Figuring it Out Together: AI in Education with Justin Bruno

In our latest episode of EDU Café, Kathryn sits down with Justin Bruno, Director of AI Strategy & Innovation at Oakland Schools, to explore what it really looks like to lead AI strategy across 28 school districts without pretending to have all the answers.Justin shares insights from his journey, starting with his work at Michigan Virtual to stepping into a brand-new leadership role focused on helping schools thoughtfully navigate AI’s rapid evolution.💡 In this episode, we discuss:What it means to build a regional AI strategy while honoring local contextWhy the best AI implementation starts with people, not toolsThe importance of metacognition when using AI in classrooms and leadershipBalancing innovation with equity, ethics, and human-centered valuesWhy curiosity, not fear, should guide experimentationJustin offers a refreshing and grounded perspective: AI should augment, not replace human expertise and relationships. Schools aren’t tech companies; they’re communities built to serve people. The question isn’t how fast we can move, but how thoughtfully we can integrate tools in ways that preserve trust, voice, and purpose.If you’re an educator, district leader, or education innovator trying to balance urgency with responsibility in the AI conversation, this episode is for you.🎧 Tune in to hear how one regional leader is building community, modeling curiosity, and helping 250,000+ learners and educators navigate what’s next.