Episode 4 – Special Education Meets AI: A Conversation with Kevin Keating

Episode Description In this episode of Future-Proof Education: AI and Beyond, Kevin Keating, Director of Pupil Services at ACES, shares how AI is beginning to reshape special education. Drawing from years of experience as a special ed teacher and assistive tech consultant, Kevin offers practical insights on using AI to support teachers, personalize instruction, and ease administrative load—without losing the human connection that matters most. Key Topics Discussed: Addressing Staff Shortages with AI: How AI helps educators manage large caseloads and support diverse learners without replacing human expertise. Breaking Down Barriers to Adoption: Why many teachers are hesitant—and how small wins in lesson planning and differentiation can shift mindsets. Personalization and Inclusion: Real examples of AI being used to adapt content and bridge language gaps for multilingual students. Building Trust with Parents: The importance of clear, personal communication when introducing AI in special education settings. Ethics and Data Privacy: Best practices for protecting student information and using AI responsibly in schools. Advice for Schools: Start with the right people, the right use cases, and a commitment to keeping students at the center. Subscribe to Future-Proof Education for more grounded, human-first conversations on AI in K–12 schools.