NAIS Perspectives on AI and Professional Development

Foundational Impact

Summary

Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), discusses the role of NAIS in supporting independent schools in the United States. She highlights the diverse membership of NAIS, which includes schools of various sizes and grade levels. Wilson explains the key areas of support provided by NAIS, such as serving as a trusted authority, providing a national and international network, and advocating for the independent school sector. She also discusses the importance of professional development for teachers, including the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Takeaways

• The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides support to independent schools in the United States, including serving as a trusted authority, providing a network, and advocating for the sector.
• NAIS offers resources and professional development opportunities for teachers, including exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
• School leaders should prioritise finding time for professional development and upskilling, even amidst other challenges, as AI and technology will shape the future of education.
• When considering AI tools and vendors, it is important to prioritise data privacy, security, and ethical considerations.
• Experimentation and incremental steps are key in integrating AI into schools, and school leaders should learn from early adopters and engage in thoughtful conversations about the implications of AI in education.

Debra Wilson Bio

In August 2023, Debra P. Wilson began her tenure as the ninth president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

From 2019 until 2023, Wilson served as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), where she led the organization through a period of growth and supported school leaders in her region through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her SAIS role followed 19 years at NAIS, first as assistant director of regulatory affairs and later as general counsel. In that capacity, she oversaw regulatory and advocacy work for the organization, supported schools in crises, advanced best practices in governance, and created dozens of legal advisories along with other informational resources. Before joining the NAIS staff, Debra was a tax litigator at the Department of Justice.

In addition to serving on the boards of several schools, Debra’s board service includes The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), and serving on the advisory board of National Network of Schools in Partnership (NNSP), a division of Close Up.

Speaking frequently on topics such as trends impacting education, leadership and governance, school safety and risk, and community health and well-being, Wilson is also co-author of the NAIS Trustee Handbook (10th and 11th editions).

Wilson received a B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She is a graduate of the Williams School, an independent school located on the campus of Connecticut College. She is an avid reader, photographer, and cook who loves to be outdoors.

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