Leadership Spotlight: Dawn Carrera Berkeley on Ed Tech, AI, and Relationships

Talking Technology with ATLIS

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How do technology leaders navigate the constantly shifting sands of ed tech (especially with disruptive new technologies)? How do you communicate the value and intricacies of your work? Moreover, how is emerging technology like AI integrated effectively into the classroom, and what role do personal relationships play in the successful implementation of such technology in education? We tackle these questions and more with today’s guest, Dawn Carrera Berkeley, the Director of Educational Technology at St. Albans School in Washington, DC.

This episode opens with co-host Christina Lewellen humorously sharing her family's perception of her role: "My parents and my children have no idea what I do for a living." Co-host Hiram Cuevas, joins in and adds, "I think they think I turn it off and turn it back on again." This introduction playfully highlights the common misconceptions surrounding the complexity of ed tech roles, especially in independent schools.

Next, the co-hosts explore Dawn Carrera Berkeley's journey from aspiring to a career in medicine to her eventual calling in education, beginning in public schools and later transitioning to independent schools. She recounts her experiences and challenges in integrating technology into education, notably as the iPad coordinator for a large school district. A significant aspect of Berkeley's narrative is the importance of relationships in her work, as she emphasizes, "I try to approach my work from a relationship standpoint." This point is further echoed by Cuevas, who notes the importance of understanding classroom dynamics: "So many folks could actually benefit from that, who are new to leadership positions in schools... It’s so important to get in the classrooms, and actually watch what’s going on and see how the curriculum unfolds."

Berkeley discusses the intricacies of navigating emerging technologies like AI in education. She remarks on her cautious yet open approach: "We're not always first out the gate with the shiny things." Her practicality is evident as she talks about evaluating the educational impact of technology: "How do we respond to [AI]? What should our response be? We need to think critically about how we assess. How do we measure the impact on learning?" Co-host Bill Stites resonates with this sentiment, highlighting the unique pace of change in schools: “I think in schools, particularly independent schools, you need to kind of take a moment, take a breath, slow down, and just have the conversations and then move from there."

Throughout the podcast, Berkeley's commitment to using resources strategically shines through. She states, "I have to make sure that I'm thoughtfully using what we have and not being wasteful," demonstrating her efficient management style. Berkeley also emphasizes the importance of staying current in the fast-evolving field of educational technology. She shares, "I listen to a lot of LinkedIn courses... a lot of them are in tech in business.”

The podcast concludes by highlighting the future of ed tech, focusing on its alignment with independent school missions. Berkeley reflects on her dual role as an ed tech leader and parent, "I want my kids to be protected," underscoring the depth of responsibility in her position. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the blend of skills, relationships, and foresight that are pivotal in driving innovation at independent schools. A critical combination of innovation, empathy, and strategic planning is necessary in modern ed tech leadership.

Resources

• BUILD program at St. Christopher's School
• Connect with Dawn Carrera Berkeley on LinkedIn

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