The Principal’s Role in Equitable Ed Tech

I think back to my time leading a school and what passed for ed tech; today, its capabilities are much more advanced. But the underlying issues remain the same: School leaders then—as they do now—had to consider issues such as budget limitations, resistance to change, accessibility, data privacy, professional development, and cybersecurity.

We now live in an era in which technology permeates every aspect of our lives, and the education sector, in particular, stands at a critical juncture. The integration of cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize teaching methods and affect student outcomes, but this digital transformation brings with it a host of challenges that demand our careful consideration.

Empowering Educators

AI has immense potential to enhance teacher efficacy, freeing up valuable time for educators to focus on what matters most: nurturing young minds. A new CoSN report, “AI and Accessibility in Education,” supports this notion. Exploring the transformative potential of AI to enhance educational accessibility and support for students (particularly those with disabilities), researchers found that:

AI tools can significantly improve personalized learning by tailoring educational content to meet the unique needs and preferences of each student.

AI can alleviate teacher burnout by automating administrative tasks such as grading and attendance tracking, allowing educators to focus more on direct student interaction and support.

But these new capabilities come with challenges and risks. Principals must consider data privacy concerns, algorithmic biases, and limitations in personalized learning when incorporating AI into everyday education.

Prioritizing Student Outcomes

The digital divide has long affected students in terms
of educational equity. As schools increasingly leverage technology, students without access risk falling further behind. Addressing this disparity isn’t only about providing devices; it’s also about ensuring, at the very least:

• Reliable internet access for all students;
• Digital literacy training for students, school faculty, staff, and families; and
• Culturally responsive tech integration that considers diverse learning needs.

The School Leader’s Role

When we speak with NAESP members, we hear that they believe schools must adapt to changing technologies rather than avoid them. School leaders are on the front lines of innovation, and they never fail to meet challenges head-on. If an emerging technology can produce improved outcomes in a school community, principals will learn how to mitigate the risks and challenges to enhance student learning and teacher efficacy.

As we stand on the brink of an educational technology revolution, we must proceed with both enthusiasm and caution. NAESP is here to help school leaders with an array of professional learning opportunities and resources. As you navigate the ed tech terrain, NAESP is adapting and evolving alongside you.

I want to personally extend an invitation to join us in Seattle for the UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership July 11–13, 2025. Among the many strands of learning will be sessions on implementing instructional technology, navigating AI tools, and promoting digital citizenship to boost ed tech outcomes.

We’re in this together, and I hope to see you in Seattle this summer!

L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, is executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.