AAIE 59th Annual Global Leadership CONVERSATION

What will the world look like in 2050? How will human beings coexist with Intelligent Machines, empowered by AI solutions integrated into even more powerful quantum computers? What future jobs will remain where human beings will still hold added
value? What will our schools and top universities look like? Several scientific scenarios are still applicable today to this imminent future. However, the time to initiate the drafting of one scenario over the others is now. Rethinking the role of
Education and reshaping this fundamental pillar of our modern societies is part of this endeavor. AI does not only raise the question of “how” to teach; it also raises the questions of “what” and “why” to teach. In this conference, Dr. Delphine Le Serre will elaborate on the significance of this AI transition and how each decision-maker in the field of Education will play a major role in accompanying this unprecedented evolution of human societies.

We are currently constructing and staffing a state-of-the-art technology center at CAIS to aid with the integration of new and emerging technologies into our inquiry-based programming. During this journey, I needed to learn about the alphabet buffet of new terminologies and their impact on the current education landscape. What does AI, AR, VR, XR, VUCA even mean? How can we create human-centered learning environments within the given practical considerations of our unique circumstances? This Head Talk is the summary of my major realizations as I have been navigating the process of preparing and executing the construction of the technology center, provisioning of the corresponding programs, and the recruiting and training of the staff to run said programs. I would also like share a quick video about our journey to demonstrate how our students, staff, and parents have been learning together during this process.

This year, Microsoft’s work trends report revealed a startling figure:

66% of employers would rather hire a less experienced employee with AI skills over a more experienced one without them.

This is just one example of how the demand for skills, mindsets, and qualities is shifting drastically in a workplace where AI is everywhere.

What does this mean for our schools? For our leadership? For our students?

The most important technology ever invented is here. We must boldly shift.

In this keynote, hear an open letter from Top Gen Z voice, Hannah Grady Williams, a 26-year-old Native Digital who’s worked with 3000+ executives, and her army of student AI-turbocharged rebels who are demanding (and creating) a different future.

Dr. Keith Miller Innovation Award
This award is open to any international superintendent, principal, board member/owner, or school leader from an AAIE member organization leading the way in changing the game or who are implementing best-in-class programs and innovations.

Margaret Sanders Award
The scholarships are awarded to the students who demonstrate character strengths such as persistence and motivation, resourcefulness, as well as acceptance of other cultures and points of view. The nominated students should also display a genuine interest in, and sustained commitment to the welfare of others, as reflected through participation in school activities, and community/civic involvement.

Conflict touches every school community -- whether an interpersonal spat between students or a larger clash spurred on by reactions to geopolitical strife and cultural tensions in the wider society. The global uptick in polarization means that now more than ever schools have to teach and model the skills of conflict transformation -- where individual dignity meets group dialogue. In this session, mediator, educator, and strategist Jason Craige Harris of Pollyanna, Inc., will share key insights and practices that will empower school-based professionals to reinforce the bonds of community.

Young people have an innate need to be respected and admired. But few leaders today—whether parents, educators, or managers—understand how to harness it. David Yeager can help.

An expert on the psychology of grit and persistence, David has spent years researching how to motivate and equip young people for success. He can show us why our conventional methods of communicating with young people aged 10 to 25 tend to leave everyone frustrated, and he can teach us a better way of ensuring the younger generation feels inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to do their best work.

In this talk, David explains how to adopt what he calls the “mentor mindset,” a leadership style that taps into young people’s desire for respect. He offers highly effective and surprisingly easy-to-learn practices: like being transparent about your goals rather than expecting your mentees to read your mind, or holding your students to high standards rather than coddling them. This practical, engaging talk is crucial for anyone who wants to be a more effective manager, parent, or educator.

What might it mean to move into the monsters in the margins of our imagination?

This keynote will explore the ways Monster Studies are increasingly relevant as we navigate the role AI will play in our schools and lives. While we are hard-wired to fear uncertainty, we can (and perhaps must) join one another in experimenting with the uncertain in order to better shape the future.

Kathleen and Tricia will share the way they met their inner monsters by co-creating Katbot, the digital twin of the real Kathleen Naglee.

In closing this talk will invite you to consider doing the reflection that explores, embraces, and positions your inner monster as a mirror to encourage a collective reflection. The audience will be encourage to complete the 'monster as mirror' template and consider generating their own digital twin.