AI-First Charter Schools: From Vision to Daily Practice
When/Where:
,
Palm Springs Convention Center, Mesquite C
Format
Breakout Session
What if AI wasn’t an add-on, but the foundation of how a charter school runs? In this session, Dan Whitlock—former school administrator and current Technology Innovation Lead at Navigator Schools—shares a bold vision for building "AI-First" charter schools designed around personalization, efficiency, and equity.
Using real-world examples from Navigator’s active pilots, Dan will outline how AI is streamlining curriculum design, supercharging teacher capacity, and creating dynamic systems for student support. The session will cover best practices for responsibly implementing AI tools, training staff without overwhelming them, and aligning AI use with a charter's mission.
Participants will walk away with practical frameworks, data from in-school pilots, and an implementation toolkit to begin or accelerate their own AI journey. Whether just exploring AI or ready to scale, this session will help leaders move from curiosity to confident action—without losing the human touch that defines great charter schools.
Presented by
Daniel Whitlock
Instructional Technology Lead
Navigator Schools
Dan Whitlock is a K–12 education leader with a decade of experience and a passion for using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to transform student learning. As a former school administrator and current Lead of Instructional Technology and AI Systems Integration at Navigator Schools, Dan leads network wide initiatives that personalize learning, streamline operations, and empower educators—not replace them. From AI-driven tutoring to full-stack app development, Dan has created and implemented tools that adapt to diverse student needs while reducing teacher workload. His work has helped cut administrative time by up to 42%, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and connection. A strong advocate for ethical and responsible AI use, Dan also designs professional development that prepares educators to harness these tools confidently and effectively.
When/Where:
,
Palm Springs Convention Center, Mesquite C
Format
Breakout Session
