Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s here, and it’s reshaping how we think about teaching, learning, and school operations. But for K-12 educators and administrators, the real question isn’t whether to use AI. It’s how to use it wisely.
In fact, according to the Education Focus 2025 Spring Survey from PowerSchool and Project Tomorrow, when asked which tech will have the most significant impact on student learning outcomes in the next 2-4 years, the answer was a resounding: “AI tools to support and personalize student learning.”
However, rather than viewing AI as just another tool to add to an already crowded tech stack, forward-thinking schools are beginning to ask: How can AI enhance what we’re already doing? How can it be embedded into existing workflows to support teachers, empower students, and streamline operations?
From Add-On to Built-In: A Smarter Approach to AI
One of the most effective ways to approach AI in education is to integrate it into existing systems and routines, rather than layering it on top. For example:
- Instead of introducing a standalone AI tutor, for example, use embedded AI within your existing learning management system to provide real-time insights and to reduce the time spent toggling between applications;
- Rather than launching a new analytics dashboard, use AI to enhance the insights already available in your SIS or assessment platform, reducing the administrative burden and mitigating security concerns.
This approach reduces friction, increases adoption, and ensures that AI is solving real problems — not creating new ones.
Personalization with Purpose
AI’s greatest promise lies in its ability to personalize learning. But personalization isn’t just about tailoring content — it’s about making learning meaningful. Imagine a classroom where:
- A student who loves baseball learns fractions through batting averages.
- Another who dreams of space travel explores ratios through planetary distances.
This kind of interest-driven learning fosters deeper engagement and genuine understanding. AI can help educators deliver this at scale — aligning content with student interests, aptitudes, and career goals.
Ethical Foundations Matter
As we integrate AI into education, we must do so responsibly. That means:
- Protecting student data through strong governance and privacy practices.
- Ensuring fairness by actively addressing bias in algorithms and datasets.
- Building trust through transparency and explainability — educators should understand how AI works and why it makes certain recommendations.
These aren’t just technical concerns — they’re foundational to building confidence in AI and ensuring it serves all students equitably.
Accessibility and Equity: The Next Frontier
For AI to truly transform education, it must be accessible to every student — including those without reliable internet or modern devices. Offline capabilities, multilingual support, and inclusive design are essential to closing the digital divide.
Preparing for What’s Next
AI is evolving rapidly, and so must our policies, practices, and mindsets. Schools should:
- Vet vendors carefully, ensuring they align with ethical standards and data privacy laws. Based on our six guiding principles of AI responsibility, we helped develop 1EdTech’s Generative AI Data Rubric to provide a way for K-12 institutions to mitigate security risk, make informed procurement decisions, and protect student data by ensuring edtech vendors like us are assessing their AI offerings against a strong industry-standard.
- Invest in professional development, so educators feel confident using AI tools.
- Stay agile, recognizing that today’s best practices may need to evolve tomorrow.
A Vision for the Future
The ultimate goal isn’t just smarter technology — it’s more empowered learners. AI should help students discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and prepare for a future that’s uniquely theirs. It should free up teachers to focus on what they do best: building relationships, inspiring curiosity, and guiding growth.
We’re at the beginning of a new chapter in education. By approaching AI with intentionality, humility, and a focus on human impact, we can ensure it becomes a force for good in every classroom.
About the Author
Edward Dedic
Ed Dedic is vice president of education strategy at PowerSchool and a member of the Education Strategy Group, which is focused on thought leadership at PowerSchool. In his 21 years at PowerSchool, Ed has held many positions, helping the company flourish through numerous acquisitions into a leading global EdTech company. Before working with PowerSchool, Ed spent 7 years as Technology Director for Hudsonville Public Schools in Michigan. While there, he transformed the district from a low-tech learning environment to a high-tech model for other schools, supporting student achievement. Ed is also one of the founding members of 1EdTech LATAM.
