February 26, 2025How Will We Respond to the AI Revolution

By Derek Cutler - Director of Education Technology

AI has been gaining traction in the background for years. Early forms, such as auto-correct and Grammarly, became part of our daily routines, much like how we quickly took for granted that our phones could suggest auto-fill options as we texted. For years, many of us have been relying on Google Maps to navigate - even in our own hometowns.

However, this type of AI felt small and unintrusive. Things have changed very quickly. Generative AI - such as ChatGPT - emerged, making us ask some really big questions like, “What does this mean for the future of work?” and “What does it mean for teaching and learning?”

On February 14, staff and faculty at Aberdeen Hall participated in a professional development day centered on the theme "How Will We Respond to the AI Revolution?" It was an opportunity for deep reflection and strategic planning on a topic shaping the future of learning.

We started the day off with Dr. John Spencer as our keynote speaker. A renowned educator and thought leader, he used powerful storytelling to illustrate how teachers can unleash the creative potential in students through a balanced approach to technology integration. His insights challenged us to rethink the future of work and education, seeing it as a maze students must navigate, rather than a traditional corporate ladder.

One key takeaway was that we must focus on what AI does well and, in turn, teach students what AI cannot do well. This means fostering creativity and critical thinking, adaptability and human-centered problem-solving. These skills will set students apart in an increasingly automated world.

Following the keynote, faculty participated in an AI Playground, where they explored practical classroom applications of AI. From lesson planning assistants to AI-driven student engagement tools, teachers experimented with ways to enrich learning experiences while keeping a thoughtful, student-centered approach.

We then met in grade-level and subject-area groups to discuss data privacy, ethics, and avoiding over-reliance on generative AI. These conversations provided valuable insights into how AI can be implemented strategically while staying aligned with our school’s values.

As AI continues to evolve, we are committed to thoughtfully integrating technology to enhance learning, empower students, and prepare them for an unpredictable future.

The expression that is floating through the education industry is simple:

“AI will likely never fully replace teachers, however teachers that use AI thoughtfully will replace those that don’t!” 

We are currently compiling feedback as we begin to develop the school’s next strategic plan. If you have insights to share about AI, we would love to hear from you at [email protected].