AI in School Leadership ​

Excellent Educator, Volume: 2, Issue: 23, Page: 8

Summary of Adams and Thompson (2025​)

This conceptual paper examines how AI may reshape school leadership roles using Huang & Rust’s theory of AI job replacement. The authors explain that AI tools already perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, report drafting, and data analysis. As capabilities expand, AI may support strategic decision-making, modelling scenarios, and synthesizing complex information for leaders.

These shifts can free principals to focus on mentoring teachers, building relationships, and shaping instructional culture. However, the authors warn of risks: excessive automation, erosion of human judgment, data-privacy threats, and reduced empathy in leadership practices.

They argue that school leaders must proactively shape AI adoption by establishing ethical guidelines, building AI literacy, and ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—human values. Leadership preparation programs must equip principals with skills to evaluate AI tools, manage data responsibly, and maintain relational leadership.

Implications for Practice

  1. Automate routine tasks while protecting human-centered leadership.
  2. Build AI-ethics frameworks for school management.
  3. Train leaders to interpret AI-generated data responsibly.
  4. Safeguard privacy, transparency, and staff trust.

Table 2.23.8

ItemDetails
ContextGlobal
DesignTheoretical
FocusLeadership & AI
ContributionAI-leadership framework

Reference
Adams, D., & Thompson, P. (2025). Transforming school leadership with artificial intelligence: Applications, implications, and future directions. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 24(1), 77–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2024.2411295

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). AI in School Leadership. Excellent Educator, 2(23), 8.

DOI
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