This summer took us around the world, and I’ve gathered our team’s reflections to share what we learned along the way. From Portugal to Hawai‘i, Taiwan to Brazil, one theme kept surfacing: how can AI truly transform learning? Everywhere we went, that question sparked conversations filled with excitement and curiosity, and with a growing recognition that AI is no longer just something to experiment with, but something to embed meaningfully into classrooms. The insights we brought back weren’t only about tools or techniques, but about the human side of education: teachers striving to do what’s best for their students, leaders working to balance innovation with responsibility, and communities eager to chart a clear path forward. What follows are snapshots from each of us, including the moments that stood out, the lessons that resonated, and the hopes we carry into the school year ahead.

In Craig’s work with educators, he noticed a turning point: schools are no longer just curious about AI, they’re beginning to think more strategically about its role. He described it as “moving from AI enthusiasm to AI accountability,” a shift from trying tools for the sake of it to asking how they align with deeper goals. For many, the value of the work was “having a compass to navigate out of the fog of AI uncertainty toward their institution’s true north.”

For Fiona, one highlight came in South America, where school leaders built bots and apps that once felt out of reach. “The energy was incredible when they started to share,” Fiona reflected. What stood out most was teachers’ desire for PD that respects their time and is rooted in real application. As Fiona explained, “Teachers appreciate when professional learning is facilitated using evidence-based approaches they can use right away.”

Alex found the most powerful moments in quiet shifts of perspective. Educators who initially worried about AI as a shortcut began to see its potential for creativity and feedback. “You could see the shift from viewing AI as a tool for cheating to seeing it as a key to unlocking student creativity and personalized feedback.” That change reshaped his own approach too—“The most impactful sessions weren’t about me showing what a tool could do, but about creating space for educators to explore and build their own confidence.”

Baylee shared a moment that still makes her smile: a teacher realizing that one simple chatbot could save hours of planning time each month. “You could see the lightbulb go off—the moment it clicks? It’s pure magic.” Across her work, she also saw two different approaches to AI emerging—some educators leaned on it to gain efficiency, while others tapped into its creative possibilities. As Baylee reflected, “Neither approach is better—the possibilities are endless.”

For me, the most memorable moments were the “aha” realizations when teachers saw how AI could support student learning or streamline their workflow. Again and again, I heard teachers frame AI as a tool to support deeper learning, not as a replacement for thinking. Those moments reminded me that lasting change happens when teachers see the value for their students and choose to lead the way. Looking ahead, the momentum really feels unmistakable: onwards and upwards.

As we step into a new school year, we carry forward more than strategies and tools. We carry the inspiration of educators who are leaning into change with courage and creativity. This summer reminded us that the future of education won’t be built by technology alone, but by collaboration and a shared commitment to keeping learning deeply human at its core.