From Goldman Sachs to AI Trailblazing: How Monica Marquez Is Transforming Education with Artificial Intelligence

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancement of AI in education? Are your teachers resistant to embracing new technologies that seem both promising and threatening? You’re not alone. Across districts nationwide, educators are grappling with how to meaningfully integrate artificial intelligence into their classrooms while maintaining the human connections that make teaching special.

In episode 77 of The Jeff Bradbury Show, I had the privilege of speaking with Monica Marquez, a former Goldman Sachs leader who has become a pioneering force in AI implementation for education. Her journey from corporate finance to educational innovation offers powerful insights for schools navigating this technological revolution.

The truth is clear: AI isn’t just another tech trend that will fade away. It’s fundamentally reshaping our world, including how we teach and learn. But as Monica powerfully articulated during our conversation, the goal isn’t to replace teachers with technology. Rather, it’s to enhance what educators do best by freeing them from routine tasks and amplifying their uniquely human abilities.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for overcoming AI resistance in your school, implementing AI tools that truly enhance learning, and maintaining the irreplaceable human elements of education. Let’s dive in.

Breaking Through AI Resistance in Schools

One of the most significant challenges Monica identified is the resistance many educators feel toward incorporating AI into their teaching practice. This hesitation is understandable, especially considering the rapid pace of technological change and the valid questions about AI’s role in education.

When I work with schools, I often see teachers who are simply afraid of AI. They don’t know where to start, they worry about being replaced, or they’re overwhelmed by all the options. The key is helping them see that AI is a tool to enhance their teaching, not replace their expertise.

Monica emphasized that this resistance typically stems from several key factors:

Understanding the Root Causes of AI Resistance

• Fear of being replaced by technology
• Uncertainty about how to effectively implement AI tools
• Concerns about maintaining authentic human connections with students
• Overwhelm from the rapid pace of technological change
• Worries about student privacy and data security

To address these concerns effectively, Monica suggests starting with honest conversations about what AI can and cannot do in educational settings. She recommends creating safe spaces where teachers can voice their concerns without judgment and explore AI tools in low-stakes environments.

AI won’t replace teachers, but teachers who use AI will replace those who don’t. The key is understanding that AI should enhance human capabilities, not substitute for them.

Strategies for Building AI Confidence Among Educators

Based on Monica’s insights, here are practical approaches for building AI confidence in your school community:

1. Start with a needs assessment: Before introducing any AI tools, identify specific pain points in your teachers’ workflow that technology might address. When educators see AI solving real problems they face daily, resistance naturally decreases.
2. Create collaborative learning communities: Establish small groups where teachers can explore AI tools together, sharing discoveries and troubleshooting challenges. This peer support reduces the isolation that can make technological change feel overwhelming.
3. Celebrate early adopters: Identify teachers who are already experimenting with AI and create opportunities for them to share their successes with colleagues. These internal champions often communicate the benefits of new technology more effectively than outside experts.
4. Frame AI as augmentation, not replacement: Consistently emphasize that the goal is to use AI for tasks that computers do well (organization, basic feedback, content generation) while preserving the uniquely human aspects of teaching (relationship building, complex feedback, moral guidance).

Monica shared a powerful example from a district she worked with where initial AI resistance was particularly strong:

We started by having teachers identify just one administrative task that took time away from student interaction. For some, it was creating differentiated reading lists, for others, it was providing basic feedback on drafts. We showed them how AI could handle these specific tasks, freeing up more time for the human connections they valued most. Within weeks, these same resistant teachers were coming to us asking to learn more.

Practical AI Implementation Strategies for Education

Moving beyond resistance to actual implementation requires thoughtful planning and strategic execution. Monica shared several actionable approaches for introducing AI into educational settings in ways that truly enhance teaching and learning.

Start Small and Build Confidence

The most successful AI implementations begin with small, manageable steps rather than wholesale transformations. Monica recommends:

• Begin with simple AI tools that solve immediate problems for teachers
• Focus on applications that reduce administrative burden rather than changing instructional practices initially
• Provide adequate time for educators to experiment and gain confidence before expanding use

When teachers experience quick wins with technology that makes their lives easier, they’re naturally more open to exploring further possibilities. Success builds on success.

Consider starting with these entry-level AI applications:

1. Automated administrative tasks: Tools that help with grading multiple-choice assessments, taking attendance, or organizing digital materials
2. Content generation assistants: AI that helps create differentiated learning materials, writing prompts, or lesson plan outlines
3. Personalized reading recommendations: Systems that suggest texts based on student reading levels and interests
4. Basic feedback tools: Applications that provide initial feedback on grammar, structure, or formatting before teacher review

Focus on Strategic Professional Development

Monica emphasized that the way professional development is structured significantly impacts AI adoption. Traditional one-size-fits-all training sessions often fall short when it comes to technology integration.

Instead, she recommends creating structured learning opportunities where teachers can:

• Experiment with AI tools in low-stakes environments
• Receive personalized support based on their comfort level and subject area
• Share successful implementation strategies with colleagues
• Reflect on both successes and challenges in supportive communities

The most successful AI adoption happens when teachers have adequate time to learn and apply new tools gradually, rather than feeling pressured to transform their practice overnight. Think evolution, not revolution.

Monica shared a practical PD model that has proven particularly effective:

1. Introduce one tool with clear benefits: Begin with a single AI application that addresses a specific pain point.
2. Provide structured exploration time: Allow teachers to experiment with the tool using their own content and needs.
3. Facilitate peer sharing: Create opportunities for teachers to share how they’ve adapted the tool for their specific context.
4. Support iterative improvement: Schedule follow-up sessions where teachers can troubleshoot challenges and share advanced applications.
5. Document and celebrate impact: Collect evidence of how the tool is saving time or enhancing learning.

Develop Clear AI Guidelines and Ethics

As schools adopt more AI tools, establishing clear guidelines becomes increasingly important. Monica recommends developing frameworks that address:

• Appropriate uses of AI by both teachers and students
• Data privacy considerations and compliance with relevant regulations
• Ethical considerations around AI-generated content
• Balance between AI assistance and authentic student work
• Transparency with stakeholders about how and why AI is being used

The schools that navigate AI most successfully are those that have thoughtfully considered not just how to use these tools, but when, why, and with what guardrails in place.

Maintaining the Human Element in an AI-Enhanced Classroom

Perhaps most importantly, Monica addressed the concern that AI might diminish the human connections that are central to effective teaching. She offered several strategies for ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces these essential relationships.

The goal of AI in education should never be to replace human interaction. Instead, it should free teachers from routine tasks so they can focus more deeply on the relationships and higher-order thinking skills that only humans can nurture.

Redefining the Teacher’s Role in an AI-Enhanced Environment

Monica suggests viewing AI as a partner that handles the predictable aspects of education, allowing teachers to focus on the unpredictable, creative work of connecting with students as individuals.

This perspective shift involves:

• Identifying which tasks truly benefit from human judgment and which can be handled by AI
• Investing the time saved through automation into deeper student relationships
• Using AI to identify patterns that might not be immediately visible to teachers
• Leveraging technology to create more opportunities for personalized interaction

I often ask educators to imagine what they would do if they had an extra hour each day. The answers always revolve around more meaningful student interactions, more creative lessons, more personalized feedback. AI can help make that hypothetical hour a reality.

Practical Examples of Human-AI Partnership in Education

Monica shared several compelling examples of schools that have effectively balanced AI efficiency with human connection:

1. Essay feedback partnerships: AI provides initial feedback on technical elements (grammar, structure, citation format) while teachers focus on deeper aspects (creativity, critical thinking, nuanced understanding).
2. Differentiated learning pathways: AI helps identify skill gaps and suggest personalized learning materials, while teachers provide motivation, context, and connections across subjects.
3. Content creation collaboration: Teachers use AI to generate initial lesson materials and assessment options, then apply their expertise to customize these resources for their specific students’ needs and interests.
4. Data-informed relationship building: AI analyzes patterns in student work to highlight areas where teacher intervention would be most valuable, allowing for more targeted and meaningful human connections.

One particularly powerful example Monica shared involved a high school English department:

The teachers were spending hours providing technical feedback on drafts, leaving little time for meaningful discussions about ideas and critical thinking. By implementing an AI writing assistant for first-round feedback, they freed up enough time to introduce one-on-one writing conferences with every student. The technology didn’t replace their expertise—it amplified it by creating space for the high-impact interactions they’d always wanted to have.

Looking Forward: The AI-Enhanced Educational Future

What might the future look like when AI is thoughtfully integrated into education? Monica painted an inspiring picture of possibilities that maintain the essential human elements while leveraging technology’s unique strengths.

Potential Benefits of Thoughtful AI Integration

• Students receive more personalized learning experiences tailored to their unique needs
• Teachers have more time for meaningful interactions and creative teaching approaches
• Administrative burdens are reduced, allowing educators to focus on what matters most
• Data-informed insights help identify and address learning gaps early
• Greater equity through more consistent access to high-quality learning experiences

The real magic happens when we stop thinking about AI as either a threat or a silver bullet, and instead view it as a collaborative partner in the educational process. The question isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it in service of our deepest educational values.

Preparing for Ongoing Technological Evolution

Monica emphasized that successful schools won’t just implement today’s AI tools—they’ll develop systems to evaluate and integrate new technologies as they emerge. This involves:

• Creating a culture of thoughtful innovation and experimentation
• Developing evaluation frameworks to assess new tools against educational goals
• Building teacher capacity to adapt to ongoing technological change
• Maintaining focus on core educational values amidst technological shifts

The key, according to Monica, is approaching this transformation with both optimism and critical thinking—embracing AI’s potential while thoughtfully considering its limitations and ethical implications.

Practical Next Steps for Educators and Leaders

As you consider how AI might enhance your educational practice, Monica recommends these concrete actions:

For Classroom Teachers:

1. Identify one administrative task that takes time away from teaching and research an AI tool that might help. This could be grading, creating differentiated materials, or organizing resources.
2. Start small with an AI experiment in your classroom. Choose a low-stakes application that aligns with your teaching goals and observe its impact.
3. Connect with colleagues who are exploring similar tools. Share your experiences, both successes and challenges, to build a supportive learning community.
4. Reflect on the core aspects of your teaching that are uniquely human and consider how AI might free up more time for these elements.

For School and District Leaders:

1. Create space for structured exploration of AI tools. Provide time, resources, and permission for teachers to experiment with new technologies.
2. Develop clear guidelines for appropriate AI use that balance innovation with ethical considerations and student privacy.
3. Identify internal champions who can support peers in learning to use AI tools effectively in various contexts.
4. Focus on solving real problems rather than implementing technology for its own sake. Always begin with the educational challenge, not the tool.

Remember that the goal isn’t to incorporate technology for its own sake, but to thoughtfully select tools that enhance your unique educational mission and values.

Connecting to Impact Standards: A Framework for AI Implementation

The principles Monica shared align perfectly with the frameworks I’ve outlined in my book, “Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K-12 Learning.” Both emphasize that successful technology integration requires systematic approaches rather than isolated initiatives.

In Impact Standards, I provide a comprehensive roadmap for educational leaders looking to transform scattered digital initiatives into strategic, sustainable culture shifts. This framework is particularly valuable when navigating emerging technologies like AI.

Key Connections Between Monica’s AI Implementation Strategies and Impact Standards:

• Digital Learning Strategic Planning: Monica emphasized starting with clear educational goals rather than specific technologies—precisely the approach outlined in the Impact Standards framework for developing comprehensive digital learning plans.
• Vertically Aligned Digital Learning Curricula: The gradual, thoughtful implementation Monica recommends mirrors the Impact Standards approach to building coherent digital learning experiences across grade levels.
• Leveraging Instructional Coaching: Monica’s focus on peer mentorship and ongoing support connects directly to the Impact Standards framework for using instructional coaching to sustain technological innovation.
• Digital Citizenship and Student Agency: The ethical considerations Monica highlighted align with Impact Standards’ emphasis on developing responsible technology use and student ownership of learning.
• Community Engagement: Monica’s recommendations for transparency with stakeholders reflects the Impact Standards approach to engaging families and communities as partners in digital learning.

For leaders looking to implement AI in their schools or districts, Impact Standards provides the structured approach necessary to move beyond isolated experiments to systemic transformation.

Successful AI integration isn’t just about the tools—it’s about the systems, structures, and culture that support their meaningful use. That’s why frameworks like Impact Standards are so valuable in this moment of technological change.

Transform Your Educational Technology Approach with Impact Standards

If you’re inspired by Monica’s insights and ready to develop a comprehensive approach to AI and other technologies in your educational setting, my book “Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K-12 Learning” provides the roadmap you need.

Drawing from decades of experience as a teacher, coach, district leader, and national voice in EdTech, I’ve created a practical framework that helps educational leaders:

• Build and implement a Digital Learning Strategic Plan that aligns technology initiatives with core educational values
• Create vertically aligned digital learning curricula that ensure coherent technology experiences across grade levels
• Leverage instructional coaching to provide the ongoing support teachers need when adopting new technologies
• Develop a thriving culture of digital citizenship and student agency
• Engage families and communities as partners in digital learning

The book provides actionable strategies to lead lasting change in digital learning environments, moving beyond the cycle of adopting technologies without adequate systems to support their effective use.

A special workbook companion is also available, offering practical templates and implementation guides to put these concepts into action in your specific context.

You can purchase “Impact Standards” today at https://www.teachercast.net/standards and take the first step toward transforming how your school or district approaches educational technology.

Conclusion: Embracing AI as a Partner in Educational Excellence

As we’ve explored throughout this article, AI in education isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about enhancing their uniquely human abilities by freeing them from routine tasks and providing tools that amplify their impact.

Monica Marquez’s journey from Goldman Sachs to educational innovation offers valuable insights for any school navigating this technological revolution:

• Start by addressing resistance through open conversation and small, meaningful implementations
• Focus on solving real educational problems rather than implementing technology for its own sake
• Provide structured support that allows teachers to experiment and grow their confidence with AI tools
• Maintain focus on the irreplaceable human elements that make education transformative
• Develop systematic approaches to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies

The future of education isn’t about choosing between human connection and technological innovation—it’s about thoughtfully combining them to create learning experiences that are more personalized, engaging, and impactful than ever before.

I encourage you to take one small step this week toward exploring how AI might enhance your educational practice:

1. Identify one administrative task that takes time away from meaningful student interaction
2. Research one AI tool that might help address this challenge
3. Experiment with this tool in a low-stakes context
4. Reflect on the impact and share your experience with colleagues

For a more comprehensive approach to educational technology implementation, I invite you to purchase “Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K-12 Learning” at https://www.teachercast.net/standards.

And to stay connected with more insights, strategies, and resources for navigating the evolving educational technology landscape, subscribe to the TeacherCast newsletter at https://www.teachercast.net/newsletter.

Remember, the goal isn’t to incorporate technology for its own sake, but to thoughtfully select tools that enhance your unique gifts as an educator and the transformative experiences you create for your students.