Technology Tools
AI for School Leaders: A Pathway to Wellness and Productivity
Vickie Echols
Educator and Author
Topics
Educators often take advantage of educational technologies as they make the shifts in instruction, teacher roles, and learning experiences that next gen learning requires. Technology should not lead the design of learning, but when educators use it to personalize and enrich learning, it has the potential to accelerate mastery of critical content and skills by all students.
AI can never replace the human elements of leadership—empathy, vision, and relationships—but it can elevate our ability to focus on them.
The world of education is evolving rapidly, and with it, the role of school leaders is becoming increasingly complex. Balancing high academic expectations, administrative duties, and the well-being of staff and students can be overwhelming. In my years as an educator, campus principal, and district director, I constantly sought ways to improve efficiency and create a healthier school culture.
When I discovered artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, it was a game-changer. AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about transforming the way we lead, collaborate, and support well-being in our schools.
The Intersection of AI, Leadership, and Well-Being
My recent book, AI for School Leaders, was born out of a desire to help educators leverage AI to enhance productivity while fostering a culture of wellness. AI offers practical solutions to alleviate the administrative burdens that often consume up to 60 percent of a school leader’s time. Tasks like budget management, personnel paperwork, and crafting communication materials can be streamlined, freeing up time for meaningful human connections.
The five themes I explore in the book are directly tied to research-backed strategies for effective school leadership:
Collaborative Decision-Making – AI can facilitate structured brainstorming and decision-making processes, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Supportive Relationships and Trust – AI-assisted communication tools can help leaders craft thoughtful messages, provide structured feedback, and recognize staff achievements in meaningful ways.
Personalized Professional Development – AI can curate professional learning opportunities tailored to an educator’s needs and goals.
Data Analysis and School Improvement – AI simplifies data interpretation, allowing leaders to make informed decisions quickly.
Parent and Community Engagement – AI-generated insights and communication tools can strengthen partnerships with families and stakeholders.
Practical AI Strategies for Wellness
One of my favorite strategies from the book is using AI to create a Wellness Wish List. Leaders can prompt AI to generate fun, low-stress ways to build a positive work environment and check off activities throughout the year. Another simple yet effective use is AI-assisted communication—crafting more engaging and empathetic emails, thank-you notes, and announcements, ensuring messages align with the school’s culture and values.
AI also plays a role in supporting mental health. By reducing time spent on tedious tasks, leaders can dedicate more energy to meaningful interactions with staff and students. AI can assist in structuring restorative practices, helping facilitate discussions that strengthen school culture. It’s not about replacing human connection but enhancing it.
The Future of AI in Education
We are at a turning point. AI is here to stay, and rather than resisting it, school leaders must learn how to harness its power responsibly. AI can never replace the human elements of leadership—empathy, vision, and relationships—but it can elevate our ability to focus on them. I was reading an article recently where the author wrote, “Let’s automate the mundane, so we can elevate the human!” By embracing AI thoughtfully, we can create schools where productivity and well-being coexist. The journey starts with curiosity and a willingness to explore. I invite all school leaders to dive in, experiment, and discover how AI can make their work more effective and fulfilling.
Photo at top by Allison Shelley for EDUimages, CC BY-NC 4.0.
More from Vickie: Are You an Educator on Fire? AI Can Help You Chill Out - See examples to help you get started using generative AI tools.
Vickie Echols
Educator and Author
Vickie Echols is a retired school leader and current school transformation coach with Wellness for Educators. She is the author of AI for School Leaders, which explores practical strategies for using AI to enhance leadership, productivity, and well-being in education.
