# AI in Schools Is Changing: What Leaders Need Now

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/ai-in-schools-is-changing-what-leaders-need-now
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/ai-in-schools-is-changing-what-leaders-need-now.md
Podcast: [Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators](https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439)
Published: 2026-06-22T14:20:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pod.shiftingschools.com/
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/f0d9c7/pdcn.co/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shiftingourschools/TJmix.mp3?dest-id=621226
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/episodes/ai-in-schools-is-changing-what-leaders-need-now
Duration seconds: 1059

## Resource

In this episode of Shifting Schools , Jeff and Tricia reflect on the 2025–2026 school year and what they are seeing as schools move into a more mature phase of AI work. The conversation moves beyond tools and prompt tips into the deeper questions now facing educators and school leaders: AI companions, student wellbeing, shadow AI use, schoolwide expectations, sustained professional learning, and the need to rethink pedagogy for a world shaped by information overload. Jeff and Tricia discuss why AI support in schools can no longer be limited to one-off workshops. They share what they are hearing from school leaders, counselors, teachers, support staff, and districts that are beginning to ask for longer-term help. The episode also explores why honest, nonjudgmental conversations matter, especially when students and adults are already using AI in personal, social, and emotional ways. 00:00 — Opening reflection on the 2025–2026 school year Jeff welcomes listeners and invites Tricia to reflect on the year in AI and schools. 00:37 — AI companions become a serious school conversation Tricia shares why this was the year more school leaders became open to talking about AI companions. 02:39 — Companionship, loneliness, and parasocial relationships Tricia connects AI companion use to broader human patterns of connection, including parasocial relationship theory. 04:54 — Why school counselors need to be part of the AI conversation Jeff and Tricia discuss students turning to AI for advice and support, and how counselors can respond without dismissing students' experiences. 06:23 — Shadow AI use in schools Jeff explains why schools need to name the AI use already happening among staff, students, and support teams. 08:58 — Honesty, openness, and nonjudgmental conversations Tricia hig…

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## Transcript

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