AI @ the UN

I recently had the privilege of joining an elite cohort of global educators at the United Nations International School in NYC for the inaugural ”Educators Playbook LIVE!” summit. 

This wasn’t your typical tech conference. It was a high-level laboratory where leaders of K-12 schools from across the world, accrediting bodies (including NAIS and NEASC), and tech giants including Microsoft and Google gathered for one purpose: to move forward thoughtfully and build a responsible, sustainable roadmap for the future of AI. 

Facilitated by Dan Fitzpatrick (“The AI Educator”) and Dr. Sabba Quidwai (Founder of Designing Schools), the day was defined by divergent thinking. We didn’t just talk about tools; we grappled with the heavy lifting of governance, ethics, and security. The goal was clear: how do we ensure AI serves our mission rather than distracting from it. 

Dr. Judy Jankowski, Ed.D.

As an educational leader serving neurodiverse learners, I was particularly struck by how often the conversation turned toward special education. There is a growing realization that AI provides a clear path to accessibility. It was a proud moment to reflect on our work at CBA, where we have been utilizing AI for this exact purpose for the past several years, using MagicSchool.ai and Blink.ai. What the world is beginning to understand as “best practice,” is already in our DNA. 

The most significant takeaway from the summit was the evolution of our role as educators. While we have mastered AI for specific populations, now the focus is on “NEXT practice”: individualization of instruction for ALL learners. This represents a fundamental change—one that requires leadership, intentional design, and stronger alignment with higher education to ensure future teachers are fully prepared. 

The future is no longer on the horizon—it is here. If we are willing to approach it boldly, ethically, and thoughtfully, we have an extraordinary opportunity to elevate education and improve outcomes for every learner.