Transforming Instructional Leadership in the Age of AI

Outline

0:00–0:05 | Welcome and Connection: Setting the Stage

Content:
I open with a powerful story about how AI reshaped a moment of leadership and learning, setting the tone for transformation and human connection.

Engagement:
Participants join a quick Padlet warm up: “What excites or worries you most about AI in education?” This creates a living snapshot of our shared perspectives.

Process:
Storytelling and digital interaction through Padlet.

0:05–0:15 | Framing the Shift: AI and Instructional Leadership

Content:
I explore how AI is redefining instructional leadership, feedback, professional learning, and collaboration, and challenge everyone to move from managing change to leading transformation.

Engagement:
A quick digital poll invites reflection: “How has AI already shown up in your role?” Participants pair up to discuss takeaways.

Process:
Device based polling and peer to peer conversation.

0:15–0:30 | The GAIN Effect: Four Pillars for Leadership Transformation

Content:
I introduce the four pillars, Growth, Agility, Insight, and Network, and share real examples of how each one fuels impactful leadership.

Engagement:
Participants choose which pillar they most need to strengthen and contribute to a Mentimeter or Padlet word cloud.

Process:
Live audience interaction with visual feedback and guided reflection.

0:30–0:45 | Application and Collaboration: Bringing the GAIN Effect to Life

Content:
Small groups explore a practical scenario such as using AI for instructional feedback or redesigning PLCs for innovation.

Engagement:
Each group creates a short Action Snapshot highlighting one GAIN pillar in practice and shares key takeaways.

Process:
Collaborative discussion and digital sharing.

0:45–0:55 | Reflection and Empowerment: Guiding with Purpose

Content:
I connect the Transformative Learning Principles of Guide and Empower, encouraging participants to reflect on how they can lead with curiosity, trust, and optimism.

Engagement:
Participants write or post one action they will take tomorrow to guide and empower their teams.

Process:
Guided journaling or digital reflection.

0:55–1:00 | The Encore: Call to Action and Closing Reflection

Content:
I close with a reminder that AI does not replace leadership. It amplifies it when grounded in purpose and humanity.

Engagement:
Participants download the Personal GAIN Leadership Roadmap via QR code and are invited to share reflections using #LeadershipRiffs.

Process:
Inspirational reflection and digital takeaway.

Participant Artifact:

Personal GAIN Leadership Roadmap: a digital or printable guide for setting goals, identifying next steps, and sustaining Growth, Agility, Insight, and Network after the session.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:

Apply the GAIN Effect framework (Growth, Agility, Insight, and Network) to strengthen their instructional leadership in an AI-driven world.

Design actionable steps to integrate AI tools that enhance professional learning, instructional feedback, and student engagement while staying grounded in human connection.

Model curiosity and adaptability as visionary planners who guide teams through innovation with purpose and optimism.

Empower teachers and learners by building trust, fostering creativity, and inspiring confidence in using AI to amplify not replace authentic relationships and learning.

Create a personalized Leadership Roadmap that outlines concrete goals, strategies, and next steps to thrive as an instructional leader in the age of AI.

Supporting research

"AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for Teachers and School Leaders" by Tony Frontier: https://www.ascd.org/books/ai-with-intention?variant=124032

"4 Ideas to Keep Students Engaged and Thinking in an AI-Driven World" by Lauren Kaufman

"Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)" by Salman Khan: https://a.co/d/0ZHcH1U

"Turning AI Into a Tool for Equity" by Kate Stoltzfus and Ken Shelton: https://ascd.org/el/articles/turning-ai-into-a-tool-for-equity

"The AI Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions" by Geoff Woods: https://a.co/d/a4uvrht