December: Human-Centered AI, Classroom Innovation & Preparing Students for the Future with Dr. Diane Lauer

Exploration AI: Beyond the Algorithm

Episode: Human-Centered AI, Classroom Innovation & Preparing Students for the Future

Hosts: Courtney Groskin & Dr. Matt Moulton
Guest: Dr. Diane Lauer, Chief Academic Officer, St. Vrain Valley Schools

🌟 Episode Overview

In this December episode, Courtney and Matt kick off the month with energy, updates, and a powerful conversation about what it means to keep humans at the center of AI in education. They highlight innovative classroom practices, celebrate educators, preview the upcoming AI Summit, and talk about how schools can prepare students for a future where AI is ever-present.

🔔 Highlights & Key Segments ➡️ St. Vrain AI Summit — February 21

A district-wide, free event for educators, leaders, and staff to explore real-world AI applications in education.

• Hosted at Skyline High School

• Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Catlin Tucker

• Free lunch, prizes, and professional learning credit

• Opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and inspiration

🏆 December Student-Powered AI Challenge Winner: Alyssa McEvoy

The hosts celebrate Alyssa McEvoy, a 3rd-grade teacher at Eagle Crest, for her innovative vocabulary lesson using Gemini Storybook.
Why she won:

• Centered students in the creative process

• Used collaborative whiteboards and precise vocabulary

• Taught effective prompting skills — in third grade!

• Blended offline thinking with digital creation intentionally
  Alyssa receives $100 toward her classroom wish list.

Educators can apply monthly using the link on the December PDF.

🧡 Guest Interview: Dr. Diane Lauer — The “H” in ETHOS: Human-Centered

Dr. Lauer joins the podcast to unpack what it means to be human-centered in an AI-enabled district.

Key ideas:

• The human should always be in the driver’s seat

• AI should serve as a tool—not the decision-maker

• Intentional use matters: educators choose when to use AI and when not to

• Durable life skills (critical thinking, leadership, citizenship) remain essential

• Teachers should explore AI personally to deepen their professional practice

• Modeling curiosity and self-discipline sets the tone for students

Dr. Lauer shares her own practice: scheduling 15 minutes a week to try a new AI tool—whether for work or even baking Christmas cookies.

📰 AI in the News: Longmont Times-Call Article Recap

Matt highlights an article by Judith Kohler, “Navigating the Fast-Changing World of AI.”

Takeaways from CSU Global’s experience:

• Students feel pressure to stay relevant in rapidly evolving fields

• AI is transforming—not eliminating—most careers

• Repetitive tasks may be automated, but human interpretation and decision-making remain central

• Economic factors, not just automation, drive workforce changes

• AI literacy is becoming a basic requirement for future-ready careers

Courtney connects this back to St. Vrain's mission: giving students a strong competitive advantage by preparing them with ethical, critical, and creative AI skills.

Reflection questions based on the article will be included in this month’s PDF.

💭 Final Reflection

The episode closes with a powerful question for educators:
“How can I support students in preparing for a future-ready workforce?”

The hosts express gratitude for St. Vrain teachers and excitement for what’s ahead.

December PDF