Why Skepticism Contributes to Effective AI Integration with Zach Kennelly

In this episode of The AI Educator, Andrea Claver from EDSAFE AI speaks with Zach Kennelly, Senior Manager of STEM, AI, and Partnerships at DSST Public Schools. Zach discusses a "human-centered, AI-leveraged" approach, exploring how students can use technology as a tool to drive real-world impact in their communities while prioritizing their own unique creativity. He addresses the paradox of trust in technology, explaining why maintaining low trust in AI outputs is actually the key to fostering greater human accountability and better results. Drawing on his background as a civics teacher, Zach urges educators to "act or be acted upon," emphasizing that school leaders must lean into the discomfort of the unknown to ensure education experts—rather than just tech companies—are the ones shaping the future of learning.