NWAIS: Demystifying AI for Independent School Leaders

The Challenge

The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) wanted to help its member school administrators better understand the potential — and the limits — of generative AI. While many had heard of tools like ChatGPT, few felt confident using them in their work. The goal was to create an in-person workshop that reduced apprehension, showcased practical applications, and encouraged responsible adoption.

My Role

Partnering with a colleague from Arizona State University, I co-developed and co-facilitated an interactive, hands-on workshop. My focus was on designing the structure, building accessible and engaging content, and leading activities that moved participants from curiosity to confident experimentation. See presentation here >>

What I Did

Built a Clear, Accessible Framework – Explained AI concepts in plain language, breaking down the differences between traditional computing, traditional AI, and generative AI.

Addressed Ethics & Privacy – Incorporated guidance on FERPA, GDPR, data protection, and the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted work.

Showcased Practical Use Cases – Demonstrated real-world applications in communications, HR, professional development, curriculum design, event planning, and data analysis.

Led Hands-On Practice – Guided administrators through live GenAI exercises using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, helping them see the tools in action and explore prompts relevant to their own roles.

The Outcome

The workshop shifted the conversation around AI from uncertainty to opportunity. Many participants adopted tools on the spot, reporting that they felt less apprehensive and more informed about how to use AI responsibly. By the end of the session, administrators left with both the confidence and the practical next steps to start integrating generative AI into their daily work.