Episode Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with education leader Monica Gilfillan to explore how rural schools can embrace artificial intelligence in a safe, ethical, and community-centered way. Monica, a former special education teacher turned edtech innovator, shares practical strategies for implementing AI that strengthen — not replace — the human relationships that define rural education.
Together, they discuss the concept of “walled gardens” for data safety, the importance of shared governance and teacher involvement, and how AI can ease educator workload while promoting creativity, personalization, and engagement. Monica also highlights real examples of community-driven AI initiatives and offers inspiring advice for rural leaders ready to take their first steps into the world of AI.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Rural Schools
01:52 Meet Monica Gillin: From Educator to AI Advocate
03:01 Safety First: Implementing AI with Guardrails
04:28 Practical AI Integration: Reducing Teacher Burden
07:25 Ethical AI Use: Questions Educators Should Ask
09:02 AI as a Thought Partner: Enhancing Teacher Creativity
12:32 Family and Community Engagement with AI
16:34 AI Tools for Efficiency in Rural Schools
18:35 Building a Shared Vision for AI Use
26:17 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community
29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Closing Summary:
This episode reminds us that technology should never replace the heart of rural education—it should strengthen it. Monica Gilfillan shows how rural schools can lead with safety, collaboration, and compassion when adopting AI. By keeping relationships at the center and giving educators, families, and students a shared voice, rural communities can turn AI into a bridge between innovation and belonging.