10 Skills Every Educational Leader Needs to Thrive in the Age of AI

Let’s be honest, many of the current discussions and philosophical debates about AI are not as concrete as they need to be.

What do you need to know?

Where do you get it?

How do I do it?

The following 10 key skills for AI are a focus on the basics that every educational leader needs to know right now and a plan of action to get up to speed.

🔟 Skills Every Educational Leader Needs to Thrive in the Age of AI

(With clear definitions, practical examples, and guidance on how to learn each)

1. AI Literacy – Know What AI Is and What It Can Do

What it means: AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to systems or machines that perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. This includes things like analysing data, recognising speech, writing text, or even generating lesson plans.

Why it’s important: If you don’t understand what AI is (and isn’t), you can’t lead your staff or students in using it well.

What to do:

• Watch introductory videos on YouTube (search “AI for educators”).
• Try tools like ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) or Google Gemini to get hands-on experience.
• Read plain-English blogs like AI4K12 or the World Economic Forum’s education & AI articles.

Let’s Get Real: Use ChatGPT to help draft a parent newsletter or lesson outline, you’ll see its value instantly.

2. Data-Informed Decision Making – Use Data to Make Smart Choices

What it means: AI works best when it has good data. That includes attendance records, student assessments, survey results, or even behaviour logs.

Why it’s important: AI tools can find patterns in data that humans often miss, helping you identify problems early or improve decision-making.

What to do:

• Learn basic Excel or Google Sheets functions like filters and charts.
• Use tools like Power BI, Google Looker Studio, or School Management Systems that include dashboards.
• Take a free course on data-informed leadership (Google offers one through Google for Education).

Let’s Get Real:: A dashboard flags students who are frequently absent, letting your team intervene before academic performance suffers.

3. Digital Pedagogy – Know How AI Can Support Learning

What it means: Digital pedagogy is about using technology (including AI) to enhance teaching and learning. It’s not about replacing teachers, it’s about using tools that adapt to students’ needs.

Why it’s important: Students already live in a digital world. Teachers must understand how AI can personalise learning, support differentiated instruction, and offer instant feedback.

What to do:

• Explore AI-based platforms like Khanmigo (Khan Academy), Century Tech, or Squirrel AI.
• Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups for educators using EdTech.
• Attend a webinar from organisations like ISTE, EdSurge, or Education Week.

Let’s Get Real: A platform adjusts the reading level of a text based on a student’s performance, giving them just the right challenge.

4. Ethical and Responsible Use of AI – Lead with Caution and Care

What it means: AI can make mistakes. It can reflect human biases or misuse data if not handled responsibly.

Why it’s important: As a leader, you are responsible for protecting student privacy and ensuring fair, ethical use of new technologies.

What to do:

• Create (or adapt) a simple AI policy for your school. Start with guidelines from UNESCO or Common Sense Education.
• Understand key concerns like data privacy, bias, and transparency.
• Discuss with your IT manager or legal team how data is collected and stored.

Let’s Get Real: You decline to use a facial recognition system in school due to privacy risks and lack of informed consent.

5. Strategic Technology Planning – Don’t Just Chase the Hype

What it means: Not every new tool is worth adopting. Strategic planning means aligning AI and tech tools with your school’s vision, budget, and goals.

Why it’s important: Without a plan, you’ll waste time and money, and your staff will feel overwhelmed.

What to do:

• Set clear goals: “What do we want technology to improve in our school?”
• Prioritise professional development before investing in tools.
• Consult vendors that offer school-friendly AI solutions (not just flashy tech).

Let’s Get Real: You decide to invest in an AI platform for assessment feedback, not trendy VR headsets, because it supports your literacy goals.

6. Staff Upskilling – Help Your Team Feel Confident, Not Replaced

What it means: Teachers often feel uncertain or threatened by AI. Your role is to build confidence and provide real training that connects to their classroom needs.

Why it’s important: No AI tool will succeed unless teachers know how and why to use it.

What to do:

• Start with peer-led workshops or “AI trial weeks.”
• Encourage experimentation, not perfection.
• Use staff meetings to showcase how AI can save time (e.g., grading or lesson planning).

Let’s Get Real: One teacher shares how AI helped reduce planning time by 50%. Others ask to try it.

7. Change Management – Lead the Transition with Care

What it means: AI brings change. New routines, new tools, new expectations. People need support to adapt.

Why it’s important: Change without communication leads to resistance. You need to manage feelings and expectations.

What to do:

• Start small: Pilot one tool in one department.
• Create space for feedback and reflection.
• Communicate clearly and often: “Here’s what we’re doing, and why.”

Let’s Get Real: You involve teachers in choosing the AI platform, increasing buy-in and reducing fear.

8. Evaluating AI Tools – Know What’s Worth Your Time

What it means: AI tools are everywhere. Some are amazing. Some are useless. You need to know how to tell the difference.

Why it’s important: Your time and budget are limited. Pick tools that really help learning, not just look good.

What to do:

• Use an evaluation checklist: What’s the purpose? Is it easy to use? Is the data safe? Is it age-appropriate?
• Get trial access before buying.
• Ask: “How does this actually improve learning?”

Let’s Get Real: You test two reading platforms and pick the one students enjoy most and teachers find easiest to manage.

9. Communication and Transparency – Build Trust with Your Community

What it means: AI feels mysterious to many people. You need to explain what it is, how it’s used, and why it matters—in plain English.

Why it’s important: Parents, teachers, and boards want to know their students are safe and learning well. Trust is built through openness.

What to do:

• Create simple explainers: “What is AI and how is our school using it?”
• Offer Q&A sessions with parents.
• Celebrate AI successes and address concerns head-on.

Let’s Get Real: After a parent session, families feel more excited and less anxious about AI in school.

10. Future Thinking – Prepare for What’s Next

What it means: AI will reshape education and work. Leaders must anticipate the future, not just react to the present.

Why it’s important: Your students are preparing for jobs that don’t exist yet. Your school needs to teach future-ready skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and digital fluency.

What to do:

• Read reports from McKinsey, OECD, or World Economic Forum on the future of education.
• Introduce new subjects like digital citizenship or AI awareness.
• Build partnerships with universities or tech companies offering youth programs in innovation.

Let’s Get Real: You add a unit on “How to work with AI” in your careers or ICT curriculum.

🚀 Final Tip: You Don’t Have to Master It All Today

Start small.

Be curious.

Learn with your team.

As a leader, your job isn’t to be the AI expert, but to ask the right questions, enable the right conversations, and lead with a clear, informed purpose.

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