are you helping your staff move from curiosity about AI to confident classroom use?
August 13, 2025 .
English
Katie, such great advice! Thank you for sharing your spotlight story. The “trust first, tech second” approach is what I strive for in professional learning. One-on-one and individualized learning, culminating in colleague collaboration just works! I’m looking forward to reading your book!
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