The AI Strategy Residency: Leading Systemic Implementation in Vermont Schools, Berry, Summer 2026

Course Description

The AI Strategy Residency is designed to solve the AI implementation gap in Vermont schools. Leadership teams will navigate the complexities of AI policy, data privacy (SOPPA/FERPA), and change management. Each session is a clinical lab—half instruction and half mentored work time—ensuring that leaders leave with a tangible, evolving implementation plan rather than just a list of bookmarks.

Participants will transition their learning from theory to systemic application by developing a district AI leadership portfolio. Rather than traditional academic coursework, the assignments will be strictly applied practice. Students will utilize the time between sessions to draft a localized AI Acceptable Use Policy, conduct a data privacy audit of current district software, and facilitate a sandbox professional learning session with their own staff. The course culminates with a peer-reviewed presentation of their comprehensive, board-ready District AI Roadmap.

Audience: Curriculum directors, tech directors and support, principals, superintendents, all with a Bachelor’s Degree. District AI leadership teams are strongly encouraged to attend together.

Course Schedule

• Day 1: July 29 - Choice of
  • In-person at Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, VT
  • Virtual via Zoom
  • 9:00 - 3:30
• Day 2: November 6
  • Virtual via Zoom
  • 8:30 - 2:30
• Day 3: March 19
  • Virtual via Zoom
  • 8:30 - 2:30
• Three, 60 minute virtual sessions

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

• Foundational Knowledge (Audit for Privacy): Master the process of vetting AI tools for data privacy and security compliance.
• Application (Optimize Workflow): Implement AI-driven administrative efficiencies for data reporting, communications, and strategic planning.
• Integration (Draft and Refine): Develop a comprehensive District AI Roadmap, integrating academic integrity policies and staff guidelines.
• Human Dimension (Lead Change): Design a sustainable internal professional development plan to support staff through the "AI transition," utilizing a "Teachers First" philosophy.
• Caring (Ethical Stewardship): Cultivate a district-wide culture that values responsible AI adoption, prioritizing digital citizenship, equity, and the protection of student data above rapid deployment.
• Learning How to Learn (Continuous Adaptation): Establish sustainable systems and feedback loops to continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies, ensuring the district's Roadmap and policies can dynamically adapt to rapid technological advancements.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate AI Tools for Safety and Compliance (Knowledge & Skill): Critique current district software and emerging AI vendors for data privacy, security compliance (FERPA/SOPPA), and ethical bias by independently conducting a "Red Light/Green Light" policy audit to identify and address existing gaps in district board policies.
• Develop a Systemic K-12 AI Strategy (Synthesis & Skill): Synthesize state frameworks, developmental bands, and academic integrity guidelines to formulate a comprehensive, board-ready K-12 District AI Implementation Roadmap that guides long-term technological adoption.
• Design Effective Adult Learning Experiences (Application & Human Dimension): Apply adult learning theories and a "Teachers First" philosophy to design a sustainable internal professional development plan, demonstrated through the creation of a finalized, ready-to-deliver AI Level 1 Staff Training deck and facilitator guide.
• Optimize Administrative Workflows (Application & Skill): Implement advanced prompting techniques and AI-driven workflows to solve complex administrative challenges (e.g., communications, strategic planning, or data analysis), culminating in the documentation and sharing of a customized "AI Gem" resource for broader district use.
• Establish Dynamic Governance Systems (Attitude & Learning How to Learn): Cultivate a district-wide culture of continuous adaptation by designing ongoing evaluation protocols and feedback loops, ensuring the district's AI guidelines and leadership teams can proactively respond to rapid shifts in generative AI technologies.

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings/resources may not be included in the course tuition. Please contact VT-HEC for more information.