Artificial intelligence is very much here - reshaping how we work, think, and educate. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on knowing when to use it and when to simply not.
As school leaders and educators, we need to be intentional. AI has the potential to make our work more efficient, creative, and impactful, but it also has its limits.
In my work with Jewish day schools, one of the most common questions I get is about when to use AI...and when to not. I always emphasize that AI is not a shiny object to just play with whenever we want; it is a very powerful tool that, when used properly, can really help us reach our goals and be more effective and efficient as we do it.
With that in mind, here are 15 smart ways to integrate AI...and five situations where you might want to hold off.
15 Times AI Can Help Your School Thrive
Generating Ideas for Innovation – Need fresh approaches for student engagement? Parent engagement programs? New fundraising strategies? AI can provide 20 ideas in seconds -- some good, some terrible, but all useful for sparking creativity and providing a place to start.
Creating Differentiated Learning Materials – Adjust reading levels, translate text, or tailor content for diverse learners without starting from scratch (and taking so much less time than doing it all yourself).
Summarizing Long Reports – AI can condense educational research, grant applications, or board meeting notes into digestible takeaways. Just be sure to review for accuracy.
Translating Between Stakeholder Groups – Need to turn a detailed policy into an easy-to-read version for parents, an engaging training for teachers, or quick bullet points for the board? AI can adjust complexity and tone accordingly.
Overcoming Writer’s Block – Staring at a blank screen while drafting a school newsletter or a parent email or a weekly update? AI can provide structure, openings, or even multiple versions to choose from.
Providing Instant Feedback – AI-powered tools can help students refine their writing, allowing teachers to focus on higher-order instruction.
Personalizing Professional Development Plans – AI can generate tailored learning paths for teachers based on their goals and areas for growth, all aligned with the school's strategic priorities.
Drafting Communications – Quickly create first drafts of emails, announcements, or donor thank-you letters. Just add the human touch before sending.
Analyzing Trends in Enrollment and Retention – AI can identify patterns in admissions data, helping you see what’s working and what’s not. And then give you ideas for how to pivot.
Assisting with Scheduling Complexity – Whether it’s professional learning sessions, parent-teacher conferences, or holiday calendars, AI can optimize schedules based on constraints and priorities.
Curating Jewish Educational Content – AI can surface relevant articles, divrei Torah, or historical sources for lessons or newsletters.
Creating Visual and Multimedia Content – Need a compelling graphic or video for marketing? AI can help with first drafts and inspiration.
Supporting Administrative Efficiency – From organizing school policies to drafting reports, AI can reduce manual work for school leadership teams.
Offering Second Opinions on Decisions – AI can provide alternative perspectives, allowing school leaders to stress-test ideas before implementation. It can also help tweak the messaging about these decisions for clarity and understanding.
Helping with Data-Driven Decision-Making – AI can analyze assessment data to highlight student learning trends, informing instructional decisions.
5 Times to Think Twice About AI
When Deep Learning is the Goal – AI can summarize information, but true learning comes from engaging with ideas yourself. If teachers or students need to wrestle with a concept, AI shortcuts might undermine the process.
When Accuracy is Non-Negotiable – AI makes mistakes, and they can be convincing. For policies, legal documents, or accreditation reports, always fact-check manually.
When AI’s Failure Modes Aren’t Understood – AI doesn’t just make errors; it can be confidently wrong, subtly biased, or overly agreeable. If you can’t identify these pitfalls, don’t rely on AI blindly.
When the Process Itself is Valuable – Some tasks (like strategic planning, reflective writing, or student projects) are as much about the process as the result. AI can assist, but don’t let it rob people of the experience of doing the work.
When AI is Just… Bad at It – AI is great at some things and terrible at others. Don’t expect it to replace the nuanced expertise of a seasoned teacher, the emotional intelligence of a school leader, or the warmth of human connection that makes Jewish day schools so special.
The Key: Use AI with (Human) Wisdom
The best use of AI in schools isn’t about replacing human effort -- it’s about enhancing it.
When used thoughtfully, AI can free up time for what truly matters: building relationships, fostering community, and deepening Jewish learning. But like any powerful tool, it requires discernment. Know when to lean on it, and know when to trust your own expertise instead.
Would love to hear—how is your school experimenting with AI? Where has it helped, and where has it fallen short?