Guiding AI Policy in Schools: An Ethical and Systems Thinking Approach

Presented by Dr. Karen Rezach, Director of The Ethics Institute, Kent Place School (NJ); and Lisa Yokana, Co-Founder and COO, Next World Learning Lab

Sponsored by The Ethics Institute at Kent Place School

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As AI tools become more accessible in schools, educators and leaders must navigate complex decisions about how these tools are used. This edWebinar offers a practical introduction to two essential frameworks: values-based ethical decision making and systems thinking.

Viewers explore a model for ethical reasoning grounded in school values such as equity, curiosity, and integrity—designed to support thoughtful decision making around AI use. The session then introduces systems thinking to help schools recognize themselves as dynamic ecosystems: where each change, such as integrating AI, influences a broader network of people, policies, technologies, and practices. Through this lens, viewers learn how to anticipate both intended and unintended consequences, identify all stakeholders—including students, families, staff, and non-human actors—and design policy that is reflective, inclusive, and adaptable.

Viewers leave with:

• A clear ethical framework for approaching AI-related dilemmas
• Tools to identify systemwide impacts and stakeholder perspectives
• A starting point for creating or refining AI use policies in their schools

Ideal for K-12 school leaders, instructional coaches, and educators, this edWebinar helps move from reactive to reflective policy making—centering human values and the complexity of school systems in the age of AI.

About the Presenters

Dr. Karen Rezach is the Founding Director of The Ethics Institute at Kent Place School. A leader in primary and secondary school ethics education, Dr. Rezach has been teaching and facilitating ethics workshops for students, parents, faculty, administrators, and private organizations for over 15 years. She has developed partnerships with leading ethical institutions, including The Hastings Center and Georgetown University’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics, to develop signature programs for high school students. Her doctoral research, Spiritual Leadership as a Model of Effective Leadership in Independent Schools, explores the ways that educators can bring values and moral awareness into non-sectarian settings. She has an M.Div. from Yale University and an Ed.D. from Seton Hall University. Dr. Rezach is the coach of the Kent Place High School Ethics Bowl Team.

Lisa Yokana is a career educator and educational consultant who specializes in innovation and entrepreneurship. As the Co-founder and COO at the Next World Learning Lab, Lisa designs transformative experiences that inspire educators and empower students to thrive in diverse and interconnected communities. Lisa was the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Coordinator at Scarsdale High School for 15 years, a Coach for IDEO’s Teachers Guild, and an author of curricula for outside organizations, including the U.S. History Advanced Placement course. She also co-instructs Project Zero/Harvard Graduate School of Education’s online class, Maker-Centered Learning. Lisa leads innovation education, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and maker workshops, and presents at conferences, encouraging educators to shift their practice.

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The Ethics Institute at Kent Place School focuses on promoting ethical thinking and decision-making among young girls in primary and secondary school. Its mission is to enhance the practice of ethical decision-making within school communities.