Hungry Hippos: Organizing the Chaos of AI and Picking the Right Tools

When/Where:
,
Palm Springs Convention Center, Exhibit Hall Learning Lab 1

Strand
Leadership, Governance & Legal

Eligible for
Governance Training Certificate

If you are overwhelmed by AI options and need a plan that sticks, this session is for you. In this fast-paced, interactive session, we’ll help charter leaders cut through the noise and build a mindset to evaluate, select, and implement AI tools that solve real problems, to avoid chaos and burned dollars. You’ll leave with a customizable rubric for choosing AI software and a system to track all tech tools used across your organization. We’ll explore the "hungry hippo" of tech implementation, or how to sort through the noise to "eat" the right tools for your district to avoid "indigestion" and tech confusion. With shared learning from past mistakes (like failed 1-to-1 programs) and implementation of AI over the last few years in over 100 districts, we show how to create a culture of clarity, safety, and strategic use.

Presented by

Bradford Bookser

Director of Information Technology
Sage Oak Charter School

Brad Bookser is the Information Technology Director at Sage Oak Charter Schools, a fully virtual K–12 charter school serving over 5,200 students and 400 staff. With a focus on innovation, strategic planning, and practical implementation, Brad leads a cross-functional IT team that supports digital transformation and builds scalable, user-friendly solutions. At Sage Oak, Brad applies a creative approach that combines low-code tools, AI-assisted development, and structured planning to solve real-world problems. His recent work includes developing a custom AI chatbot and designing collaborative workflows that bridge the gap between vision and execution. Brad is especially passionate about making technology approachable, ethical, and aligned with educational goals. He regularly shares insights with fellow edtech leaders on how schools can use AI and automation to work smarter, stay focused, and build tools that truly support teaching and learning.

Christian Jackson

CEO
Edapt Schools

Christian Jackson is a Los Angeles-based creative technologist and the CEO of Edapt Schools. Recognized by the United Nations for creating impactful solutions, Christian has a passion for making complex technology approachable, relatable, and useful. With a background in computer science, he has collaborated with developers to tackle real-world problems head-on. Christian’s mission is to simplify technology for educators and leaders, turning digital buzz into everyday tools. His dynamic presentations have empowered over 13,500 individuals in the past two years, earning accolades for their clarity, relevance, and immediate applicability. Christian’s approach combines technical expertise with a teacher’s heart, ensuring that his audiences not only understand but also confidently implement new technologies in their respective fields.

Nathan Critchett

Head of Educational Services
Edapt Schools

Nathan Critchett is the course author behind Edapt’s AI in Education program, used by districts across California to roll out AI safely and effectively. After founding a company right out of college, Nathan learned to turn complex, technical concepts into simple, actionable systems. His background in entrepreneurship, curriculum design, and communication helps schools implement AI with clarity, confidence, and community trust.

Traci King

Principal
Sage Oak Charter School