#14 Courage, Connection, and AI in Education

Reflections from ACSA Every Child Counts Conference

Author

Megan Hsu
January 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Share key insights from our experience at the ACSA Every Child Counts conference

  • Reflect on the current state of AI adoption in education

  • Discuss the future of AI solutions in education

  • Celebrate the power of belief and courage in educational leadership

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Believe you can and you're halfway there." This quote has special meaning for me this week, as you'll see below. (And I have been repeatedly sharing it on every platform, so this may be the fourth or fifth time you’re seeing it…)

What We’re Discussing Today

Today we'll explore the incredible experience we had at the ACSA Every Child Counts conference in San Diego, what we learned about educators' needs regarding AI, and share some powerful personal reflections on growth and courage.

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s What I Created

This week, Jenn, my brother, and I created something special—a connection with over 100 passionate educators at our conference session. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed were beyond our expectations, demonstrating a clear appetite for AI knowledge in education. Through an informal poll, we discovered that while most attendees had experimented with large language models (LLMs), they considered themselves beginners or early intermediate users. We were encouraged by the interest and excitement in what is possible. And we are excited to build the future of education together.

Last night, while editing the email sequence for the live course waitlist, I was reminded of how far we've come. The last email in the sequence shows a preview of the email course automation. I recorded the video in October when Jenn was just a week into the course. I saw right there in my own words how much hope and anticipation I had for this conference. Now, sitting on the other side of that experience, I can say we not only made it happen—it exceeded our wildest expectations.

We Do: Let’s Build Together

Through our interactions, we identified four main categories of solutions educators are seeking:

  1. Streamlining and Efficiency

    Educators are looking for prompt templates and guidance so they can best use AI as an assistant.

  2. Building Expert AI Assistants/Agents

    We spoke to some administrators that are interested in creating customized AI agents and chatbots for departmental needs. I am working on building out short YouTube tutorials that walk through Make.com basics, culminating in a chatbot/agent build.

  3. Improving Training/Onboarding

    We also connected with some educators that work outside of public education—for educational agencies or independent businesses. Some are looking for AI solutions to employee training, client onboarding, etc.

    • Future Development: Expanding Edumated with an agency branch. For now, reach out directly—we have built these automations for ourselves and would love to build for others

    • Goal: Creating tailored solutions for educational institutions, agencies, and businesses

  4. Creative Solutions to Complex Problems

    This one excites me the most. I briefly discussed my vision for an AI AAC app that removes the need for a willing adult communication partner and opens the doors for nonverbal communicators to use AI to access the world. I can talk about this for hours. It has the potential to change so many lives. And I believe we have the tools to build it.

    • Approach: Collaborative development and innovation

    • Invitation: Open call for dreamers and big thinkers—let me know if you want to chat

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

I’ve been reflecting on this powerful observation: I was reminded again at ACSA of how truly incredible educators are. This conference brings together doers. People that may be overwhelmed and exhausted, but still show up every day with passion and drive. People who are intelligent, compassionate, hard-working, adaptable, versatile, and creative.

This week, I challenge you to take a step forward—with AI or with something else you have wanted to start. Commit to learning, trying, doing. And tell someone about it. Tell me about it—hit reply to this email and share your commitment. I would love to hear about it. (Also, did anyone played the cursed animation of Gladys and Robbie on the title slide that I decided not to scare everyone with during our session?)

Think-Pair-Share

  • Think about:

    • A moment when you showed courage in your professional journey

    • How belief in yourself transformed an outcome

    • Ways you can support and uplift your colleagues

Let me share a personal reflection about courage and belief: Jenn has said to me a couple times that she is not a good public speaker. I immediately told her that wasn’t true, stating that if she believes she is, then she is, so she should just say she is. But what struck me later was this: she absolutely is a good public speaker. Why? Because she stepped up in front of a packed room of over 100 people and she spoke. So many people wouldn't have taken that step.

And by doing it, she showed that a strong presenter is someone with courage and conviction. The courage to step up and be heard. The conviction to say it like you mean it—to say it with your chest. I am incredibly proud of Jenn and my brother for joining me on this wild journey. And I am so appreciative of the connections we have made and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Exit Ticket

Ready to explore automation and take control of your processes? Join the FREE 30-Day AI & Automation Email Course for Educators to learn how to build solutions tailored to your needs.

Do you know a parent of a student with special needs that wants to learn how to better advocate for their child? Share our newly launched SPED Code Advocacy Guide blog with them!

To anyone who wants to dream and think big about the future of education and AI—let's chat. Together, we can build something amazing.

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