05 — Leading in the Age of AI

*A supplementary module on how to lead — yourself and others — through uncertainty about
the future, especially the changes brought by artificial intelligence. Built for
discussion. Contributed and donated by the Gillis Institute of AI.*

Format: 3 core lessons + a Friday Circle. Teach as a stand-alone module any time after Week 5, or weave the pieces into Week 12 (decision-making), Week 15 (ethics & integrity), and Week 17 (advocacy & systems).

Why this module exists

Students are growing up in a moment of real confusion about the future: AI can write,
code, draw, tutor, and decide — and no one can say exactly what work, school, or
citizenship will look like in ten years. That uncertainty is not a reason to avoid
leadership; it is the reason to teach it. Good leaders are most needed precisely when the
map runs out.

This module does not try to predict the future or teach any specific tool. It builds
the stance and skills a young person needs to lead well whatever comes next.

Essential questions

How do I lead myself and others when no one is sure what comes next?
What stays distinctly human when machines get more capable?
How do I use AI honestly, wisely, and in service of people — not instead of them?
What do I owe my community as these tools reshape it?

Enduring understandings

Uncertainty is a leadership condition, not an excuse. Leaders bring calm and

clarity when the path is unclear.

Values are the fixed point. Tools change fast; what you stand for shouldn't.
AI is a powerful tool, and tools need judgment. The responsibility for outcomes

stays with people.

The human core of leadership grows more valuable, not less — judgment, ethics,

empathy, sense-making, courage, and trust.

The leader's stance in confusing times

Move	What it sounds like	Why it works
Anchor in values	“Tools change; what I stand for doesn't.”	Gives a stable basis for decisions when facts are shifting.
Stay a learner	“I don't have to know everything to lead — I have to keep learning.”	Models the growth mindset the moment demands.
Bring calm & clarity	“Here's what we know, what we don't, and the next small step.”	Reduces fear; makes action possible.
Keep humans first	“Judgment, care, and responsibility stay with people.”	Keeps dignity and accountability where they belong.
Use AI honestly	“Disclose it, check it, own the outcome.”	Builds trust and models integrity.

What AI changes — and what stays human

AI can help with…	Leaders still own…
Drafting, summarizing, researching, generating options	Judgment about what actually matters
Speed and scale	Ethics and responsibility for the result
Finding patterns in data	Empathy and reading the room
Tireless iteration	Purpose, courage, and earned trust

Core idea for students: AI can widen your options and speed up your work. It cannot decide what is right, take responsibility, or care about people for you.

Using AI with integrity (student norms)

Co-create these with the class; a starter set:

Disclose it. Say when and how you used AI, the way you'd cite a source.
Check it. AI can be confidently wrong; verify facts before you rely on them.
Own it. You are responsible for anything you submit or decide, tool or no tool.
Protect people. Don't put others' private information into AI tools.
Keep your voice. Use AI to sharpen your thinking, not to replace it.
Watch for bias. AI reflects its data; ask who might be misrepresented or left out.

Standards crosswalk

CASEL 5: Responsible decision-making, Self-awareness, Social awareness.
C3 Framework (Civics): D2.Civ.7.9-12, D2.Civ.10.9-12, D2.Civ.14.9-12.
Common Core ELA: SL.9-12.1 (collaborative discussion), W.9-12.1 (argument),

RI.9-12.8 (evaluate reasoning/evidence).

AI / digital literacy: critical evaluation of AI output, responsible &

ethical use, understanding limits and bias.

Day 1 — The Map Runs Out

Objective: SWBAT describe why leadership matters more in uncertain times and name
the leader's stance they want to take.
Materials: Journals, chart paper, timer, sticky notes.

Block	Time	Plan
Do-Now	5	Journal: “One way AI makes me hopeful, one way it worries me.”
Mini-Lesson	10	Teach uncertainty as a leadership condition. Share a short real example of a leader who led well without knowing the outcome. Post the 5 stance moves.
Practice	25	Hopes & Fears wall: students post one hope + one fear. Cluster them. In pairs, pick one fear and answer: “What should a good leader do about that?” Chart responses.
Close	5	Exit ticket: “The leader I want to be when things are uncertain is ___.”

Day 2 — What Stays Human

Objective: SWBAT distinguish what AI can assist from what human leaders must own, and
draft class norms for using AI with integrity.
Materials: “AI can help / Leaders own” T-chart, scenario cards.

Block	Time	Plan
Do-Now	5	“Name a decision you would not want a machine to make for you. Why?”
Mini-Lesson	10	Walk the “What AI changes / what stays human” chart. Emphasize judgment, ethics, empathy, responsibility.
Practice	25	Scenario sort (groups): cards like “AI drafts your speech,” “AI ranks classmates,” “AI writes your apology,” “AI summarizes research.” Sort into Help / Own / Depends and defend. Then draft 4–6 class “Using AI with Integrity” norms.
Close	5	Each group shares one norm; teacher combines into a class draft.

Day 3 — Lead the Conversation

Objective: SWBAT facilitate and participate in a structured discussion on a real AI
dilemma, practicing calm, clarity, and listening.
Materials: Fishbowl chairs, discussion protocol, talking piece.

Block	Time	Plan
Do-Now	3	“What makes a discussion feel safe enough to change your mind?”
Set-up	4	Review fishbowl norms; assign first 5 speakers + 1 student facilitator.
Fishbowl	25	Prompt options: “Should our school allow AI on assignments — and how?” or “What's one way our community could use AI for good, and what would we guard against?” Rotate speakers; outer circle takes notes on strong leadership moves.
Debrief	8	Name the facilitation and listening moves that worked. Tie back to the stance.
Close	5	Exit: “One principle I'll lead by as AI changes things: ___.”

Day 4 (optional) — Friday Circle: My Stance

Students present a 60-second “AI & Me: A Leader's Stance” statement: one value they'll
anchor to, one way they'll use AI with integrity, and one way they'll help others through
the change. Circle closes with appreciations.

Dimension (1–4 each)	Look-fors
Values clarity	Names a real value and why it anchors them.
Human/AI judgment	Distinguishes what they'll do vs. what they'll let AI assist.
Integrity	Commits to honest, responsible AI use.
Service	Says how they'll help others through the change.

Differentiation

Foundational: sentence frames for the stance statement; choose from provided

scenario cards; may present to one partner instead of the class.

Core: as written.
Stretch: facilitate the Day 3 fishbowl; research and bring one real news example of

AI helping or harming a community, and lead a mini-analysis.

Sub Plan

Students journal on the four essential questions, read the “Using AI with integrity” norms,
and write a one-paragraph response to: *“What's one thing a good leader should always do,
no matter how technology changes?”* Collect for the portfolio.

Discussion question bank

What can a leader offer that a machine never will?
When is using AI a shortcut that helps — and when is it one that cheats you or others?
How should we treat people whose jobs or skills are affected by AI?
Who should be “in the room” when decisions about AI get made in our school or town?
What would it look like to be honest about using AI on your work?
How do you stay hopeful and calm when the future feels uncertain?

<sub>Contributed and donated by the Gillis Institute of AI — Heritage Inspires ·
Intelligence Advances · Future Leads.</sub>