AI is changing the face of education—but are schools prepared for the ethical and legal challenges it brings? From student data privacy risks to the hidden costs of free AI tools, K-12 leaders are facing a rapidly evolving landscape. In this episode, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu sit down with Dr. Laura Spencer and Gretchen Shipley to discuss how schools can embrace AI responsibly without putting students, teachers, or institutions at risk.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• The biggest legal risks of AI in education—and how to avoid them
• Why “free” AI tools aren’t actually free (and what that means for schools)
• How to build AI policies that protect students while fostering innovation
• Why equity in AI matters—and how poor policies can widen opportunity gaps
• How early adopters can lead change safely
• Plus: Get an exclusive 50% discount on the AI Ethics Course for K-12 Leaders

Dr. Laura Spencer is the Chief Academic Innovation Officer at Elite Academic Academy and serves as Board President for Q (EdTech affiliation in California and Nevada). A 25-year education veteran and former Army service member, she began her career as a middle school English Language Arts teacher before transitioning into EdTech and IT director roles. Her expertise lies in the intersection of curriculum and innovation. Dr. Spencer is passionate about helping educators implement technology responsibly while maintaining educational effectiveness. She co-developed an AI ethics course for K-12 leaders, combining her practical experience in education technology with a focus on responsible innovation.

Gretchen Shipley is the Chair of the EdTech practice at Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost (F3 Law), where she has spent 25 years specializing in education law. She serves as general counsel for California IT and Education (CITE) and has carved out a niche focusing on student data privacy and education technology legal issues over the past decade. Shipley works with schools nationally on AI implementation, policy development, and contract negotiations with major tech companies. She is actively involved in creating model policies and legal frameworks for educational institutions, particularly in areas of emerging technology. She regularly presents at conferences and provides free legal resources through F3 Law's website to help schools navigate technology-related legal challenges.

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Other Resources:

• Dr. Laura Spencer on LinkedIn
• Gretchen Shipley on LinkedIn
• F3 Law Website
• F3 Law YouTube
• F3 Law Education Technology webpage
• Model AI Policy and other FREE AI in education available at http://F3law.com
• Gretchen and Laura's AI Course for listeners
  • And the 50% discount code for your listeners is "Learning" (capitalize the "L")
• Gretchen and Laura's AI Course for CUE Members
  • The code for CUE Members gives them 60% off if they are members - "CUElearning" -- the caps matter
• For other courses, visit aieducators.ai
• Alex Inman on LinkedIn
• Robert Cireddu on LinkedIn
• Educational Collaborators Website
• Educational Collaborators on LinkedIn
• EduTech Group Website
• STS Education Website
• STS Education on LinkedIn

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