AI For Equity Explorers Cohort

AI Explorers Cohort

A community of practice focused on effective AI use in schools.

In fall 2023, AI for Equity launched the first round of learning consortiums geared toward supporting CMOs as they work toward implications of AI across all functions of a school system (and levels – systems, operations, into the classroom).

Upon reflecting on the learnings gathered from this founding cohort, the value proposition remains - there is clearly a need and interest in supporting more leaders across CMOs in wrestling with the work of ethical AI integration in schools. AI for Equity and Hendy Avenue Consulting are eager to continue their partnership and launch additional pathways that lead to more CMOs entering a space where learning, conversation, and planning related to AI adoption in their schools can begin.

Designed in partnership with

AI for Equity supports district and charter network partners that collectively serve over 300,000 students nationwide. On behalf of our partners we research, develop resources, and facilitate communities of practice. Our work is exclusively led by leaders with deep, firsthand experience as teachers and leaders in school networks serving students furthest from opportunity.

Cohort Experience Objectives

Participation in the AI Explorers Cohort includes one community of practice (COP), meeting monthly, virtually, for 60 mins within the work day.

This COP is targeted at the most senior network executive (ED, CEO, Superintendent, etc.) or a C- suite designee of the most senior executive. This COP will convene five times, with monthly convenings September-January for the fall cohort or January-May for the spring cohort. Networks that successfully complete this cohort will be eligible to join the “AI Exemplars” cohort.

At the end of the 5-month AI Explorers Cohort Experience, participants will have...

begun to build out their own AI acumen and leadership literacy
wrestled with the key questions around the ethics of AI in education
considered the implications of AI on talent, academics, system infrastructure, policy, etc.
identified people within their orgs to lift up, who are interested leading/piloting

...and will be ready to launch an organization-specific task force!

Apply to the AI Explorers Cohort

AI Explorers | an ongoing learning experience

Following the completion of the AI Explorers Cohort, organizations will participate in the AI for Equity Exemplars Communities of Practice which include participants from your organization in each of the working groups each month in fall of 2025.

Meet Our Facilitator

Rachel Modica-Russell

Hendy Avenue Consultant

Rachel Modica-Russell chose to join Hendy not only because she fervently believes in the team’s potential to impact the education sector through their research-based and thoughtful work in talent strategy, strategic planning, leadership development, and programmatic support; she herself has experienced the quality of partnership and depth of expertise present on the Hendy team as a past Chief Talent Officer (CTO) cohort member.

More About Rachel

Prior to joining Hendy, Rachel spent five years as the Managing Director of Talent for Explore Schools, a network of eight public charter schools across Brooklyn serving students in K-8th grade. In her role, Rachel shepherded work across all talent functions at Explore Schools, and worked in lockstep with school and network-based leadership on recruitment, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging work, staff retention, and people development efforts for their 300+ community members. As Managing Director of Talent at Explore Schools, Rachel spearheaded exciting initiatives and programming such as a staff mentorship program, revising the organization’s approach to compensation, and building a career advancement policy and pathway protocol anchored in more equitable and transparent talent practices.

Rachel could not be any more excited to work alongside other members of the Hendy team to set adults up for success by way of developing smart, strategic people-focused infrastructure and initiatives to drive talent management and people development in schools.

Before working for Explore Schools as Managing Director of Talent, Rachel was a staff member at Uncommon Schools for over 5 years, first as a teacher, and closed out her time with them as Senior Associate Director of Recruitment where she led recruitment for both their Brooklyn and Troy-based regions. Returning to Explore Schools in 2018 was a full-circle moment for Rachel, as Explore is the very organization (Explore Schools) she began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps member and K-2 teacher.

Rachel received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Teacher U - Hunter College and holds undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon. After 14 years in Brooklyn, NY, Rachel and her wife and two children made the move back to Oregon to be closer to family. So far, so good :).

Who Should Apply

We are seeking EDs/CEOs who are interested in learning about AI and and at the beginning of their vision-setting for AI work in their organizations. Applicants must commit to attending all meetings.

This cohort is a good fit for those:

early in their exploration of AI
whose primary focus areas are building the AI literacy of the network’s most senior leader and making progress on key, strategic organizational AI priorities.

Ready to Apply?

Complete a short application form, and someone will be in touch with you shortly! If you have questions about the AI Explorers cohort, please reach out to rachelmodicarussell@hendyavenue.com

Apply Now

Email Rachel