Trailblazing AI Literacy: Connor Mulvaney’s Rural Classroom Revolution

Montana science teacher and district AI lead Connor Mulvaney joins host Lydia Kumar to share how he turned fishing photos, traffic-light rubrics, and a healthy dose of curiosity into AI leadership in Montana and across the nation. Fresh off announcing aiEDU’s largest Trailblazers Fellowship expansion, Connor shares stories about leading students and educators to responsible AI adoption.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Break-the-Ice Questions – Three questions that instantly surface student misconceptions (and enthusiasm) about AI. Fake Fish, Real Ethics – Using deepfake trout to spark serious debate on consent, bias, and digital citizenship. Trailblazers 2.0 – What’s inside the 10-week fellowship (virtual sessions, $875 stipend, national recognition) and why rural teachers asked for it. This episode is for K-12 educators, district leaders, and mission-driven education organizations who want to shift AI conversations from fear and plagiarism to possibility and purpose.