When ChatGPT first made waves, it sparked a curious phenomenon in schools.
For once, students weren’t automatically at an advantage just because they’re "digital natives." It wasn’t about who could Snapchat faster or rack up hours in Roblox. This was different.
Yet, students—those inquisitive, TikTok-distracted, homework-dodging scholars—quickly mastered ChatGPT in ways most of us still struggle to grasp.
But here’s the thing: their secret isn’t tech-savviness.
No, the students who thrive with AI have an entirely different edge, and it’s one we, as educators and school leaders, can learn from.
The Lesson from Generation Z(eal)
A colleague was telling me a story about her ninth grade student’s mastery of ChatGPT. This student dove all-in to the technology while we adults were busy figuring out how to cautiously get started. Within hours, that student uncovered use cases for AI that would make the savviest school administrator take notes.
How? It wasn’t about knowing the latest app or trick. It was about mindset.
These students come to AI with the one thing our years of expertise have dulled: curiosity unclouded by preconceptions. Their “beginner’s mind” is a superpower, and in the realm of generative AI, it’s one we must learn to channel.
Here’s how you, as an educational leader, can apply this mindset to revolutionize your leadership, teaching, and school operations.
1. Adopt the Beginner’s Mind
We love expertise. We’ve built careers on knowing your stuff – whether it’s curriculum design, teacher development, or Talmud study. But expertise has a downside—it creates blind spots.
When your sixth grade student asks, “What if ChatGPT could plan my bar mitzvah speech?” they’re thinking beyond our carefully structured mental frameworks. For them, it’s all possibilities, no limits.
Action for Leaders:
Pick a familiar school challenge—say, creating a year-long PD plan.
Ask ChatGPT: “If you knew nothing about what we’ve been doing for PD, how would you structure this?”
Compare its fresh perspective to your current approach. Blend the insights—you might be surprised by the results.
2. Master the Art of ‘What If?’
Students naturally approach AI with curiosity. “What if I asked ChatGPT to write a Purim spiel starring my teachers?” or “What if it could summarize the Rambam in emoji?”
This “What if?” approach leads to discovery—and often innovation. As school leaders, we can channel that same exploratory mindset to tackle pressing challenges, from enrollment strategies to community engagement.
Action for Leaders:
Block out five minutes today.
Brainstorm “What if ChatGPT could…” scenarios for your school.
What if it helped write parent newsletters?
What if it analyzed teacher feedback trends?
What if it designed a new after-school program based on student interests?
Pick one and give it a try!
3. Make Work Feel Like Play
Your students aren't just asking ChatGPT for essay outlines—they’re turning it into a game. They’re reenacting biblical stories as text-based dramas or having “coffee chats” with historical figures. And in the process, they’re learning—deeply.
As leaders, we’re often so focused on outcomes that we forget the value of playful exploration. But play can unlock new ways to solve old problems and inject some much-needed joy into our work.
Action for Leaders:
Pick a school topic you want to explore.
Challenge yourself to create three fun, creative ways ChatGPT could help. (Write a song about school-wide priorities? Simulate a board meeting debate? Why not?)
Try one and reflect on what you learn about both the tool and your leadership.
The Big Takeaway
Mastering generative AI in schools isn’t about being the most tech-savvy—it’s about nurturing a mindset of openness, curiosity, and yes, a bit of playfulness.
Imagine what Jewish day schools could achieve if we approached challenges with the same unbridled curiosity as our students. What if we unlearned our mental frameworks just enough to let new ideas take root?
The next time you see your students “playing” with AI, pay attention. The playground isn’t just for them—it’s for you, too.
Ready to embrace your beginner’s mind and revolutionize your leadership? The sandbox is open. Time to play.
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