On February 14, Shady Side Academy hosted a groundbreaking faculty in-service day dedicated to exploring artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in education. The day began with an engaging AI Summit, featuring a panel of speakers from diverse industries across Pittsburgh, who shared insights into how AI is transforming our world. Panelists included: 

• Christopher MacPherson – Lovelace AI & Lecturer, Keller Center, Princeton University
• Julia McDowell – Vice President of AI & Enterprise Analytics, Highmark Health
• Steve Wray – Executive Director, Block Center for Technology & Society, Carnegie Mellon University 

The morning discussions focused on AI’s transformative potential and its dual impact. While AI promises innovation across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and national security, it also raises challenges such as job displacement and ethical dilemmas. Speakers emphasized the importance of ethical AI use, data protection, and governance to ensure equitable benefits. They encouraged faculty to consider how tools like generative AI can enhance critical thinking and reshape educational approaches to prepare students for an AI-driven future. These themes laid the foundation for deeper conversations in the afternoon.

Building the Future with AI

In the afternoon, faculty gathered in Mellon Gym to reflect and collaborate in small groups. Discussions centered on aligning Shady Side Academy’s mission with the challenges and opportunities of AI. Educators shared what excites them about AI’s potential, their concerns, and the big questions they hoped to address. They explored strategies to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world, identifying short-term priorities for the next six to twelve months and long-term goals for the next one to three years.

Faculty also examined the broader implications of AI, balancing opportunities for innovation and enhanced learning with risks like ethical concerns and societal anxieties. These collaborative sessions emphasized actionable steps and ongoing support to integrate AI effectively into the educational framework, ensuring that collective ideas translate into meaningful outcomes.

Leading the Way

"Today’s in-service day was designed to spark curiosity and collaboration around artificial intelligence, helping our faculty explore its potential to transform education," said Jody Kokladas, Professional Development Program Director and organizer of the event. "By bringing together diverse perspectives and creating space for thoughtful dialogue, we are equipping our educators to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world while staying true to Shady Side’s mission of learning that moves with the world."

By dedicating a full day to understanding and embracing AI, Shady Side Academy reaffirmed its commitment to educational innovation. This in-service day inspired faculty to think critically about AI’s role in their professional lives and highlighted the Academy’s dedication to preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

Shady Side is embracing AI as a transformative tool for learning, ensuring that educators and students alike are ready to thrive in the age of innovation.