Episode Summary:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with education leader Monica Gilfillan to explore how rural schools can embrace artificial intelligence in a safe, ethical, and community-centered way. Monica, a former special education teacher turned edtech innovator, shares practical strategies for implementing AI that strengthen — not replace — the human relationships that define rural education.Together, they discuss the concept of “walled gardens” for data safety, the importance of shared governance and teacher involvement, and how AI can ease educator workload while promoting creativity, personalization, and engagement. Monica also highlights real examples of community-driven AI initiatives and offers inspiring advice for rural leaders ready to take their first steps into the world of AI.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to AI in Rural Schools01:52 Meet Monica Gillin: From Educator to AI Advocate03:01 Safety First: Implementing AI with Guardrails04:28 Practical AI Integration: Reducing Teacher Burden07:25 Ethical AI Use: Questions Educators Should Ask09:02 AI as a Thought Partner: Enhancing Teacher Creativity12:32 Family and Community Engagement with AI16:34 AI Tools for Efficiency in Rural Schools18:35 Building a Shared Vision for AI Use26:17 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community29:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsClosing Summary:This episode reminds us that technology should never replace the heart of rural education—it should strengthen it. Monica Gilfillan shows how rural schools can lead with safety, collaboration, and compassion when adopting AI. By keeping relationships at the center and giving educators, families, and students a shared voice, rural communities can turn AI into a bridge between innovation and belonging.

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