From AI skeptic to creating personalised learning experiences at speed, with Matt Tonkin

In this episode of Trailblazing Schools, Trudy speaks with Matt Tonkin about how AI is transforming his approach to teaching and leadership in a special school setting. Discover practical ways to leverage AI for personalised learning, time-saving, and supporting students with diverse needs. Resources: Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/  Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox  Trudy Graham acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which she lives and is recording today, the Darumbal people, and pay my respect to elders past and present, for they hold a deep and continuing connection to the land, sea, and sky. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt and his work in special education 04:11 Using AI to create personalized stories and activities for students 05:54 The impact of AI on student engagement and learning 08:01 Leadership challenges and mental health in schools 10:00 The role of gender and role modeling in education 12:04 Using AI to support staff and streamline tasks 13:55 Adapting leadership style in response to pressures 15:58 The mental health toll of working in special education 18:00 The influence of stress and health on staff and parents 20:00 Matt’s journey from skepticism to AI advocate 21:48 Practical examples of AI in daily school tasks 23:57 Creating SMART goals and support resources with AI 25:58 Engaging students with AI-generated activities 28:02 The quick and personalized resource creation process 30:04 Student engagement and confidence building through AI 31:56 Time savings in report writing and planning 34:10 Supporting ESL teachers and reducing workload 35:56 Getting started with AI in schools and leadership 38:05 Matt’s personal insights and secret spots in his area 38:58 Books, films, and active relaxation strategies AI in education, special education, leadership, personalized learning, time-saving tools, teaching with AI, mental health in schools, innovative leadership