AI in Action: What’s Working in the Field

About the Presenters

Dr. Jared Bloom spent the early part of his career gaining technological expertise, working in various expanding technology companies during the early dot-com era, before deciding on a career change. He started his teaching journey as an English teacher at Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn/Queens. He served in numerous public education roles, including teacher, department chair of English, director of technology and data, Title I coordinator, grant writer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and superintendent of schools. He was named the 2017 Administrator of the Year for Western Suffolk BOCES Model Schools and received the 2018 Public Service Award from the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. Dr. Bloom currently serves as Superintendent in the Franklin Square Union Free School District. He has also been an Adjunct Instructor at Hofstra University and has served in leadership roles for numerous national and state organizations.

Shaylia McRae brings more than 25 years of experience in public education to her role as Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Transformation for Hillsborough County Public Schools, the nation’s seventh-largest school district. Previously, as Chief of Transformation Network, she helped improve school grades at 41 of 46 schools and reduce the number of D- and F-rated schools by 83% between 2020 and 2022. Throughout her career, Shaylia has championed bold, innovative approaches that expand equitable access to high-quality instruction. She helped develop the Hillsborough Principal Pipeline, which prepares diverse and innovative school leaders, and the Student Success Program, which provided customized support to more than 6,600 at-risk students. A recognized leader in school turnaround, Shaylia holds degrees from the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University. Her work reflects her belief that every child can thrive in the right learning environment.

Dr. Debbie Durrence is Interim Chief Accountability Officer for Gwinnett County Public Schools, a diverse metro Atlanta district serving more than 180,000 students. She oversees student data management, data integration and governance, state and federal reporting, data privacy, and data systems and engineering. Previously, as Executive Director of Accountability and Assessment, she led the development and administration of the district’s assessment program, advanced staff assessment literacy, and supervised standardized testing. Dr. Durrence earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Georgia, where her research examined the effectiveness of technology training in K–12 settings. She has presented for organizations including the National Council on Measurement in Education, American Educational Research Association, 1EdTech, Qualtrics, Center for Assessment, and Ed-Fi Alliance. She currently serves on the 1EdTech Board of Directors and Qualtrics K–12 Advisory Board.

Dan Bridges has served as Superintendent of Naperville Community Unit School District 203 since 2012. He joined the district in 2011 as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, following an extensive career in educational leadership throughout Chicago’s western suburbs. Dan is committed to advancing achievement for every student, engaging the community, supporting diverse populations and inclusive practices, and communicating with openness and transparency. An active member of the Naperville community, he serves as a trustee of the Naperville Education Foundation and a board member of the Naperville Development Partnership. He also contributes to several community and youth-serving organizations, including Rotary Club of Naperville, KidsMatter, 360 Youth Services, and Little Friends. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Millikin University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University, and an Ed.S. in educational administration from Northern Illinois University.

About the Moderators

Dr. Jennifer Ferrari is a distinguished leader in the educational sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of education and business. As the CEO and President of the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI), she has married her extensive background in public education with her sharp business acumen to drive transformative solutions that meet the evolving needs of PK-12 education. Her leadership is characterized by a strategic blend of educational insight and business innovation, facilitating impactful collaborations between district leaders and industry experts to optimize product development and implement effective solutions in schools nationwide.

Before ascending to her current role, Dr. Ferrari served as the VP and chief schools officer for a pioneering education management organization, where she spearheaded strategic planning and organizational growth. Her 25-year public education background, spanning roles from middle school teacher to superintendent, with expertise in curriculum and instruction, leadership development, change management, and strategic planning, provides her with a unique perspective on the intersection of education and business, enabling her to lead with insight and innovation. Dr. Ferrari earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University in Chicago.

Jeff McCoy currently serves as the Chief Education Officer for the Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI), where he leads national engagement with district leaders to shape innovative K-12 solutions and provide thought partnerships for school district leaders. Prior to joining ERDI, Jeff spent over two decades with Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, one of the largest districts in the Southeast, serving as Associate Superintendent for Academics from 2015-2025. His leadership was instrumental in launching the district’s K-12 Literacy Framework, Virtual School, AI Implementation, and transformation frameworks.

Jeff has been nationally recognized for his impact, including being named one of District Administration’s Top 100 Most Influential Education Leaders and receiving the 1EdTech Leadership Award and RTM All Stars Award. He is a frequent national presenter on topics such as artificial intelligence in education, instructional transformation, instructional innovation, and educational equity. Jeff also serves on multiple national and regional boards focused on advancing education policy and practice.