January 15, 2026

Dear Educator,

Many of us—as educators, leaders, and organizations—are actively rethinking the role of teaching. The rapid rise of AI makes this work even more urgent.

I have the honor of being part of ED3DAO’s Portrait of a Teacher in the Age of AI, and one of the greatest gifts of this work has been learning alongside an incredible advisory council. Through our research, dialogue, and shared inquiry, it’s become clear that many of our existing frameworks don’t fully capture what’s happening in classrooms today.

In a recent small-group conversation, Vriti Saraf, Nate McLennen, and I reflected on how teachers are actually using AI—and why traditional ways of discussing the SAMR model no longer feel sufficient. What surfaced was a critical insight: Redefinition is no longer inherently positive.

With AI, “redefinition” can either expand learning, deepen thinking, and strengthen relationships—or unintentionally diminish agency, creativity, and human connection. The tool alone doesn’t determine the outcome. The impact does.

In this week's Bright Spot, I want to dive a bit deeper into this tension.

With Gratitude,

Adding a Second Axis to the SAMR Model

We just published a new blog arguing that the SAMR model needs a second axis—positive vs. negative impact—to better evaluate AI’s role in teaching and learning.

AI’s place in education is nuanced. Its value depends on whether it:

• Fosters meaningful relationships,
• Deepens student thinking, and/or
• Expands access and opportunity...

…rather than replacing the very interactions that make learning human.

This reframing shifts the conversation from “What are teachers using AI for?” to “What impact is AI having on learners and learning?”—and that feels like a far more important question.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. How might this reframing be helpful in your context? What examples—positive or cautionary—are you seeing as AI reshapes teaching and learning?

It is critical for learners to develop skills and competencies in authentic contexts where they solve problems that matter to them. This tool is designed to support teams in developing plans for advancing learners through an Authentic Learning continuum, from connection (transactional engagements with the community) to empowerment (authenticity is embedded in learning). Access the tool here.

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

📖 Rethinking SAMR in the Age of AI: Why the Model Needs a Second Axis. "A two-axis SAMR model acknowledges the complexity of teacher practice, respects the diverse contexts educators navigate, and centers human judgment as the defining variable." See the second axis in action.

📖 The Power of Why: How Assessment Philosophies Drive Calibration for Meaningful Change. "Calibration allows assessment to serve its most powerful purpose: communicating a trustworthy picture of what students know and can do and the next steps to support their growth." Start calibrating.

🤝 How to Develop Classroom Agreements With Learners. "In contrast to the teacher presenting the rules to learners, a collaborative agreement can be created with learners, allowing them to shape their learning community together. Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners." View examples here.