Why One District Started AI Training With Teachers First - IPA Talk

September 30, 2026  36 min

How should school leaders introduce AI to teachers? In this IPA Talk, Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, talks with Teri Justus, director of teaching and learning at Deer Creek-Mackinaw School District, about how the district built an AI playbook, set clear non-negotiables, and trained staff through monthly, grade-band professional development.

Links
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@IllinoisPrincipalsAssociation?sub_confirmation=1
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCjd05N0Zv_LkA_TaQS5w0ekHV_fHq9vN

0:00 Meet Teri Justus
6:54 Staff Survey and AI Playbook
15:30 Gemini and Google Classroom
22:58 AI for Differentiation
28:41 Cautions for School Leaders